Bastard Bobber Project

Hey guys. I have been slowly but surely working on a project bike now for the past 4 months or so and have finally decided to upload the process. Hope you enjoy it.

Stock 1982 XJ 650 Maxim with 15,000 miles.



Torn Down Some, Drag Bars


Rattle Can and Design








Seat Pan, Barn Door Hinge Mount, I've started to fab up how I want the back "fender" there really won't be one just the small point. I am also cutting the other two frame tubes and welding those to points. think "M" shape kind of like a crown.





Still to come:

Battery box, I'm planning on fabricating some cross hairs and putting those center where the gauges mount, replacing the gauges with a simple single speedo from mike's xs, lowering springs (honda rebel 250's 10.5''), and doing an old war style "bomb with shark teeth" out of skate board grip tape for the seat.

Finally made some more progress welded the seat tabs, finished fabbing up the tail end section. Unfortunately I was going to use the original head lamp but the bracket for it and the two bolts connecting it...the bolts were so old they snapped off inside the bracket. I think I wanted to upgrade to a more triangular light anyhow. But essentially I have to rewire her, put my newly cleaned carbs back on and new battery and we'll see how she looks after that.

 

Skateboard griptape sounds like a whole lot of pain to me.... Take my comment with a grain of salt if you wish but I just know anything over an hour on the stock seat and my rear goes numb...

 

This is just a suggestion. I would do this if I had another chance to build an xj650, and I may even go back to this setup one day since I still have my airbox.

Cover that seat in something it will make a big difference. It will look sick! Do not go to pods. If you plan on running those covers than just stick to the airbox. You will get better preformance without the hassle of rejetting, tuning, syncing, Ect. That stock airbox will save you A lot of frustration, and time.

Here is a link to some of us leathering our seat pans
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=31725.html

Oh, and I think you should throw ammo cans on that thing like my bike! It would look good on your bike. check out my build in my signature. I do not have it explained how I have them mounted but they aren't hard to figure out.

 

Hasersys : I have been lurking the forums and have a good 15 hours in reading the pod debate haha. Thanks for the advice I am planning on trying pods, with the original airbox stacks on them to extend them some and then tuning. I have kept the original airbox though so fortunately I can always go back to it if need be. I also have considered the ammo box and it's on the list... just need to see the flow of the bike after I get a little more into it. Thanks for the input though always appreciated.

xRedemptionx: I thought of that as well and this is just going to be a daily point A to B rider as I live in the city. Anything longer I usually take the R6 although that isn't too much more comfortable as it is! haha

 

If you want smallish boxes I have some metal, military .30 cal cans laying around. I'd contribute to the cause if you cover the shipping.

 

You don't by chance wanna sell if you have them the tank badges and Maxim badges from the battery TCI covers do you? trying to restore 82 XJ650 to stock...

 

Well that would be very much appreciated. Let me get a little further and I'll def. pm you if I decide to go in that direction.

 

Here's some pictures and dimensions of the cans. You can source these at surplus stores, gun shows, ebay, etc... They are .30 cal rifle ammo cans. I believe waterproof. They have a gasket inside and take a good pull to open.

I have 3. SBSTebbe you get first pick at them.

I'll gladly empty any full cans I'm provided and return the cans as well :lol:

They are 11"L x4"w x 7"Tall

 

SbSTebbe, Hey buddy, sure looks like you are going to end up with a fine ride there that is bound to catch some eyes as you go by. I like they way you talk about waiting to see how the flow of the bike go's before adding something on. That is the way I have always worked on my bikes in the past. Some things that at first look great, once on the bike don't always fit the finish product you are working towards. Right now it sure looks like you are building a winner! 81'XJ 750 Seca, grunt007, Mi.

 

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. I have been taking the process slow as I didn't want to ask dumb questions that were easily answered so I probably researched this forum religiously for a good 2 months before posting anything progress questions or otherwise. I really appreciate everyone being helpful and the input though! Gotta love the insight from everyone who has experimented so many different ways with the same machine.

More updates to come soon!

 

Doc. I was considering holding them for some sentimental value but I'm sure I'd be more than happy to help out! Let me check and see if I can come up with them..(recently moved) then I'll post a pic and you can pm me your offer and shipping address. Thanks.

 

Cool thanks SBSTebbe!

 

Question guys? Anyone who has done the minimum wiring diagram...what did you do with the switch controls for high/low beam, turn signal, horn choke. Did you go aftermarket or keep them just with the switches not doing anything? Thanks

 

Hi/low beam switch in the top of the headlight bucket, no horn or turn signals, removed choke cable...dont really ever use it but if i needed to i'd hold the choke lever open at the Carb until started.

