My 81 Maxim xj650 project

My rear rim came in this week for the rear to front conversion so I got started with that. Wow does chemical stripper ever save time over sanding.
Couple more coats with some steel wool and it'll be ready for paint.

 

I'm subscribed. hope the wheel conversion turns out the way you want! it will interesting to see it when completed

 

Looking sweet so far. I'm checking back on this one daily.... out of curiosity what kind of chemical did you use to strip the wheels?

 

THanks guys!
I used this stuff in particular.
It's a gel and works like "magic"! Sooo much faster then sanding!
Make sure you use gloves, and I did it outside as I didn't have good ventilation.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/3 ... ?locale=en

This should be available at the hardware store or whatever.

 

any progress Lee?

 

Been on vacation in Ontario. Got back yesterday and I got my rear to front conversion kit! Going to get back to work on it straight away.
Also I have new carb to manifold boots to install.
The rear lights I got were way smaller then they appeared on ebay, so I am going to have to find something else for that. My idea was to have the new brake lights as caps for the cut frame.
Any thoughts?

Pics to come soon.

 

So I have a bit of oil leaking from the front, thinking its the engine head gasket as I'm assuming they have not been replaced since... ever.
Can you guys let me know what I will need to replace regardless?
I want to get everything ready to go for when I crack it open....
Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

My son tipped my bike over today, he's fine.
Bike however....

Break lever is bent up


and theres some gas leaking out of the air box.



Starts, one cylinder is not running right though.

Can you guys let me know what my next course of action should be?
I was going to try to start it again this aft, after it has some time to settle.
I was JUST about to go for a ride too........ sigh.

 

hope things are straightened up now. Haven't heard from you or this project in awhile...

 

hey dude, yea it has been a while.
The drop was kinda disheartening and frustrating then work got crazy for months. ALTHOUGH, I am going to be hitting this hard this summer as I have so many parts to add/remove.
I got the oil changed and I'm going to put some time into it tonight.

 

Awesome news! Got out there tonight and gave her a boost. Fired up after a short time then ran strong. Looking into batteries maybe swap out for a lithium? Going to get the insurance up and take a spin , then get to work.
Great night!

 

Does anyone use a gel cell battery?
I have heard good things, just wondering if they jive with the XJ?

 

ok got a new battery, ordered a solo seat and a license bracket.
Getting started on the rear conversion rim going this weekend.

 

Funny you should mention the gel or lithium battery options. I was wondering if they are worth the investment. I brought my batteries in for the winter and had them take turns on tenders. One didn't make it and I need to replace it. I'm told the gel batteries won't freeze but don't know anybody that has used them.

 

looking forward to updates on this bike. looks good!

 

I ordered one and am going to pick it up when the shop opens this morning. I don't expect I'll see any immediate difference (except the price). I bought it because the cheap ones don't seem to last 2 whole seasons. I'm hoping this will last a lot longer.

 

I like the rear fender shortened up like that!!

I am also putting my rear lights in the cut frame ends. I haven't installed yet, but if you go to the link in my sig you can see how they'll look in place.

Looking forward to seeing more progress on everything, especially the rear-to-front wheel conversion!!!