Cafe Racer almost done

It has been a LONG road to get this bike running and road worthy but she is just about 100% now.

What I have done so far is:
Rebuilt carbs (50 times)
Changed all fluids (I used synthetic and it works great)
Rebuilt brake system.
Changed all break pads/shoes
Replaced fuse block
tank liner
new seat
new tires
new fork seals
Replaced front fender
Rebuilt the spedo and tach (WERE gummed up and faded... all fixed now)
New bars, mirrors, grips
Paint and body work
polished everything

The most difficult part was getting her dialed in with the carbs. There was so much sludge in the carbs from setting so long (about 12 year in the mud) that it took a counless number of times or taking them apart and puting them back together again to get them free flowing again. Now she runs and handles like a dream. The only other things I want to do are make the seat into a cafe racer seat and change out the brake lines. For the cafe racer seat I am going to fit a cap over the original seat so that I can keep the double seat in tact. The parts are in the mail and I should have it done in another week or so. I also want to change out the original brake lines to braided steel lines. The one other thing I want to do is find a good design for the side of the tank. I tried to fit the original "YAMAHA" plate that I pulled off the tank but it just did not give her the look I am going for. Any ideas would be appreciated. Im thinking some kind of old school racing numbers or something.

I hope you like it and I thank all the guys from the site for all the great help you gave me. The pictures are from my ride to work. I live in Monterey Ca and live a few blocks from the coast so I always take the scenic route home.

Oh, I she also needs a name if anyone has any ideas.

Cheers
JBL

 

wow...GREAT job..that is sick..I'm tryin to do the same to my bike...what year is yours? I have a 1980 xj650 maxim...... and could you give me some tips on how to do that cafe seat, is there a website to check out?

 

My bike is an 82 XJ650RJ Seca. The cafe seat I am trying to accomplish is just like the Tryumph Thruxton.

http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/4553.aspx

The cafe seat on the thruxton is just a cover that sits on top of the double seat. Unfortunately the xj seat is a little bit wider at the top but the other dimensions are almost exactly the same. Therefore, I just purchased a cowl cover on ebay and I will change my seat to match. Ill post pictures when I am done. Good luck on the build

 

Nice work!!

I keep telling people these secas are the best shaftie cafe's out there... but the beemers have more of a following.

Wish I lived somewhere when I could ride with a few fellow enthusiasts... gotta love these forums.

 

very nice
if it's a stripe or design your after stop by your local electrical supply store
they have electrical tape in all colors, cut a design or lay on a stripe, try it for a while if you don't like it peel it off sometimes it takes a week or so to decide
trek bicycle shops sell third eye barend mirrors that you might like, see my gallery
i'd like to see the finished seat

 

Ease
Great shots of your bike. I checked out your new post and your bike is looking great. I am also looking for some cafe enthusiasts here in the bay area but they are few and far between. Im trying to touch base with the "ton up club" in the bay area but they are all up in SF. I know there is a ton up club chapter in your neck of the woods but it could be a bit of a ride to get there.

Polock,
Great idea with the electrical tape. Im still not sure what I want yet but I think I will try that. Ill post pics of the seat as soon as I get it together.

 

Yeah an 11 hour ride and a ferry at the least.
You can bet it's not in Newfoundland.

I am a member of dotheton.com - which is based out of Toronto - but that's a few days journey from my place OR a $650 plane ticket (it would actually be a shorter / cheaper flight to fly to London, England).

Thanks for the comments - Can't wait to see your convertable seat - I just built 2 different seat + taillight combo's so that I could switch em at the hinges.