 

Thanks good call. Didn't think of putting the hi/low beam right on the light or up there.

 

On a side note guys also wanted to say that I will be selling some of my old stock stuff. IE Gauge Cluster, Head light, and stock seat...I think that may be all that made it out ..unfortunately I no longer have the sissy bar etc. But if you're interested just PM me.

 

looking good. give you the thumbs up. I started a build myself and the fun part about bobber builds is that you truly find out the creative side of an individual! keep going!

 

need an update lol. Been following the build and it went cold

 

Haha I've been busy! Sorry lot's of races and wrapping up as much end of summer stuff as I can here in Michigan before it gets cold (which it already has). As for an update I just ordered my lowering springs, tail light, and will be placing an order for an after market headlight and speedo. After that I am tackling the wiring hopefully this week and then adding the rest of the essentials. More photos to come this week when I get around to it! Thanks for following her though!

 

A few photos of the upcoming additions

 

holy god those back springs are tiny what are they off of?

 

are you leaving your pipes open header? If you are i didnt know if you were gonna re jet or just see how it goes. Good looking bike man.

i also saw that brake light but seeing as how i work for ford, it may not go over too well when i pull in lol

 

Redemption the springs are 10.5'' eye to eye and they are off of a Honda Rebel. She's gonna be sittin' pretty low.

and as for the taillight - I had a vision for my baby she wasn't going to be a beauty queen and I figured I would throw politically incorrect in there as well haha. Either way she'll look mean ... my daily rider is my R6 but I'm not too concerned with much judgement when it comes to this bike.

And the bikes will be left open. I'm going to get it up and running and make adjustments from there. I wanna at least get it on the road and running this fall so I'm going to skip the pods for now put the stock airbox back on and figure those out (if I go that route) later this winter - but that's the whole reason I kept both so I could have a choice

 

we should totally finish our bikes then meet up. Your in michigan im in ohio

 

Can't wait to see more amigo. I like that tail light!

 

where in MI are you?

 

Hey all - I'd be happy to meet up for any group rides and what not. I have a buddy here with me who just finished hard tailing his and should be done with his about the same time. As for where I'm in W. Michigan, Grand Rapids area just a couple hours north of Ohio and Dwcopple probably 3-4 hours south west of you if you're in Bay City.

 

I'm right out of Cleveland. I'm game

 

Well folks...It's been a year. I've been lurking but was ashamed and had not posted in a while since the project ran cold. I'm happy to say as of this summer it was dramatically revamped and now 90% complete. I even got to ride her the other day. Here it is the new and improved bastard bobber.

I wanna thank everyone on here as it has been a real valuable source of information from the minimum wiring, carb tuning, soda blasting etc. I wouldn't have been able to do this otherwise and even though it was stalled better late than never! Enjoy

 

Wow! That bike (or maybe even the builder) sports some serious attitude. I like the headlight cuz its not one you see everyday on an XJ. I'll refrain from any negative comments cuz you'll probably ride over here & kick my a**. LOL-good luck completing the project.

 

Haha negative comments and constructive criticism are two very different things and I'm open to the latter. No worries though I started the project with a specific vision and it all kind of snowballed from there. Thanks for the compliment on the headlight though I was pleased with the style as well.

Ride safe!

 

You are absolutely correct, sir. I should have rephrased my words. Im not one to be critical about someones hard work & creativity, unless there are glaring safety concerns. & I got no problem with yours. Rock on, bro!

 

Great build!

 

Thank you sir!

 

I really like the headlight. it's original and fit great the handlebar!

 

OK - I'll be the first to ask: Where did you get the headlight!
Good build BTW. So glad you didn't go with a hardtail. Even though the seat looks minimal, I'm guessing it is fairly comfortable with the rear springs and the "tractor" shape.

 

I'm liking the head light, reminds me of the ones Indian used on their bikes. I also like the pointed piece on the frame behind the seat. Not digging the tail light, its too much, but to each his own.

 

The headlight was found on ebay - Fairly cheap as well and I believe it was from TCBros choppers. Thanks for the input all.

 

Ya' done GOOD!!!

skillet

 

looks radical. great job

 

Custom Sissy Bar and a few new additions.

 

Thanks Skillet and TDeddie I appreciate the words and support.

Always something. Now time for the generator rebuild and have to replace the solenoid for the starter...First long ride then she died. Had to bridge it to get it cranking again.