My '82 XJ750 "Project Shadow Warrior"

Did you end up mounting the XS750 tank w/o any mods or did you move the tank mounts?

 

Well, here is a small update. I moved the tank mounts back and lower. I kind of messed up removing the mounts & cut two holes in the tank. I tried to fill them in with my mig welder & ended up melting right through. Beginners misfortune. I'm not too worried. I'm going to fix that tonight. I also got my new headlight from Italy! I also got a Koso RX-2n speedometer gauge. You can also see I got a 86' fz600 oil cooler on there. I mocked up a fake slip-on under the tail. I'm waiting for my DS70 Oval 9 inch (225mm) Carbon Fiber slip-on and some rearsets from fastfromthepast.com. I fabbed up a handlebar stop for the r6 forks too. This is just a mock-up for the moment. I still have a long way to go, but it's starting to look cool though!

 

How do you plan on running the oval exhaust under the seat?

Do you have a creative way to run the pipe between the rear swingarm and tire without crushing it when riding over road hazards?

 

Hi guys! Here is my latest video on my build. If you have any suggestions let me know!

1982 XJ750 Maxim Streetfighter/Cafe Bike Youtube Vid

 

Interesting - that bike's coming along nicely. I like the style you've gone for there, particularly with that tank - never really thought that the standard maxim/seca tanks look right with the cafe treatment.

 

Ok, the bug has officially bitten me. I'm currently looking for a solid XJ900 Seca donor bike. I'm going to use the engine/ ingnition & rear diff. My goal is to increase the capacity to 1000cc and jet the carbs or swap the carbs for something with more flow. Any suggestions on which? I looked into a more radical cam as well. I read there is a digital ignition with adjustable timing for inline four out there? My goal is to be old school fast. I have located a few bikes out there, but it's a hike to get them. This is going to happen. I wonder what a tricked out 900 engine w/ cam, big bore, & timing would make? Any guesses out there? Really would like your opinions guys please!

 

I apreciate all the responses, Not! It seems like I'm alone on the blog, but I digress. I found a 1983 xj900 w/30,000 est for 800. I'm going to offer $500-600ish. Sound like a good deal? It is a ways away, so I'll have to have it shipped here for $300-400. My budget is $1000 or less, so this should work. It has a lot of hail damage, but I'm interested in the motor, drive-train, rear wheel, etc.. & sell the rest.

 

So im new here and all I have to say is I am in love with this build! I recently got my 650 back from my dad (first bike I learned to ride on) and fixed it up to be able to ride on the weekends. I have read your blog a few times from beginning to end and by no means is it boring! I love the idea of the 1000 in this frame and with the modifications you have so far I think its a good fit. One question though, what are you going to do about the mismatched wheels?

I am seriously considering sending my spare lower triple tree mount and a sourced R-6 triple to the same company you did. I love that look. Please keep this blog going, I am inspired by your work thus far!

-Chris

 

I have been watching your build, but haven't reallly found anything I wanted to comment about that would add any value. This forum seems more geared toward the restoration enthusiasts than custom builders. That may be why you are not getting much feedback. I for one can say, you are definitely thinking outside the box. When you are done with it, there won't be a whole heck of a lot of XJ left. But, for just a couple of comments...

I too am curious how you intend to get the exhaust under the seat as another poster mentioned. As short as the frame is, there isn't much space unless you are going to a 4-2-1 and the 1 being a really tiny pipe with crazy bents around the swingarm. Even then, won't the exhaust pipe cook the battery?

The front suspension mods are just down right cool. I do not like the cafe style of bike, but if there is an area that the XJ needs improvement, then suspension is it. The inverted fork should help a whole lot, and I like the gold anodizing look of it.

The front fairing seems just a bit too small for the front end. I like the shape, especially the light. It would be nice if it was a just a little taller to come up over the speedo a couple of inches. Something similar to say the smoked shield for the Yamaha Roadstar Warrior.

