New XJ owner here!

I just bought the bike. I paid a total of $100 for a 1981 built (82 model) XJ550 Maxim. I probably paid too much. I plan on cutting it up and either doing a bobber or a cafe racer. I'm hoping that I can do the cafe racer if possible. I was hoping the frames were the same between the Seca and Maxim or if there is an easy way around that. I wanted to build something very similar to this:

https://instagram.com/p/5w8e3-p3v-/?tagged=xj550

The bike looks like this at the moment:

http://imgur.com/a/5QhGy#0

She needs a lot of love in order to get her running. I was planning on doing the pods just like in the instagram pic. Does anyone know where to get carbs?

Also, if anyone is in the Baltimore, MD area, I'm the moderator of a group called bmoremoto. Look us up on facebook and reddit.

 

Also, I didn't get the key. Don't worry, it's not stolen, I have the title and everything. The guys was just very unorganized, to be polite.

 

you will need to buy a blank and have a locksmith make you a key, unless you find a Yamaha dealer who kept the old key book. there is a number on the bottom of the ignition switch the letter is your blank type.
many bikes used the same key number
this link may have your key
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Precut-Vintage-Yamaha-Motorcycle-Key-1100-4800-A-F-/170663950511

 

I can't see the pic of your bike. Are the carbs missing? Do you have the stock airbox still? Things will be waaaay easier if you stick with the airbox to get it running, and then once you have it working properly, make your changes then. The pods make getting it dialed in more difficult. Here's some light reading:
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/the-information-overload-hour.27544/
If the pods are a must, check out this:
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/success-stories-of-pods-and-4-into-1-exhaust.29381/

 

Unless he has a box of parts carbs are not there but airbox is minus boots!
Bike has been pillaged for parts no switch clusters,headlight. Seat looks ok
But price is about right, but with no carbs is the engine stuck??

 

Yeah, the carb didn't come with it. The previous owner said he gave them to someone to clean and never heard from the guy again. I'm not sure if the engine is stuck, I'll probably jump the starter to see if she moves.

 

Don't. Remove the left crankcase cover and use a 19mm wrench to rotate the engine CCW. If there is any resistance stop trying to turn it. Welcome aboard.

Gary H.