83 SECA 650 Cafe Project

Great lookin' bike. Here's another. Look familiar 8)



great price on ebay but apparently mighty expensive to ship north...

 

Yeah that's a sweet lookin bike. Guzzi I see?



Well I added a set of shocks from a sportster today and pushed the forks up through the trees - effectively lowering the bike about an inch... Plus I got rid of the old, rusty, leaking, worn-out shocks I have been riding on for a year... Now I have to get used to the stiffness of the harley shocks.

 

I see you are going w/ black. I noticed that the brackets that you're foot pegs are mounted on could use paint. I painted mine the other day. Grab a can of heat safe paint and a 12mm socket and pull the whole ped assembly off the frame. Then wrap papper towl or a shop rag around the rubber part of you're peg assembly and tape off the end. Rough grade sandpaper and a little muscle to clean them up, and then hit them with the paint. 1 hour to dry and you can bolt them back on, its only 1 bolt per side. I have been working on painting my engin all black, and have a buddy hit my tank with an air brush.
Think about it, soooo easy.

Either way, you're bike is rockin.

 

Thanks for the heads up.
The plan is to strip it all down and paint everything frame-related (and the motor) silver - and polish the outside cases... over the winter.

I've been putting off painting everything (getting rid of surface rust) because of this - but I think you're right - just as well to have it lookin good this year too..
8)

 

There is a Pic of my Peg Brackets after I painted them with High heat mat black.....They look 10X better than before.

 

I have to say, you're motor looks soo pritty.

 

Allready took your advice 8).

Spent a sunny afternoon last weekend with a few beers, a few wrenches, and a can of matte black rust paint.

Took off what I could and hit it with the wire wheel, then the spray can... Also replaced the RS rubber on the peg. It was totalled.

 

Where'd you get replacement rubber? Mine's shot, too. (Oooh, if that were the only thing ...)

 

The rubber I got was actually out of a buddy's dad's basement (Bob Stapleton here in Mount Pearl) - off of an old honda, no less.
It didn't go on easy and I had to drill and tap the bracket to get the honda rubber to stay (has a different kind of metal plate on there for scraping the pavement).
Basically I sprayed the old one with silicon lube and tugged it off, then did the same in reverse with the new, well, other old one. Then I drilled where the screw came out of the honda rubber and tapped it to accept the screw.

You can probably get away with this method using any kind of rubber peg. And you could probably use glue instead of tapping the mount - unless you're planning on dragging peg.

And hey, if ya need a hand I'm in Mt Pearl.

 

Hey Ease,

I like the racer. I'm new to XJ Bikes and, after wandering through the halls a bit I finally found the right room!

I have an 81 Seca and am going for something in the neighborhood of what you have. I just wanted to let you know that you did a most outstanding job and before I start to ask you questions I will read all the posts in this thread.

Like my dad used to say, "You should be proud of yourself, boy".

C-ya

 

Okay, went through all the replies and I gotta ask: Where did you get the handlebars? I'm from the old school and have always used drag bars and risers if need be for clearance.

I just started stripping my XJ down and realized that regular drag bars probably won't work unless I install risers, which I absolutely cannot stand. To me it gives the bike a weird feel.

I saw Tewlman posted here. That's my generous brother who gave me the 550 for zero bucks, ready to ride :lol: . If he ever gets a gallery going you need to take a look at his bike. He did it cruiser style but the paint job is just out of this world.

 

Nice bike Ease. The project is coming along just awesome. To help answer Beowulf's question the bars are clubmans. I dont currently own an XJ but i'm helping my buddy turn his into a cafe racer too. I've worked on CB's and this is the first yammy for me. I bought most of the parts for my other projects at www.speedmotoco.com since they've got great service and deals.

Just wanted to chime and say this bike is awesome. Keep it up

 

Thanks Kine. I suspected they were Clubmans but weren't sure. Like I said I'm Old School with streetfighters so I gots some catchin' up to do.

Here's one I'll throw out: I'm wanting to replace the rear drums for discs. Can anyone point me in the right direction as far as swaps, mods and the difficulty in doing this? It's not something I'm looking at as a necessity so what I do depends on the aggravation factor.