Just my personal taste, but the seat pan has good lines, but the current tank you have modded just doesn't seem to flow. The tank is just really flat, and (not sure what to call it) the back part of the pan has a nice angle flowing off the rear of the bike. If you are just stuck on that tank, then might see what it looks like raised about an inch in the front. My choice would be the light blue Kawasaki tank pictured on page 2 of your build. I think those lines would be better with what you have going on here.

Not really got much input either way for the 900 plant. that is just a case of why not...

Great build, and the purpose of a build is that it is YOU building it. That's what makes it yours and special.

 

Yeah you are no longer alone! I am workin on a Maxim 400 and I love the look of the sport bike front end and the old school bike frame! Can't wait to see more!

 

You are doing a lot of custom work that either hasn't been done or hasn't been done much. combine that with the fact that most people that are modding use the XJ platform for bobbers or similar rather than cafes and there aren't many people that are going to have much experience with the mods you are doing.

 

Thanks Friend, Comments like this make this blog worth it! I decided that I'm going with a mono shock design. I'll be using my current swingarm and will be transplanting the mono-shock bracket from a '83 XV750. I'll weld the bracket in the same orientation and use the final drive from the XV750 as well. I'll also try to mount a Seca 900 wheel w/ disc brake and a 130/70-18 tire. Stay tuned, parts are in the mail.

 

I picked up a few things from the Motogadget homepage

 

I appreciate your input. I want to hear all the good and the negative about what I'm doing. By being constructively negetive, a different perspective can be reconsidered. As for the exhaust, I'll be mounting it on the right rear high. I felt the same way about the speedometer, so I bought the Motogadget Motoscope Pro instead. It was kinda of pricey, but it's so cool & compact. Thanks & keep watching for updates!

 

I JUST RECEIVED THE XV750 PARTS FOR THE MONO SHOCK DESIGN! I EYE'D THEM UP AND THEY LOOK GOOD. I'LL BE DOING SOME FABING TONIGHT. STAND BY FOR UPDATES!

 

JUST GOT THE SWINGARM FABRICATED AND TACKED IN. IT LOOKS LIKE A PERFECT FIT. I DID HAVE TO HEAT THE FRONT TWO PIPES AND WIDEN THEM APART A LITTLE TO EVENLY SEAT. OTHER THAN THAT, PRETTY EASY. I DON'T KNOW WHY THIS HASN'T BEEN DONE BEFORE? ONE NOTE, I'LL HAVE TO SWAP THE DRIVE SHAFTS. THE XV750 IS ABOUT .5" - 1" LONGER. MORE TO COME!

 

Wicked lil project you got goin on here man!!

 

Hello

I just read through your build. Awesome! I am doing a xs750 build and I would love to know where you got your seat. I have been looking all over for a seat with that shape. I can't seem to find one. Could you please let me know where you got it? Thanks

TheRev

 

Thanks for the compliments! I went to Spirt of the seventies website and found this tail. It's not for sale, but I talked them into selling me one. They'll probably do they same for you, just email them with what you want. Good luck on your build!

 

I did some work on the mono-shock rear this weekend. I fabricated a new tail section that looks a little cleaner.

 

Nice fab work bro!

 

I did some mod to the driveshaft angle over the weekend. I cut a section out of the swingarm to allow for greater angle on the shaft. I found that the ujoint binds at 18 degrees of angle. The current setup is at 12 degrees of angle. Is this too much? It seem to roll fine, but it may be a whole different story under power?

 

I just created an account because of this topic. I had some longer shocks on my '82 Seca which put the arm at a greater angle. The only problem I noticed is that the U-joint would rub on the housing with the bike on the center stand. No problems otherwise. I did inspect the U-joint at one point and it still looked and felt great (approx 30k miles). I think if you give it too much angle you will increase the "jacking" affect of the swing arm. Basically the wheel will want to tuck up under the bike during acceleration, lifting the rear end. It all really depends on how much static squat you have (preload) and how much the bike wants to squat under acceleration (spring rate). You can always adjust the shock later if it's giving you problems. Keep up the awesome work.

