New member

Hi everyone
I'm new to xj bikes, I'm picking up a 1983 xj900 tomorrow. Bit crappy but will to put some time into it on a cafe build.
I have got a lot of inspiration from Greg hageman (same as everyone lol) I'll post some inspirational pics up too.
Cheers
Jim

 

Here is the bike I'm getting and my inspiration
I want to achieve something similar to the grey xj900 (Melbourne builder) but with the tank(same color) and seat, grips from the other

 

Looking forward to seeing this. I was just reading a blog about cafe builds... I think it was thereturnofthecaferacer... very informative site. Check em out
They were talking about how cafe racers have a gentleman racer look to them, so be sure to get the proper gear too. Check out.. they're kinda decent. More epxensive stuff at revzilla though. http://www.motorcyclehouse.com/motorcycle-jackets.htm

 

Looking forward to seeing this. I was just reading a blog about cafe builds... I think it was thereturnofthecaferacer... very informative site. Check em out
They were talking about how cafe racers have a gentleman racer look to them, so be sure to get the proper gear too. Check out.. they're kinda decent. More epxensive stuff at revzilla though. http://www.motorcyclehouse.com/motorcycle-jackets.htm

 

Not sure what youre getting for a bike. I see 2 pictures of headlights, and then, 2 pictures of bikes.

 

Here she is
Picked her up last night

 

Welcome Jim. It's interesting that you've posted a pic of 9HUNGE because that bike and Rewheeled #1 were my main inspiration to build my Cafe Racer. I actually posted a pic of 9HUNGE on facebook a year ago as inspiration. Looking forward to being kept updated with your progress. Good luck.

 

How is the lower, rear part of the gas tank & the starter clutch ?

 

Welcome here.

I bought my own '83 Seca900 last year (mine is red) and I'm still in the process of making it road worthy (yes I'm slow).

There are a few members who own similar bikes here on this forum, very helpful people who know what they are talking about. Ask questions, they have answers.

 

Thanks for the reply's guys. The bike isn't going yet cos carby we're full of shit so got them apart cleaning, then off to get registered then complete strip down! lot of work ahead. Tank has some visible repairs on lower section but I will be replacing with a different tank when I find one I like. Dunno bout starter clutch?

 

The tank as used on 9HUNGE is a Benelli Mojave tank and they can be bought new in bare metal on eBay. Here's the link if you are interested. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-BENELLI-M ... 4897.l4276

 

I wonder if he knows what he's in for. Better take a loan out Jim-Boyd to work on these bikes. I'm 45 and this by far is the most difficult bike I ever worked on.

 

Congratulations on your pending purchase! These bikes are awesome. Take your time and get it running before you attempt mods to it is my advice. I always liked the looks of the Secas, and the 900's are awesome. Make sure you PM member hogfiddles, I understand he maintains a list of the XJ900 owners and would be interested in giving you some good advice and info on your particular bike.

When you do get it post in the XJChat forum with your bike and everything you do and have problems with - it can take 24 hours to get a reply, but the advice is always sound, especially from members with 4+ stars under their avatar.

 

Thanks Robbie, they do look good! Wasn't sure if there were any frame mods needed to fit the benelli tank though?

Altlandf - hopefully it just needs carby clean out to get running and registered (fingers crossed)

Thanks for the heads up bluesbass I will do that

Off to work now for three weeks, I have packed the carby's and bits and pieces in my carry bag along with tools lol so hopefully I get time of a night to tinker

Cheers

 

I have also found this xjr1300 tank from UK
http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-XJR-1300 ... 38&vxp=mtr
I think it may come close to a straight fit to 1983 xj900, has anyone tried this before?? I would rather alter tank than frame as frame mods require engineering in Australia.

 

The member with the nickname "trokel" did put a similar tank on his Seca900, with some modifications.

 

Here is the link to his thread, I hope you'Ll find the information you need, or you could contact him to ask:

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=39491.html

 

Thanks Quebecois59 that post was very useful, he mentioned it only had some new brackets welded to tank to make it fit. To ebay I go!!

 

You're welcome!

I'd certainly buy a similar tank if mine becomes rusty, its aesthetic fits the Seca900 perfectly to my eye.

 

Greg Hageman just did an xj900 seca in a cafe, vintage superbike motif. He will have it at Barber VintageFest this weekend. Cannot wait to see it live.