New Member Here

Hi All,

I picked up an 83 XJ550 Maxim a while back and have been looking for a decent online community. I figured that I'd introduce myself here.

I've been riding bikes my whole life (mainly dirt) and this is my first project bike. I plan on doing a cafe build with it, who isn't, and I'll probably throw a build thread up eventually. Glad to be here and happy riding everyone.

pic for attention. (Still looking for a tank solution as the maxim one is not what I'm looking for.)

 

What is the tank in the picture? I think it has decent lines with the seat, maybe a bit blocky but I would source a fiberglass flat track-style tail section to replace the bump-saddle and square up the overall look and rock it down to electric avenue.

 

The tank is off of a 78 KZ650SR. I picked up a XJ550 Seca tank because I was told that it was a direct swap, but it isn't. I may end up just modifying the Seca tank to make it work. I went with the bump type seat because it is more comfortable than a fiberglass seat pan and pad would be.

 

Hah! Cafe racer culture laughs at your attempts to build a comfortable bike!

 

Haha, it is what it is. If I can't get it to look right, I'll probably make my own. I've seen a lot of bikes with bump saddles that I really like. It's actually not to terrible now. I've ridden it a few times with the stock maxim tank and the bump seat/clipons and it isn't bad at all. I need to move to rear sets, but I want to get my tank situation figured out before I start spending money on other parts.

 

Here's a picture of it with the Seca tank on it. It it sitting about an inch higher than it should in the back due to it not fitting on the mount. I'll probably have the front of the tank modified to accept the hooks on the maxim frame. It looks like the bars will still clear it just fine.

 

Image didn't work, amigo.

 

If you're looking for a decent community, you've come to the wrong place. These guys are awesome!
Just check out this thread:
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/things-ya-gotta-love-about-this-site.48473

 

Welcome Reed7742

 

i kind of like the tank but it doesn't look like it gets along with the seat too well. maybe a piece between the seat/tank that goes up the tank, kind of like a dirt bike seat.
the forks sure are up in the trees a ways.

 

Yeah, those forks are a bit high. Mine were totally compacted too. I found a new set with the trees on ebay for about $80 shipped. Keep in mind there are quite a few years of the Viragos that fit just the same... I can't help you with the years though.

 

I'm not sure why the pictures aren't working. I'm hosting them on the same site. The forks are low intentionally. I originally had the clipons mounted above the top tree but ended up moving them below. I just haven't gotten around to bringing them back down a little ways.

In the first picture, the seat isn't mounted. Just sitting on the frame.