Stay safe

 

Thanks for the comments guys, I reallly appreciate everytime someone gives me a compliment on the bike.

And yes the bars are clubmans. and I got them from speedmoto's eBay store... though I have bought them from other places for other bikes and they seem to be exactly the same.

I love the positioning of the bars, and if you want to raise them you can mount them upside down - many seem to like them this way.

I'd like to see some progress pics on your bike. You should start up a thread on here (if you haven't allready) and go through your build with us online.
I enjoyed the feedback on the forums I frequent when I was building mine.

Good luck with the project.
- Ease

 

I've just barely started...Got the sideplates and rear cowl off and sanded. I have some nice dents in the tank and haven't decided if I should repair them or try to find another tank. The dents aren't too bad but me and bondo don't get along :cry:

I've got a link on my profile to my Photobucket (WWW link) but its just the bike in raw form and a few pics of my puppy. I will probably make the bike a winter project and will document it. Right now I'm going to do paint and probably handelbars and wait for the good stuff. If it comes out near as good as yours I will be happy. Your bike reminds me of a Norton Commando a friend of mine had years ago...Always loved thos bikes.

Thanks

 

Thanks wolf, I really appreciate the comments. I actually had someone walk into my garage one sunday when I was working on it and ask me if it was a commando. I just pointed to the Yamaha symbol on the XJ motor.
8)



Got a few more things done since my last post, figure I'd post a few more pics.
Lowered the headlight a bit, but it still has to come down some (have to modify the headlight (remove the adjustment tab) in order to get it as low as I want. Also, I have to lower the gauges. They're sitting way too high for a lowered headlight.




The headlight ears I ordered off e-bay ended up being for the wrong size forks, BUT I happen to be very sneaky.
I took them into MUN (university in my area) Engineering faculty and told them I was a first year mechanical engineering student.
They let me go into their machine shop and work away on them, and a tech guy even did most of the work for me!

I also added a LED for the taillight but it's too long... and my regular bulb blew... so I'm running without the lens untill i get this sorted out.



Well... less talk, more cuttin'. Gotta go pick up some bits.

 

Lookin very sharp. Gives me something to work for.

 

I really haven't been updating this page... Here are some more recent pics:

Added Clipon's - had to swap Master Cylinders with an R6 (any modern sportbike would do)... Have Braided stainless lines on the way but if anyone wants to do this swap you actually can use the stock lines and banjo bolt. It fits perfectly into the 2001 MC I got off e-bay.


(You can see my dent in this picture!! )




Also Added a Headlight visor... Pure cheeze but I like it... Oh, and the Licenceplate I had made will be installed on the front fender once I get some suitable hardware... ziptied on the cables for now. 8)

Before:


After:



... That's all I have for now, But I'll try and keep this updated when I make more mods. And of course I'll check back for questions / comments and appreciate any feedback.

- Ease

 

Love the clip-ons! where did you get them and what brand are they?
I have never seen clip-ons with that kind of adjustment.
Thanx,

 

I got the clipon's from a guy named Jim Hinshaw for $129.00

Here's his contact info:
Jim Hinshaw
Fast from the Past, Inc.

jimhinshaw@fastfromthepast.com

He has em in low rise and high rise (mine are low rise, the high rise are about an inch taller)... Also has Tarozzi rearsets.

The website is up now too: FAST FROM THE PAST

Or you can run a search for Tarozzi on e-bay. Make sure you ger 36mm if you have a seca 650. Not sure about the rest.

 

Wonderful bike!

Where did you get the tank decals? It looks like an Ace Cafe sticker with the Yamaha logo in place of the Ace logo.

 

Thanks!

You're right about the decals too!
8)
Had a local sign shop do that for me out of vinyl... just brought in a .jpeg and they did the rest!.. same for the checkers.

Cleared over it 4 or 5 times so that I could sand it all smooth... haven't sanded yet though (hence the paint still looking a little rough).

 

Any reason why your plate is over the light and not on the front fender?

 

Sure is, though I admit not a great one.

