81 Maxim Cafe Project

I'm planning on making my 81 Maxim into a cafe style bike. Any suggestions/tips regarding cafe gas tanks, seats etc. that are compatible? Other than don't do it.

 

That was my goal initially -- over time it mutated into something that's not really something you can put in a box ( http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/showcase/midnight-street-tracker-stealth-machine-aka-1981-xj650.34/ ) and it's still changing -- I've actually come to like that. Googling "cafe racer" you won't see many XJ's and the reason is fairly simple - if you look at the typical bikes that get used for this, CB's, XS's, Z650 etc you'll notice one thing - the frames are pretty straight -- and by this I don't mean - never been in a crash - I mean from the tank to the shocks they are flat -- the XJ and other chopper type bikes aren't and this makes it hard to pull off a classic cafe racer or brat with them. It can be done - it has been but all in all if you have the option and you really want a cafe racer - go get a better canvas -- if however you want something unique and unusual then give it a go...

One thing I like about riding my bike is I get the same question asked over and over --- "what is that?" That always makes me smile.. my answer theses days is some along the likes of " some kinda streetfight mutt thing".

There's a number of threads on here about compatible tanks etc but for the most part it's trial and error and just making shit work. Fortunately everyone is pretty cool here. Read the sticky/pinned threads in Technical and Modification forums first and ask thoughtful questions.

 

The only "don't do it" that you'll hear is stay away from pods. The reason is due to reliability. It can and has been done, but it's a much bigger undertaking. I bought a bike that the prior owner installed pods on. The first thing I did was buy a stock air box and reinstall it.

For the tank, I'd say stick with what you have. I've seen awesome maxim bikes in the cafe/brat style. Search Instagram for #xj650 and you'll see some great examples.

For the seat, the best thing is to build your own. Like Ribo mentioned, since the frame isn't a total straight line it's more challenging to find a "bolt on" seat. But with a little DIY, you can get that style. Check out my build thread in the modication section.

 

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Thanks for the tips. I like the idea of having something unique. I'm in the middle of a triumph bobber project and figure I'd do something different but I've just started the XJ. Maybe I'll go the bobber route with this one too.

 

Be wary of cutting off the back of the bike. There's a lot of structural stuff back there, and if you don't keep it or build it back in other ways, the frame can become unsafe.

 

Thanks for the tips. I've heard I shouldn't hardtail it because of the shaft drive. (If I go the bobber route). Any advice there?

 

If you want a hard tail feel just go with some struts. I chose that route as it enabled me to retain the factory airbox