Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project Almost Done!

To make a long story short, this bike was given to me and I have absolutely no info on it. I know it's a yamaha, the mfg. date on the vin tag says 08/80, and from weeks of surfing the net I think I have found where I need to be.

I had a better picture of it before I started to take everything apart but accidentaly deleted it and now its all just a memory. I've been wanting a bike to build a cafe racer out of, so not exactly what I was looking for, but hey, I'm not gonna complain about a free bike. I obviously know nothing at all about these bikes so any help or suggestion along the way would be greatly appreciated.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

it's a maxim and the cylinders should have a cc stamp on them somewhere.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

looks like a Maxim to me. if i were you, the first thing i would do is get rid of those bars. but its your bike. have fun. you'll find all the help you need here.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?


Approx. frame cut



Rough idea of what I think I'm looking for?



I cut away any unwanted brackets, welded up unused holes and smoothed up the tripple clamp


I cut up and sectioned in the U shaped brackets the the cruising pegs were mounted on and bolted to the front of the bike. Gives the frame a little more finished look, rather than two nubs just hanging there.



I cut up, modified and welded the seat mounting bracket back on. I kind of like the idea of being able to take the seat on and off with ease.



Modified bracket reatached to the seatpan.



With alot of cuting, welding and hammering, I've shortened, narrowed and changed the angle of the pan. My old lady would kill me if she couldn't ride on it with me, so that's why i've stuck with this shape if your wondering.



I glued on the foam from the back rest portion I cut off.




Rough shape of foam, not going to go to far with it, it's hard to tell without the bike together. Now off to sandblast over the holiday weekend.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

Looks to be a 80 or 81 650 maxim. By the way, a clean garage is a sign of a sick mind. LOL

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

If you really don't "Know Nothing" about that bike, you are going to need lots of help getting it together.

My first recommendation would be for you to get the FACTORY Manual specific to that machine from the Online Publications source from Yamaha Motors have a Dealer order it for you.

Believe me ... having all the information specific to that bike ... and that machine ALONE is going to worth its weight in Diamonds for you, my friend!

You'll find everything you need to know explained in language you'll understand ... plus invaluable diagrams for the Cable routing and most of the Electrical and Carbs, too.

Suppliment the Manual with checking-in with us and eventually you'll be building yourself a bike that you will have some fun with.

Check this site to begin ordering your Manual.
Be sure to get the EXACT right one!

http://www.yamahapubs.com/html/year.jsp?type=MC

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

Hey Chin, I second Rick's advise. I carry both the factory Yamaha and the "aftermarket" Haynes service manuals, in stock! I can't tell whether yours is a 550 or 650, so I've listed them both below:


MANUALS:


lm1) Although it's fun to be adventurous, creative, and daring at times, wrenching on the bike is not one of those times......

The ever-popular Haynes Workshop line of "enhanced" factory service manuals cover all major service, repair, rebuild, and maintenance procedures (sometimes in excruciating detail, and usually with many more pictures and illustrations than the factory service manual does), and also includes wiring diagrams and other useful specifications.


HCP1093 Haynes Service-Repair-Maintenance Workshop Manual, for all 1980-84 XJ650 (except Turbo) and XJ750 models, softcover, over 275 action-packed pages, a must-have manual if you own one of these machines. Each:
$ 25.00



lm2) Original Factory Service Manuals are also available. These full-size manuals covers all aspects of diagnosis, repair, and assembly for specific model bikes. These brand new, official Yamaha manuals are one of those "must-have" tools if you're going to be wrenching on your own bike. Plenty of photographs, diagrams, flowcharts, wiring charts, torque values, etc.

HCP1128 Factory Service Manual covers all XJ550 Maxim and XJ550 Seca models 1981-83.
$ 54.00


HCP1134 Factory Service Manual covers all XJ650 Maxim and Midnight Maxim models 1980-83.
$ 54.00



http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... t=135.html

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

one of those pics shows a shaft drive. that would be a 650 would it not?

if its a 550 i should have a set of carbs come spring time that i dont need. right now they are put up for the winter. way too cold to work on the bike in the garage and no room with the brides cager in there...

d

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

Yep Dave, you've got sharper eyes than me!

So it has to be a 650, as the 750 doesn't have those brackets on the gas tank.........

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

The way things look in the photos ... you got the skills to build yourself a great bike. All you need is the Manual for a Road Map ... you'll find your own destinations ... it looks like to me!
_______

And your garage is way too clean for a fabricator and wrencher ... looks like you have a lady come in twice a week to put all of your stuff away and dust!

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

eh, he's just showing us the good side.

The bike looks just like my 650 at this point (except the chopped rear). What the number on the frame head? (It'll be formatted like 123-456789). Good job on the fabrication.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

The size of the engine is cast into the block,on the front of the engine, just below the cylinder head joint, in the centre.

It only has one front disc so probably a 650

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

That's what I was thinking. My 750 has dual front discs. WHICH wouldn't be a bad Mod for that bike if you can find a whole set of Forks with the whole nine yards right on them!

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

If I had to fathom a guess, I'd say 1981 Maxim 650. Striking similarity to my bike I think. Even the rear end chop, and the price.....Free !!!