Don't have any mounts for the fender, so I just tied it on there for now... rather than throw it in a box somewhere (as noted above). In addition to that the space it fills up is ugly b/c I have the headlight lowered and not the gauges (yet).

If anyone knows of a good set of mounts for a front fender licence plate drop me a line (and I know I could just make some, but I allready have some ugly ones that came with it). 8)

 

Just found this thread,commented on another thread earlier but wont hurt to tell you again very nice bike.
Glenn

 

Just found this thread,commented on another thread earlier but wont hurt to tell you again very nice bike.
Glenn

 

Thanks Glen, I appreciate it!

And I have another update...

Just installed braided stainless lines yesterday and am having some bleeding troubles (as noted I have an R6 master cylinder).

No leaks but the dang thing just won't build up pressure!
Have supposedly bled all the air out (no bubbles)... Gonna have my buddy come over and tell me if I'm doing someting wrong, or if I'm just too impatient.

 

... So I was doing something wrong afterall. I was pumping the lever too fast. Anyway, all is well. Brakes should be great!

Unfortunately it will be a while before I can ride again... and with the purchase of a truck coming up I can't see spending alot of cash on the bike for a while (But if it falls through I just MAY pick up another bike instead). ... Actually I have an 80's pop-up Katana 750 in my garage that needs some attending to.

No worries, I still have lots to do without spending cash. 8)

 

Whatsa "pop up?"

 

It's a Katana with a pop up headlight. Electronically activated, normally sits down in the fairing but rises up when you turn it on...

Haven't actually seen it in action yet, have only activated it by hand... no batt.

Like this one only Ugly:


If I keep it I might do this:

(With no yellow bits... Just the headlight I mean)

 

COuld you go into more about how you used an R6 mc? How hard of a swap was it, whats all involved? I have seriosly been thinking about clubmans and if the mc was no longer a problem issue i could be one step closer to deciding.

 

The MC is not an issue with clubmans. I had clubmans all last season and the brakes were great with the stock MC. In fact if I turned the bars to lock all the way to the left it was pretty much perfectly level for fill up (not that I ever had to).

It was on an angle for riding but gave me absolutely no issues whasoever.

Now if yo want to switch to the R6 MC regardless, it's a bolt-on swap. Your banjo will screw right into the MC, fill it up and bleed the brakes, voila!!

Or you can go the route I did and have straight lines made up to run 2 seperate lines to the calipers and ditch the collector at the lower tree. Then retain the double banjo from the R6. Much cleaner setup.

Only trouble is finding somewhere to mount the remote reservoir... I made a bracket (a rough one) to hold it on to the mounting bolt for the tach.

THIS PIC SHOWS THE ORIGINAL SECA BRAKE LINES ON THE R6 MC


... I gotta get a good camera so that I can get some decent pics... If anyone wants more detailed pictures of the new stainless lines I'll snap some tonight.

 

Sounds good. I do have clubmans now and theres no problem but Ive been thinking of switching to clipons which I imagine thier will be problems and Ill have to go the remote route.

 

Well noone asked but I did it anyway!

Here is a pic of the Seca and the Katana:


And the brake lines (don't have the brake light switch hooked up yet):


Bike is FILTHY... I unfortunately have the saws going in the garage all the time too... and sometimes the bike cover finds its way to the floor.

Notice the temporary mount for the MC:

 

Got some new pics, and want to bump the thread so I don't loose it. 8)

 

What type of turnsignals are you using? Are they bright enough?

I like! Where can I buy?

 

I believe I got the turn signals from a place called 2orangeharleys on e-bay...

I paid $20 for 2, and ordered 4.

They look like a generic part that you should be able to find just about anywhere, and came with both red and orange lenses.

I think they're plenty bright, but of course they don't stand out as well as the big stock indicators. They are normal incandecent light bulbs, not LED's (but still require an electronic relay). Also, they're a 1-wire setup and the housing is plastic...

FOUND EM!
"My" indicators on e-bay

The mini signals are not suitable for mounting a headlight... but I really like the way they look on the back, so I ordered a new set of aluminum indicators for the front, and will keep the rear as is.