-todd

 

Thanks Todd! I talked to a few locals guys and they also said the same about the jacking on the drive shaft. There sure a lot of limits with these shafts, but that's the challenge! I want this thing to handle really well, so I'll lower it back down in the rear to level the shaft out. Adjust the seat & tank for the 4"-5"wheel suspension travel.

Update: I just received the 150/70-17 tire. It's going to interesting fitting! Also, I purchased a complete XJ900 engine, Microsquirt EFI, GSXR 600 throttle body, 420a coil, & wideband O2. They should be in next week, so stay tuned! I'm shooting for 110-120 crank Hp when done.

 

I recieved some goodies in the mail last week. I'm still waiting on the '95 Diversion wheel from Germany. It was mailed Sep. 11th & it's still in German customs, what's the deal?? This has been the big hold up in my project. I need it to get the geometry right on my mono-shock setup. I now have a XJ900 engine!! Thanks to a great guy in the Missouri area on this site, I was able to locate one. I have most of the EFI parts now. I only need the fuel pump and 3" trigger wheel( which I just purchased min ago). I want a '99 Hayabusa inline fuel pump, but they are going for around $300 on ebay. I hear there is a walbro that is comparable to it, need to research more. Hopefully that 4" rim comes in sometime soon? I'll take pics of me fitting it in.







http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-s ... 4988_n.jpg

 

Man, I don't stay much on this part of the forums, but when I do, I always stop by this thread. Great work. I personally wonder if this wasn't the best frame to start with--you started with an XJ750, but now even the engine has been discarded! It looks like all that will remain will be the frame and title!

But as far as you've been going... Have you considered actually altering the frame itself into something like a perimeter frame, like the FJ1100/1200 featured? You could probably find some frame in a junkyard and take parts off and add them in.

I have to say that either the tank or the or light should go... Either the light is too aggressive, or--since you seem to really like it--the tank is too old school. I think when you got the tank you hadn't clearly visualized what you wanted, and were thinking more of an old-school cafe racer design. I don't think it's going that way anymore, though, so you should consider a different tank and save this one for another project.

I have to say, for being a beginner, I'm SUPER impressed with the work you've done. Keep it up, keep updating us. I just can't wait for the tuning to begin.

 

That will be nice power upgrade. Interesting direction on the wheel, I wasn't aware of the 900 Diversion. I have previously pondered the idea of mounting a GS500 (Suzuki) rear wheel on my 650 Seca. If and when I do a front 17" wheel conversion (I already have 300mm Brembo brakes on there now) I would want the rear wheel to match. It doesn't look like it would be too difficult to make an adapter that allows you to bolt up the Yamaha drive splines on the Suzuki sprocket carrier. I'd go with the GS500 wheel since it's 3.50" wide (fits) and I have a set in the garage. The front tire is a 110 width and the rear is a 130. They're the typical 3-spoke wheels that all sport bikes had in the '90s but in more Seca appropriate widths and more nimble handling.

Keep going!

-todd

 

I think it looks great as a neo-retro cafe, kind of in the vein of the Ducati Classics and the new Norton 961.

-todd

 

Are you going to wire it up using the MotoGadget M-Unit. I have been looking at that for my xs750 build. I wonder if it really does simplify the wiring? I am looking forward to see how you do it. Thanks

 

I went and offered up the GS500 rear wheel to my Seca 650. I did find that there is no way to fit anything larger than a 130 tire in there. The spacing between the drive housing and the right side swing arm is 5-1/2". The 130 tire (on a 3.5" rim) just barely squeezes through if you let the air out. I also had to loosen up the rear drive housing screws to move it out of the way a little. The GS wheel does fit in there, there is good room for the tire once it's in there, the axle is the same diameter as well. One big problem, there is 1-1/8" more offset on the GS wheel than on the Seca wheel on the drive side so no dice being able to adapt the splines to the GS wheel. The wheel is hollow inside so I can't just machine the center out.

You show you purchased a 150 tire for your build. will that fit past the drive housing on the Maxim?

I did find that the mufflers off my Ducati Monster bolt right on...

