550 maxim, opinions and suggestions?

Got this maxim last summer from the original owner. I traded him a 1993 Honda xr80 dirt bike he wanted for his son. Original miles, clean title. Planning on chopping as soon as the weather gets warm. I put the struts and bars on, took off the signals, sissy bar, and a few other things. So what do you think? Opinions, suggestions?

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee30 ... ing004.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee30 ... ing005.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee30 ... ing007.jpg

 

nice looking bike! mileage is good, too. barely broke in!

I'd fix that clutch cable and replace the front rubber...

How are you liking those bars?

 

do you think the clutch cable is the reason the clutch slips when you try to accelerate hard? the bike had been dropped, so I figure it needs and adjustment. I like the bars, but I will be fabricating my own clip-ons once I have it hard-tailed.

 

I'm building similar to this. This is a buddy of mines chop. It was originally a 78' suzuki gs 750. His only has a 2" stretch, mine will have a 6" strech. I've got an 06 honda 600rr, and my first bike was and 87 honda cbr600 so I've only had sport bikes. After riding this chop, I was soooo hooked! looking forward to learning about these bikes from you guys!

http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee30 ... zuk750.jpg

 

Dude if I had that bike I would be keeping it original and looking for a shitter to chop... But that's just me

 

I thought that at first too. But the kicker is, I put it on eBay and the bid only went up to 218 bucks. So I said i'm not giving it away, so I'll just go ahead and chop it. I know purists may cringe, but this is why I bought the bike.

 

I'd leave it Stock and Tune it then go out and out-run the guys with the Choppers.

I don't understand why people Chop Motorcycles.
I don't understand why people Sky-Dive; either.

Same principle I suppose.
For the thrills ... I guess!

 

i'd say its the desire to create something unique and something of sentimental value to you rather than just monetary. Or lack of anything better to do?

 

I love all bikes. People build choppers because its the ability to take a bike they made thousands of, and make it your own. Be different, express yourself and be creative. I get sooo tired of seeing the same old streebikes out. Stock is ok for most people, but I like to personalize. I love seeing stretched out cb's, and kz's. Those are the guys who decided to be different and build want they want, and to hell with what people think. They like it, it's theirs, and it's different, thats all it is.

 

Does anyone have an answer to my clutch woes? The clutch engages fines and shifts fine but if you try accelerate hard, it just revs up. How can I adjust this, or is the clutch fried? I honestly can't see it being the clutch, as the bike only has 2000 miles on it. Jeez I hate indiana weather, I can't work on my bike when it's in the shed .

 

Check/Change the Oil.
Check the routing and lubricate that Clutch cable.
Adjust the clutch.

 

Look through the archives for a piece I wrote on Clutch Cable Replacement and Adjusting the Clutch.

Search: Adjust Clutch and Zero Lash

Learning how to adjust your Clutch is an XJ-Essential. There are three points to cover and you have to orchestrate all three to get it RIGHT!

 

I guess I didn't like the hard tail feel of my 750 when I did it, so maybe a spring seat will be in order if it rides to rough (and it will)
I like the fact that some have decided to chop their scoots, which gave me alot of ideas for mine. I thnk the more research you can do on the computer will help tremendously when making changes (chopping) to your bike. Just keep it safe.

 

thanks for the info. as soon as it stops raining i'll try to adjust it, and take it for a spin.

 

Was wondering if anyone with the 550 maxim has removed there airbox inplace for pod filters.K&N offer a nice set for the 550 but after removing the airbox what to do about your sidecovers.It's a mod i'd really like to do but the covers fasten to the airbox.I have a few idea's myself but would need a bike scrapyard to make it afordable.

 

i have started to fabricate a solid cover over the hole in the side of my maxim 550 when i went to pods.... its a good upgrade for not only the look but for the added performance as well..... i was also thinking about putting a mounting bracket then replacing the covers on the bracket.

 

Have been debating going with pods myself.But am wondering what to do with the covers.I like the 550 maxim covers and spent so much time on ebay getting a good set.K&N have a nice 2 into 1 pod for the 550.Think i'll order them and play around with idea's over the spring.If you have any pics i'd like to see any of your idea's on covers.Thanks

 

I have a 550 too. I am looking into a few upgrades before the riding season.

Keep me posted on what you all do with your bikes and where you pick up the parts.

I've been happy with the performance of the bike, but I am currently painting it and trying to "make it mine"

Let me know if any of you guys have any experience with clubman bars for the 550 Maxim.

 

Davey, how long have you had your Maxim? I just sold mine to a guy in south Pittsburgh.