New indicators for the headlight bolts.

As you can see in the pics I no longer have the stock setup in front, so I can't really mount signals anywhere but through the headlight bolts... and for that reason haven't had any front indicators for a year now.

 

What's the reason for messing up a perfectly good bike by putting clubmans on it? That doesn't have any practical use does it?

 

Because it's his bike and he's allowed to do whatever he wants to it. You're entitled to your opinion, but calling it "messing up a bike" is a pretty strong statement, and quite frankly, it's rude. I have a bike with clubmans on it, and I love them. They look and feel how I want, and I could give a sh*t what anyone thinks, especially someone who makes insults for no apparent reason. Now THAT has no practical use, does it?

Ease, I love your bike, it looks great clubmans and all.

Arizonasteve, perhaps you should avoid the modifications section of the forum. And PM Ease, I bet he'll sell you a cheap set of buckhorns.

 

I still don't see the reason for messing up a perfectly good bike.
What good is it if it isn't rideable? Is it just going to sit in the living
room to look at?

 

I dont see why it's "messed up" or "unrideable". I'm sure he rides the he*l out of it and dosent think it's messed up at all. Nor do I. Get back on your stocker and ride it with pride knowing it looks exactly like the 4000 that rolled off the assembly line ahead of it.

 

The bike isn't "messed up". He built, he likes it, and thats all that matters. Kevineleven couldn't have said it better. If you don't like it thats fine, but don't bash it because it doesn't fit you. I think the bike looks great BTW, good job!

 

Hahaha.
Uh Oh, we got a forum fire starter!

As I stated previously the clubmans gave me a much more aggressive positioning and made the bike hande better... However, if you notice the bike does not have clubmans anymore... so your comment doesn't really make sense.

Thanks for trying to heat things up though, lol.

P.S. Thanks Kevin and Maximuschop for having my back.

 

For anyone who actually wants to know (i.e if you're not just trying to get a rise) the bike was completely rideable with the clubmans.
I loved the way it handled and felt.

If the clipon's didn't work out I would go right back.

It has never been sitting in my livingroom... I drive it everyday in the summer. It's my primary transportation.

Even though I changed to clipon's I still recommend clubmans as a great cheap upgrade, to get a sportier feeling bike.

 

I think the bars look sick on there....Just because it has clubmans on it doesnt mean its not rideable I dont see where you get off saying its not rideable and "messing up a perfectly good bike". If he likes it thats his choice for HIS bike not yours

 

Dude,

I'm in agreement that the clubmans look sweet although with my back issues I'd last about 2.2 miles.

As for the Katana........Don't mess it up!!!!!!!!! That bike is a bloody work of art as it sits. You'd make me cry. I used to own one of those and really wished I had is back.

Don't mame it man.

The Buff :cry:

 

FWIW, I have clubmans on my 82 seca as well. No riding problems whatsoever. They do help the turn in ratio on handling and give a nice look to the bike. I also have a set of Euro bars that were alright but made me feell like a sail in the wind. Clipons would be nice but i don't have the spare cash right now. cruzerjd

 

I won't, I promise.

I will be restoring the Katana back to her original glory (silver with the stock sticker kit).

The styling has really grown on me, and the guys over at katriders and the gsr let me know that it's a bit of a rarity.

 

I just got my hands on an 82 seca and am considering moving the pegs back (ala: cafe racer style) With clubmans I need a more comfortable foot position. I have some pushrods and am looking for some possible bell cranks. I'm thinking it might be possible to use the existing rear foot pegs or the next hole forward. I'll have pictures if I come up with anything. Any thoughts on doing this yourself? Your seca looks great by the way!

Happy cafeinating,
RR

 

IMO the passenger pegs are a little too far back with clubmans.
I think you're better off using the second hole as you suggested.
You might be able to get some raask or another pre-made rearset for out bikes but it would be $$$...

When I was considering it myself I tried mounting the passenger pegs in different locations to see how it felt:


Until I get another bike (for 2-up riding) I won't be venturing into this mod. But I'd like to see how you work it all out!

THanks for the compliments and good luck!