Looks like your heading in the right direction for a very sweet build. Be sure to document your build with lots of detailed pictures! Look forward to following your progress 8)

Cheesy!

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

And they need to be off an '82-3 750 Maxim or Midnight Maxim and NOT from a 750 Seca. The 750 Max and MM have the right size tubes AND have the axle mount in the front of the tubes (leading), all other XJ models with the same size (36mm) forks have the lower tubes with the axle mounted directly below the tubes, which will change the front end steering geometry and characteristics, and not for the better........

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

At what point did they add YICS to the engine? Reason I ask is that I'm not seeing it...

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

Strangely, the XJ650 Maxim (only) didn't get it until 1982, and even then the 650 Seca did not use it. All other XJ models got it from the 1981 model year forward, in other words, over their entire existence.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

I keep forgetting that my 750 Max is really a Midnight Max ... but I erased the Midnight when I stripped every bit of Black off that bike and now have bare cases and aluminum where the fake gold used to be.

But, if he could find the front forks of a Midnight Max ... the Discs are vented and the Calipers are updated and work nice after an overhaul.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

Thanks for helping me I.D. that bike. Went down to the local bike junk yard, picked up a repair manual and dug around for some dual front brakes. Sounds like im not the only one around looking for them, so might be kind of hard to find. That's ok, I got the bike for free and have no money into it so far. Won't last long though, I already have a mile long list of replacements. Sand blasted and painted like crazy over the long holiday weekend.

I used a fine grit media to blast at 65lbs. of air. Enough to take of any paint, powder coating, rust, corosion or other contaminants and leave enough tooth, without damaging the metal, that no further prep is required before paint. Just a good cleaning with a wax and grease remover. For paint I used a Low VOC, Acrylic Polyurethane, DTM topcoat. It's impact resistant up to 180inch pounds when applied properly. Solvent, chemical, salt, and humidity resistant (nothing is resistant over time). Sounds like the next best thing to a powder coat, I guess we'll find out!


















have another 4 day weekend coming for the new year. Hopefully I can get the frame, rims and other odds and ends tied up so I can start rebuilding.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

All right, Whats up with the booth. Thats cheating. Great job on the project so far.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

Well, after many moons of carefull consideration, studying, analyzing and labor, I have finally decided on her fate. The first idea was brought on by cheesy's build and painter d's bikes. Then after a nosed and decked gas tank and a few work trades for some chopper parts, I had myself a hard tail section dreamed up by some friends, co-workers and a pile of magazines. Why ruin a perfectly good bike with a not so good looking hard tail? Not to hurt anybodys feelings, everybody has thier own opinions and styles they like, but I think there are plenty of other bikes to hard tail that end with a good look. So with inspiration from ease's, broccoli's and everyone else who has pseudo done it, I traded some traded parts, some original parts, a nice tank and some more work to build myself a cafe racer. Not a very good picture, but I will have a lot more to come, and a ton of pictures of the build so far, including a step by step process for correctly shaving the emblems off a tank. Don't know if anyone is interested, don't know if anyone cares? (i've seen a lot of posts of people asking how). I have taken everything completely apart, painted it black, polished it's nuts and bolts and have started reassembly.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

Wow that looks incredible, I wish I had access to equipment like that and could take a stab at doing that to mine. As is right now, I'm just pulling parts off and doing my best with what I have.

Only thing I can think of is wondering how the paint is going to hold up on the rear shock springs?

Looking great, keep us posted!

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

Having the luxury of a professional working environment ought to show-up when this project comes together.

Looking real good; so far.

Nice work, Brother ... bring it in nice!

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

That's what it's all about. Making the best of what you (and your friends) got, as long as we all have fun doing it. I've seen some show quality cars and bikes come out of home garages.

I was wondering myself how this paint is going to hold up on the springs. I added a flex agent to the mix for these, so I guess we'll find out.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

Nice....

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

Aghhhhh looking at this is so frustrating when ones lives in an apartment!!!!

I love it though--wish I could do the exact same to mine.

Update us on the fate of the spring paint, because that's a cool look.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is?

Looking good I'll be keeping an eye on this thread!

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

Little bit more progress made on the build, but have ran into a few snags along the way. The 550 seca tank was a bit narrower in the front mounts so I had to cut about a 1/2" off and remove both the backing rings from the mounts. The tank was a little longer also so I cut off the rectangle mount and moved it back about 1/2" also. The tank fit perfectly now with all its rubber bushings and everything but the left fork tube hit the tank. Must have been the side it was dropped on. Added a couple of tacks to the stop and everything works and clears nicely.



Since I recieved the bike without a headlight on it and most of the electrical unplugged, do all of those connections go in the back of the headlight bucket? I have the bucket and all the rings but no glass. Is the glass part of the light, like the old sealed headlights or is there a seperate bulb from the glass? Where would I be able to find one of these? Does anyone have one they are willing to part with?

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

I have a spare xj 650 Maxim headlight ring and sealed beam assembly...If you want to pay shipping from 13160,you can have it.
Looking good so far !

