'81 XJ550 Maxim project

Thought I would share some pictures from a budget build I've been doing on this Maxim I picked up from a barn a few months back for a few hundred bucks. This is my first bike project and I wanted to keep it as cheap as possible, so basically no professional bodywork, paint, or fabrication. Still a work in progress, but it felt good to get it on the road for the first time yesterday. Let me know what you think.

Originally, didn't run and has sat for 9 years after an accident. I've rebuilt the engine, clutch, and carbs following most of the great advice and posts on here. Had a bent swingarm, all gauges and indicators were broken, and the wiring was a mess. Hard to see in the pictures but the tank is just a brushed metal finish and looks really good in person. The current seat is just a $5 pad I made to be able to test the bike, I'm going to have a nice one made, one of the only professional things that will be done.

New brakes, new brake fluid, new swingarm, new front and back sprockets, new chain, new handlebars, new fuel lines, new grips, forks lowered 1", new gauges (18 bucks each off ebay!)

 

nice job . glad you decided to work on motor quality first. speedo and tach are a good fit for the style .
I have seen a utube video where the guy got a gel cell low profile battery and put it in the tail cowling
after market foot pegs do they give you good access to brake and shifter?
mc angle seems a little steep

I got a set of shinko tires from Bike bandit last year for less than 120$ free shipping
did you keep the front reflector holders? If you need a set start a conversation with me I will send you a pair with trim and hardware I have a few sets laying around just a few minimal cracks. no charge

The latest maxim I picked up has an oversized tire on the front 110/90-19 same diameter just

taller and fatter you might like the look I will post a photo if you want

 

Very Nice!

 

Great video. That would be great if you could show me that picture of the tire. I've been contemplating doing more of a street bike tire, or doing a classic shinko like you mentioned. As for those reflectors actually that would be awesome because my set is broken on both sides.

 

barney with the larger front tire 110/90-19 dunlop 404 not much clearance on front fender stock tire 100/90-19. started a conversation with you about reflectors