First customization

I've owned a bike since I was in high school but strangely i have never attempted any customization, besides a few bolt-ons here and there, so I figured I'd give it a shot with my '82 XJ550 since I've seen some wicked looking ones on the net. I have a few problems though that I hope someone can help me out with. First is that I don't have access to the machinery of a shop and will be doing the work out of my garage so I will pretty much need to find pre-fabricated parts that won't require much modification to fit my XJ. Also I've searched Google and Yahoo for aftermarket/custom parts for hours and came up with nada. If anyone knows any websites that offer customizing parts for the XJ550 Maxim please let me know. I'm looking for chopper or bobber parts, foot controls/pegs that are moved forward, and a 45 degree rake kit. Attached is a pic of my stock '82 XJ550 Maxim.

Thanks,
RJ

 

you need to start thinking creatively then. And look at tons of bobber/chopper pics and find parts to adapt to your bike. Bolt ons...ha ha ha yeah right.

 

Hey buddy - welcome to the site! ive only been here a while but these guys are all solid cool.

I have a garage too, but no tools, (hah i know, i get in crap for stealin wrenches from my roommate) and no fabrication/welding experience. Its funny tho, but it all starts rollin once you start playin.

check out ebay for handlebars/drag bars the size you need (measure the originals or pull up a spec's sheet for your bike). Google "Mikes XS" and check out his stock too.

for my seat i plan on doin what some others on here did and just choppin it in half and remounting it. I dont plan on having a back fender, but you can find one at a trailer supply or online also - just measure out your spacing and see what happens.

The best advice ive heard tho is - take your time... dont chop/cut too soon, try and keep it reversable till you know what's goin on..

Oh also have fun!


if you want to see what im doin (so far not too much) without fabrication equitment check out the "Kates' Make Over" thread

 

Renegade, check out www.jirehcycles.com and go to the Harley side, there are THOUSANDS of pieces that can be had that will work with little or NO modification if you plan right and they have a HUGE catalog they will send to you free.

I am in a similar situation, have the space but not all the tools, so Ive slowly been gathering pieces and planning (well reverse that). Its been a blast!