'81 Maxim 650 Gas Tank-AfterMarket Peanut

Hey guys I'm pretty new to the forum and the fabrication/alteration process as it is. I originally owned an 82 Secca when I was 15 and then bought my 2003 R6 so I'm definitely Yamaha through and through. I was lucky enough to pick up a 81 Maxim 650 this past week and am looking to mod it by lowering it (struts or I heard savage 650 shocks will do the trick) and several other things but for now I have a question regarding the gas tank. I'd really like to put on a Peanut style tank and have some questions...I've noticed from other threads that there are sometimes mounting issues, petcock issues from the size and placement as well. Anyone have suggestions for purchasing a peanut tank (where) and the mounting of it (welding involved or braces/brackets etc.

Thanks for the help in advance guys and I look forward to hearing from you all.

PS Here is my bike I just got

 

That old Yamaha is in pretty good shape.You sure you want to chop it up. Actually i don't recall anyone using a peanut tank but i am sure someone will know best of luck

 

Thanks. And yeah I am planning on chopping it I've got my sportbike to look pretty this one I am going to finally put into motion all these ideas I've had rattling around in my head. Plus I got her for 550 so it was a steal. Thanks tho!

 

REAR BRAKE FIRST. They delaminate. http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

Then front brakes (lines over five years gotta go master cylinder and caliper will likely need rebuilt along with new pads.

Tires: Anything over 6 years is dangerous, look for date codes. If there aren't any then they're really old.

Do a compression test to be sure you're not wasting time and money.

And plan to spend some time and money on the carbs.

 

where is michigan? and how much do you want for that bmw?

 

Working on a bobber project myself and I am using a peanut tank. To make it fit right its a pretty big mod. You have to make it a single backbone frame. My best advise is to go to thechopperunderground.com and check out some of the mods those guys a doing over there.

 

+1 on tcu

ive seen peanut tanks on here with the triple back bone, looks like ass but its been done.. besides the 550, these xj's are really bad bikes to mod.. with the stupid atari units, shaft drive, triple back bone, fussy carbs, and clunky build, but i tried my best should be done in a few days

 

Fitz-Thanks for the beginning list- I literally spent 8 hours yesterday combing through these threads looking at everything from wiring diagrams, to carbs, to tanks and what not to make sure I had info before asking any unneeded questions. But that gives me a good start also.

Schooter- I am from Grand Rapids but I'm buying the bike from a gentleman in Jackson about an hour south of here..I'm not sure if he still has the BMW though...

 

Take a freshly-charged battery and a compression gauge; sellers sometimes raise an eyebrow but there's no sense buying a blowed-up motor.