1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

1981 XJ550 Bobber conversion help

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by jetta555, Aug 3, 2012.

  1. jetta555

    jetta555 New Member

    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Im looking to turn my xj550 into a bobber but i dont know where to start? and tips or suggestions on what to get to turn my bike into a bobber? I am looking for just bolt on ideas because i dont want to have to cut into the original frame to change anything so that way i can turn it back to normal if need be just because its my dads first bike.
     
  2. prometheus

    prometheus New Member

    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Vancouver bc
    get rid of the seat, change the bars, maybe forward controls, lower springs.
    other than that everything else is cutting the frame
     
  3. Maxim-X

    Maxim-X Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,696
    Likes Received:
    76
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Location:
    London Ontario Canada
    Most "Bobber" transformations take fabricating skills, maybe if the bike you have is in good rideable condition you could sell it and buy a bobber.
     
  4. jetta555

    jetta555 New Member

    Messages:
    8
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    prometheus,
    ok i like the seat idea and the bars and springs. but i have a question about the fenders. could i possibly have someone fabricate me a full fender making similar brackets in the back and a "road king" style front fender? i like fenders because i am wanting to make it a very pretty bike with alot of paint. Would u thing i could add fenders without having to cut as well?

    Plus to this is my fathers first bike so i dont want to cut into anything because once i get me a newer bike i will probably put it back together as it once was and prep it to be stored so i dont want to do that to my dads bike. its just a sentimental thing
     
  5. prometheus

    prometheus New Member

    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Vancouver bc
    hmm. the rear fender is actually two pieces. theres the chrome part and the plastic bit. if u were to start from scratch maybe look in a trailer fender, if u remove the seat and grab bar and rear turns, u could maybe make some brackets i dunoo.
     
  6. Maxim-X

    Maxim-X Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,696
    Likes Received:
    76
    Trophy Points:
    48
    Location:
    London Ontario Canada
    Jetta, can you give us some idea of your skills regarding working on a bike? If this was your Dads bike you should do him the honour of bringing it back to as near original as possible. Besides, if the bike runs well now, you could always enjoy riding the bike while putting a bit of time and money into your "Dream Bobber"
    You will not get the real "Bobber" look without cutting something up, not to mention the minamalist wiring that will keep the bike looking clean.
    If possible, I'd still look for another bike, possibly a "Bobber" project that someone has started and then gave up on.
    As far as getting someone else to fabricate custom fenders, unless you have deep pockets (read, buy a project) just the fenders alone will set you back a chunk of money, then you will also have to get them painted unless you want them to rust out.
    I really don't think that a "Bolt together" bike like you want is possible.
    Can you post up some pictures of what you have now and search the web for what you would like it to look like when it's done. That way we'll have a better understanding of what you need to do and how we can help point you in the right direction.
    Good luck, Graham
     
  7. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    21,283
    Likes Received:
    418
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    Rural SE Michigan 60 miles N of Motown
    On the 550 Maxim, as soon as you remove the seat and little "tail trunk" you'll discover why it's not possible without doing some cutting. The rear of the frame itself incorporates a rather substantial "superstructure" to support those items.

    By definition, "bobber" means cutting some stuff off. It's not really a "bolt on" proposition, at least not on that bike.

    You CAN "de-cruiser-fy" it with a recontoured seat, lower bars, etc. But you're not going to get that "bobber look" with the original frame intact.
     
  8. MarkV

    MarkV Member

    Messages:
    155
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Vermont
    wondering where you stand on your bobber project. Do you have any pictures ?
     

Share This Page