82 maxim 650 hardtail

Alright guys I need some help. So I have had my xj for almost a year now, and I just got her running about a month ago. She still needs quite a bit to be road ready (I.e brakes, lights, turn signals, rear wheel, wheel seal) and a lot more!!!! Anyway so after looking on here and on the rest of the internet I decided that I really like the hardtail look and I really want to hard tail my bike. So I have the frame stripped down right now and I'm looking for some help on how to go about doing this. I already have a friend that can MIG/TIG weld really good and I pretty damn good with a grinder so the fab part won't be a problem if i can get the help with the geometry and what needs to go and what to keep, things like that! I really appreciate it in advance guys. I'm going to post pics of what I have so far.

 

Before you do anything to the frame, make a pair of struts out of some round tube. Install them in place of the shocks. Go for a ride (once the bike is street-ready) and see if your back really likes a hard tail as much as your eyes do.

 

good advice

 

Well I appreciate the thought guys but I have already been there and done that I have owned a hardtail previously but I didn't build it now I'm wanting to build one myself and I just need some design help

 

There's a few threads in the modification forum that could help. TCBrothers has a hardtail frame section and a kit for the XS650 that can be used to fit the XJ with some mods. Just make sure the welds are good and I recommend the use of a shaft safety ring if you remove the drive shaft tunnel.
Hopefully a few members that have done it will post soon. Good luck and post pics of your progress.

 

There's some pics of someone's hardtail mod in the pic gallery now. You could PM them for details.

 

Thank you guys I really appreciate it and once I figure out how to post pics I will try to keep the progress updated. right now she is stripped to almost bare frame. I am wondering if anybody has used the tc bros. Hardtail kit for our shafty bikes and what mods were required?

 

Clearing the handle bars

 

Removing rear fender and tail lights/turn signals

 

Removing handlebars

 

Got the wiring harness pulled off

 

Removing some odds and ends

 

Got motor out of frame (that was a hell of a chore)

 

Got the frame clean (mostly) still a few things to get rid of

 

And here is my motor (she still needs a little work)

 

Here what I got so far guys. Just waiting on some days off and still trying to figure out how I'm going to do the hard tail

 

Do you know how to weld or are you getting someone to do it for you?

Reason I'm asking, we have seen a lot of these builds where the mods/welding should've been done different or better. Altering the frame requires forethought, skill and experience for safety reasons and success. Some things aren't as easy as they seem to be.
Wish you luck with this build. Keep posting pics so we can see your progress. Most of us are happy to help with answers or ideas.

 

Both.... I have a friend who has welded frames before but I have welding experience. I'm not worried about the quality of the welds but more the stress points of the frame and making sure it is going to be right.

 

The common mistakes are butting the pieces together and welding across the top of the seam. Then grinding half the weld off, making a weak joint.
Just looking out for people.

 

Ok guys so I finally got her stripped to bare frame!