1982 Yamaha Maxim 650 Bobber Project

So, this is my first post, first forum joined, and first bike project I have ever done. I stumbled upon this bike while I was out delivering pizzas one night and a couple days later I went back to see if it was still available. After talking to the guy he said it didn't start and he didn't know why, but he did say that it did work a couple years ago before he put it away for the winter. The price was right (325 bucks) so i figured at least I would have had a frame for that price. I brought the bike home and put a new battery on it and boom it cranked over! The next day I cleaned the carbs to the best of my knowledge and tried to start it again. With no problem, it fired right up and stayed running. So now I have this running bike and I told myself that I would just work slowly on making it into a bobber and not rush into it, well like most things I do, I just couldn't wait and dove in head first. Here is my progress so far. It took a couple weeks to get approved for this site so it has only been two weeks of work so far. Ask away with questions and comments. I will try to post new updates daily.

 

Sorry for the lack of update, actually have done quite a bit to the bike and want to add pictures, just need to figure out a way to easily upload pictures and not have to size them down, any suggestions? Im taking pictures from my iPhone if that helps

 

Diggin the bike so far man! The best way to post your pics is to upload them to a photo sharing site like Photobucket. Then you just copy the URL and paste it into your post here.

 

Ok I finally Have some time on my hands and got this whole forum thing figured out. I appreciate all the people who have checked it out. I will be posting a bunch of pictures today thanks!

 

Ok this is as far as I am currently. I just ordered a speedometer and some new brake lines so just waiting for those. In the meanwhile, I am wiring up a new minimal wiring harness. Wish me luck. I will be away for a week due to taking a road trip on my other motorcycle. (2000 yamaha roadster 1600). I look forwards to seeing what you guys think when I return. Thanks

 

Your bike is looking good.

I see a problem though. Where you welded the hardtail section to the frame. If you just butt the two pieces together and weld, it will be a weak joint. If you had beveled the edges and left a 1/16ths gap between the pieces, it would be a strong joint. Another way is to plug the end of the pipe with a stud that will insert into the other pipe and weld around each piece.
I know it sucks to hear that now. :evil: Better to be safe than have a piece of hardtail in your tail! 8O

 

Minor issue, but don't park it outside in the rain.

 

Orange n black - I like the plug idea, I'm learning a lot day after day and what I could have done differently with new ideas. Confused on what you meant by butting the pieces together? I removed the original welds and grinded that smooth and then i grinded the new pipe to "wrap around" the original frame and welded all around that. It makes old-new contact all around prior to welding. Is that considered a strong weld? I was hesitant on doing the hard tail because I haven't done anything like this before and have never really welded so I just dove in head first.

Bigshankhank - Yeah I don't really plan on riding it too much and yeah I always park inside.

 

Huh? Go buy a convertible.

 

bigshankhank - Ride "this" bike much. I kind of just wanted it to mess around on and learn how to do stuff. I ride my other bike everyday, everywhere I go.

 

Butting the pieces together means that the pieces fit flat together, not allowing the weld to penetrate the joint enough for a strong weld. The weld will penetrate some, but is mostly lying over the top. This could lead to stress cracks and a failed weld.
With the beveled edge and a 1/16ths gap between the pieces, the weld will penetrate both pieces better and fill the gap. Making a stronger and better looking weld.
Hope this helps.

 

Ok so I have been working on the bike more but have been slacking in the update process. I will try to get on that later today. Possibly will be able to take it out for a ride this weekend

 

What kind of tires are those? Nice build.

 

Did you heat up your vertical supports before you welded them on your hard tail? Where did you bend them at? I'm held up at that stem welding right now.

 

good lookin build so far!

 

I can't remember exactly but I got them from JP cycles. And thanks, I have now pulled the motor, after riding around for awhile, and am getting the rest of the body work done to get it ready for paint. The snow has started falling her in MN so no more bike riding for the year. Now the rest of the winter will be spent finishing the build.

I did heat them up just with a blowtorch. I didnt have to bend them very much and looking back on it now, I would have just removed them all together.

Thanks!

 

You'll want to keep those vertical supports.

 

Yesterday I was able to get back working on the scoot. I did a little more cut and grinding on some of the old tabs I no longer need. The frame is getting closer and closer to being able to be painted. This warm weather over the weekend really had me itching to go riding.

 

Boom working on the bike some more. Here is the progress. Just gotta do a little more work but it's coming along. Much needed peace was spent over a weekend working on it. She is my zen! I hope you enjoy the progress. Let me know!

 

I am exactly where you are at, Please let me know how the wiring goes, that is the part I have been putting off for much to long now lol.

 

I already have the wiring done. I just need to actually plug and play it all. Super simple to do.

 

damn dude, looking good
did you go with the Eastwood clear coat?

 

I havent yet. Im waiting to hear back from my buddy for when he is going to pinstripe the tank for me. after that, I will be clear coating it. But thanks, Its always nice to hear a compliment.

 

what's up with that funky oil filter bolt? the original one has a bypass valve built into it.

this is what is supposed to be there...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/yamaha-OIL-...Parts_Accessories&hash=item5b06978826&vxp=mtr

FU

 

Nice job

 

yeah i have an oil cooler that i needed to put on so i just threaded it in without it and taped it. also for the bolt sticking out the front, when i bought the bike, the nut on top was completely gone so i grinded it flat and just welded a short bolt on it so i can tighten it on now. so yeah from the picture it looks super goofy but when its actually put all together it looks normal.

 

Just some more little work I've done.

 

Got the scoot pinstriped last night. It truly is an art.

 

Look's good.

 

Nice project, man, I love how this came out! I have a real similar build, previous owner had tank/fenders bare metal, I’m going to go black once I get this thing running. Work has me with zero time at the moment, but sooooooooooon.


Love this killer build.

 

AAHH! After some research and wondering why my new valve cover gasket didnt work, I have been building A 1981! oh the humanity! Why oh why! like chacal said, never trust the little piece of paper called a title.
So anyways, new gasket is ordered and the project continues.

 

Wow, weird!

 

so looks like you will be selling me a spare valve cover gasket this summer?

 

I have a chain drive 550 but this is exactly the same thing i was wanting to do with my hardtail idea so thanx for getting to see an example. Hard decision to make for me because common sense tells me that if i want to ride my project a Lot i need to keep away from hardtailin it lol. Theres another idea i've seen where i keep the shocks in the back and i still haven't decided yet

 

Ha I would have but I already mailed it back for return. How is your build coming along?

 

Yeah if you keep the shocks, well then it isnt a true hartail but yeah the option is yours for sure. I have another bike that I ride everyday for comfort, but when I wanna rip around and go to shows I plan on riding this bad boy. It always fun to ride and build something different.

 

should be done in a few weeks, will send you pics

 

Boom! So, the bike is finished, for now lol. But I got it all done and rode it a little bit at night. Ill post pictures on here shortly.