700xj towing capacity?

Yes, so instead of getting something practical to haul stuff around in I figured I'd go the least viable way possible. Anyways, I was given a motorcycle tow behind. I want to paint it to match the bike and throw some wheel skirts on it. Blah blah blah... anyways I got a hold of a hitch from a 1100 goldwing and with some slight modifications I plan on making it a bolt on part. To the point, can a 700xj actually tow anything without damaging the transmission? It seems to defy gravity on windy hills but, figured I'd gather some input before ruining my ride.

 

i would think the clutch would be the first thing to go. remember the brakes have to stop that thing too.

 

Oh, good point! That's like my only (complaint?) with this bike is that the brakes aren't like the best in the world. I should probably look into some dual rotor fronts for this.

 

What trailer is it? A single wheel trailer will save a fair amount of weight compared to a two- track. The transmision is overbuilt and will be fine towing as long as you don't overload the trailer. Mind your tongue weight so you don't have to deal with sway.

 

the xj700 IS dual disc up front

 

It's a dual tire style trailer.. I'll get some pics up when there's daylight. The xj 700 maxim x is dual disk the maxim n is single. Sorry I should have clarified, I have the aircooled model.

 

Umm...no. Both XJ700 models are dual disc, as was the XJ750 Maxim upon which they were based. Some PO stole your other brake.

 

Okay, Hogfiddles is the man. Apparently, I need to not take people's word on things. It's a 650 82-83 with the yics.. Well ya learn something new every day.. Still a very fun bike so no regrets here

 

Yes it is, and it is still capable of towing a light trailer. One thing to consider is that the 650 has a smaller fuel tank, and a trailer will increase your fuel consumption. Plan on stopping for gas every 80 miles or so.

 

Ahh, thanks for that pointer, didn't really take that into consideration either. At 5 bucks a tank i'll just have to scope out where the gas stations are before heading out. Thanks for the advice!

 

Just get a Rotopax (or two) and mount it to the trailer. http://home.rotopax.com

 

Maybe go a little mad max with it, throw a couple shoulder straps on it, run a hose to the filler, get a 3/4 helm and light up a cigar, good to go. But, actually there might be some space to mount one inside the trailer come to think of it.

 

that's actually a really awesome product, thanks for the link

 

You can also upgrade---- put an up-to-1983 xj750 maxim tank on. It's a bolt-on upgrade w/NO modification necessary. Nicer profile and line to the bike, and another gal or so of gas.

 

Nice talking with you on the phone, glad we could straighten some ID issues out

Dave

 

Well I'm off on Tuesday and Wednesday so looks like I'll be digging in the playground of absolute funness. Feel free to call anytime man, appreciate the copious amounts of information. New target... xj 750 tank.. I see 14 more cans of spray paint and about 3 lbs more of 1000 and 2000 grit sandpaper in my near future.

 

There are some 750 tanks w/ fuel level sending units, some didnt have them. EITHER will work..... There's no indicator on the bike anyway, so just tie the pigtail up and tuck it out of the way if you get one of those tanks. Or, if you're good with electric and wiring, make yourself a circuit with an indicator light!!

 

Yeah, it shouldn't be too hard should just be a simple switch circuit that completes when the level completes the circuit. hmm... gives me an idea for a light setup though. maybe illuminate some words "fun time over" or "fumes" or "you went out too far and have enough fuel to walk back only 50miles" i think the last one might take up too much space... oohhh better idea.. underglow lights that change color when that contact triggers low fuel.. like blue for normal running, red when low on fuel... gah anywho I should probably try this thing called sleep.

 

A bit more info on making your own fuel gauge.
http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/diy-led-digital-fuel-gauge.25289/

 

Hah! Thanks man, I guess that'd be more effective! Oh man, I need to get my geek on. This is no longer a bike project but, an exercise in seeing how much cool futuristic (80's) style stuff i can cram onto this bike.. and yet be useful.. and still just as cool as a Delorean DMC 12(coolest car ever built) hmm... almost tempted to see what i can cram into an Atari gauge cluster.