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

You can buy the headlight you need from walmart for like ten bucks. The connector on the back clips right in. Instead of paying like 50 bucks for a factory headlight. Ihavv been using one for 2 years now. Yes, all the wiring ge sufed into the bucket. Nice job by the way. Diggin your bike!

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

You can buy the headlight you need from walmart for like ten bucks. The connector on the back clips right in. Instead of paying like 50 bucks for a factory headlight. I have been using one for 2 years now. Yes, all the wiring gets stuffed into the bucket. Nice job by the way. Diggin your bike!

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

Looks good Animlchin!
The wiring goes inside the headlight housing, but it may be a little tight to get it all packed in there unless you get a headlight bucket with enough room. You may want to cut out those plastic connectors anyway, they make poor connections over time and are suseptable to moisture and corrosion. That would make it easier to hide those wires then.
Looks good so far - keep us posted on our progress. PD

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

i baught an 8 dollar light from walmart you just have to take out the mounting ring and bend a few tabs but it works better than a stock headlight

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

Yup, 1980 XJ650G. Like Fonz says, get rid of those stupid buckhorn handlebars and put on something relatively straight - like the 650 Seca bars. Will give you much better handling and stability. Also if you need diagrams and part numbers go to the Yamaha USA Parts Catalog. It's at:

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/parts/home.aspx

Once there enter product line (motorcycle) then the year 1980 and model (XJ650G). That'll take you to page with a bunch of folders down the left hand side for different areas of the bike. Click on one of those folders and you'll see a parts diagram and below that, the list of part numbers and if the part is discontinued. It's a website that comes in very handy. Good luck with the cafe conversion. I did a mild cafe conversion to a 1981 XJ650. Worked out pretty good. I put on the relatively flat bars, a four-into-one exhaust (MAC) with a short chrome MAC end can that sounds nice and barky. I also use RV corner lights to make smaller rear signal lights that are closer to the bike, instead of those ridiculous bus-style turn signals that stick out a mile on each side. Anyway, good luck and like eveyrone's been saying, whatever help you need, you can get on this amazing forum.
thx,
baz

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

I've thought about emliminating all of those plastic connectors but I'm trying to get the bike on the road ASAP. I think if I have any problems with the electrical I'll go ahead and do it, but if not it sounds like a good project for next winter.

I'm having difficulty with the blinkers. I have the square seca blinkers but am trying to figure out how to tuck them in closer to the bike. I know there is all kinds of aftermarket stuff, but I don't want to spend any money when I have perfectly good stuff to use, plus I kind of want to keep that old look. Anybody else done this or have any ideas? By the way thanks for all the help, suggestions and compliments so far, everyone has been a big help.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

You, I and Redneckzombi are the only people here who have a clue who animal chin is, or the desire to search for him...

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

Nice, I think i've seriously only met 2 or 3 other people that knew where that came from.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

its an old powell peralta video is it not?

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

Spacker is on it. I still skate at least 3 times a week, as I've done for 22 years.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

you know, now that i think about it....on the blinkers, you could take off the rubber attachments and where the pins go through just make tabs so the bolt directly to the bike. i dont think those blinkers will go with the look you are going for unless you black them out.

great job so far. I wish i had the time/ money/ equipment/ and work area to do that.
By the way, do you know what kind of frame that is?

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

I've got to build a paint booth

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

I'm only 19 so animal chin was wayyyyy before my day but after watching "the end" from birdhouse i kinda got went backwards into the powell peralta films cause i really dig stacy peraltas directing style.... i still love to skate but i'm kinda lost in time i suppose... i rode an old powell board with tracker trucks up until a few weeks ago when it finally fell apart despite all my epoxying and repairs... now i'm building my own. aside from building my XJ one of my biggest hobbies is building longboards.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

Painted my rear cowl today. Couldn't decide what to do, so with a little help from my GF (shes great), I combined all of my ideas and came up with this. A little inspiration from painterD will add some pinstripes on all the paint lines and then the tank and front fender. Engine is going in tomorrow so I will have lots more pictures soon.

sorry about the bad cell phone pics.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

I am really stoked to see how this is turning out. Very good work.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

Its posts like this on here that have inspired me to build my bike instead of just fixin it up. Looks great!

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

Then you might be old enough to remember Apple Skate Park.

I also have my G&S Chris Miller and my Vision Gator right here in the office with me (both with Gull Wing Pros, Powell Threes, nose and tail bones). Both still in working condition.

No Bozos!

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

Oh yeah, I remember. I was quite the little skater in my day. Had plenty of boards, Ray Underhill, Lester Kasai with the triangle cut pieces of grip tape and Tracker trucks. Wish I still had them along with my vision shoes. Apple skate park dosn't ring a bell though?

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

What used to be Apple skatepark lies less than 3 miles from my home in a vacant warehouse. It was leased and recently vacated by UPS, and rumor has it that the bowls were simply filled and cemented over, theoreticly still in tact. Straight across the street is Alrosa Villa, where Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed a couple years back.

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

My Vision Gator got ran over by a public transportation bus... that was a sad day

 

Re: Does anyone know what this is? Cafe Project

Not as sad as what happened to Gator himself.