Steber's 81 XJ550 Bobber

I know you said that particular front fender isn't likely permanent but I liked how it looked with it off. I know that's not recommended but it looked sweet. I agree there probably should be some sort of fender/mud guard on the rear but that also looks pretty sweet with as open as it is showcasing the mono shock fab work you've done. I'm assuming the rear will end up being swing arm mounted?

 

Yeah kinda dig the whole no fender thing but on the flip side I want some sort of fork support like what's offered with the stock fender.. if I go with one on the front then definitely need to match it to the back. Yes if I put a rear one in it will be short and go inside the swing arm. One mounted to the swing arm will be static and will allow me to put one nice and close too the rear wheel. I think if done right it'll only add to the look of the bike and not detract from the monoshock showcase. At least here's hoping.

 

Today I rebuilt the clutch. Following the guide it was a breeze. Spent some time polishing up the clutch cover as well while it was off. All the parts from len were great.. everything went together fine, and rode fine.. I think I need to check out the cable a bit tomorrow as it was hard to drop into neutral.. Couldn't hit it coming up from 1st, and was hard to drop in from 2nd.. but it shift fine, tire wanted to break loss into third.. no more slipping!

 

slight cable adjustment fixed finding neutral.. Now to burn the rear off in a blazing flame of glory before the new tires come in. Just ordered Avon am26 roadriders for the front and back. Can't wait to see them on the bike! Definitely gunna add some more character to the bike..

 

Sorry I haven't updated anything lately.. I sorted out a battery issue and did some final welding on the battery box. The new avon tires mixed with the full clutch from chacal have been a delight to ride, with the weight reduction on this bike its spokey how easy the front wants to come up on this little 550. Handlings not the best in the front, but the rear is a dream. nothing serious, I'm thinking either better progressive springs upfront or over doing it and putting a sportsbike front end on or something.. we'll save that for another day. As of lately, I finally got around to bobbing out the front fender.

While it may look like a clean fender the under side was severely rusted. Furthermore, it didn't fit my theme.. Here's the last view of 35+ year chrome.



saw a old tip if you cut the first few inches off and retrace the curve its easy.. well, kinda worked, but i had to hammer it out to fit the thicker area and more or less ended up freehanding a pleasant line to the eye anyways.


Got a few bikes in my storage area so the XJ's kinda tucked in the back for the winter.. best shot i could get with the small space i was in.. actually had to use selfy mode to take it.



i sure wanted short.. Now im thinking of welding up the mounting holes and moving it down about a half inch as pictured above. Best part is fender brace is untouched.... if i keep these forks.

 

last pic of the old fender.. now to tackle the rear! Sometimes you just gotta send it! ha

 

Holy smokes. Haven't paid attention to this thread, and apparently time flies...
That turned out really nice

 

Thanks saftie, appreciate all your help over the past few years! Still a long way to go but nothing to exciting until funds come again. I'll have fun with her until some more changes.

 

Finally found a fender blank to chop up, so went at it today. Had to section the fender to make it look filled. Will keep working down the piece until it fits, getting close and have an extra piece if i go to far.. Also, for the tail I'll most likely be shortening it, and figure out struts.. but any progress is good progress these days..

 

Dialed in the length of the tail to somewhere I'm happy with. Made some progress with the lower fender too. A bit more metal work to get everything seamless but not too bad.

Was hoping to not use fender struts, but seems the wise move will be to add them. ‍♂️