-todd

 

Thanks "most interesting Man in the world" and you other guys for the comments! I take all your suggestions under consideration as I'm a beginner at this. Your right about my bike though, it is basically just the frame left. I think I'm staying with the fuel tank setup. I thought about the XJR 1300 tank, but too far(UK) & too expensive. I finally got my '95 XJ900s Diversion rear wheel from Germany in today. It is a 17" x 4" rim. I mounted the 150/70-17 tire on and it went right on perfectly!! I think it might be offset to the right a little. I'm not sure of this, as I was just eyeballing it. If it is, it's very minimal, I'll have to research how to adjust it? I also put the FZ1 caliper & bracket on as a mock up. It needs a custom bushing to fit the axle. This wheel really transforms the bike into a more modern feel, imo.

 

I just ordered a XJ900f belly pan from ebay ebay link. I was going to go with a FJ600 belly pan from ebay, but found this one for $10 less & it's the right one. I did a mock up on paint program to see.

 

Belly pan is an excellent idea, wheel looks great, and when I look at it now, I can't help but wonder if with a sharp paint job the tank might be ok...

I really, really can't wait to see the finished product.

You show the bike sometimes with the rear elevated in a street-fighter look, but the last picture shows the rear all put together but with the rear end level. What will be the final look?

That's quite a workspace you have there!

How far is it from being able to just take it for a spin around the block to see what it feels like? Almost seems like you could just do that now, no?

How much does it weigh at present? (Assuming you may have a way to know, which you might not--in which case, a subjective answer is fine.)

 

The picture I used was an older one. It was the only one that I did with that angle for full mock up. The previous post is the more recent. unfortunately, it is far from running. I just yanked out the old 750cc motor & will be finishing my Mono-shock setup.

The company I work for is letting me use the space after hours to work on my bike. It's nice have a lot of room and tools to work on the bike.

I weighed the bike the other day and it was currently around 320 lbs. I'll add 20-40 lbs? I know the bike weighed over 500 when I started.

Thanks for the input. My goal on here is to inspire others viewing to create something cool, while I learn from more experienced.

 

I think it was asked earlier about how you were going to set up the digital gauge that you bought but I have a more specific question... I too am upgrading the front end on my bike. (06' Yamaha R6) the thing I just realized though tonight while pondering gauges is that I now have no speedo gear!!! So how on earth are you going to get a speed reading to the gauge? I am not going to get a fancy gauge like yours but still need to figure out some sort of pick up to translate into speed off the rear or front wheel. Any ideas?

-Chris

 

No worries my friend! You just have to purchase a electronic speedometer that uses a magnetic pickup usually mounted to the front wheel. I'm going with the Motogadget Motoscope Pro speedometer. There are others that are much cheaper TRY THIS.

 

I finally fabricated my tail section for my monoshock setup. It gives me full range of motion without binding or clearence issues with shock travel. Now it's time to send in the specs to Racetech for the custom rear shock.

 

Great going on the build skylrk62, really interesting stuff. I'll be watching the conclusion of this streetfighter with much anticipation.

 

I added a XJ900F lower fairing or "belly pan" to the bike. I think it looks pretty cool?

 

I installed the XJ900 engine in for a updated mock-up. I slipped right in, except for the spacing on the brackets in the front. there seems to be a 1/4" gap on each of the tabs. I wonder how the brackets look on a seca? I'm going from rubber to solid mounts. Other than that, the bike seems to be coming together now. I also will be adding "08 GSXR1000 rearsets ti the bike. I figured out that a FZR1000 rear wheel brake rotor is the same as the 95 XJ900S wheel. I'll be tearing the motor down & performing at least a top end rebuild, maybe more?

 

I just mounted '08 GSX-R 1000 rearsets to the bike. I had to make a mounting plate behind it and is tacked in place. I'm going to trim down the mounting plate to give it a more minimal look after it's welded all in.

 

You are doing many of the same things to your bike that I want to do to mine. Your bike is awesome.

 

For all you guys that thought no one raced these bikes seriously, here is one for you. The 1983 Folch Yamaha XJ900

 

This is a really nice build!
The lines of the seat looks "boxy" on first glance but on the second look it's just perfect!
And.. I'm a big fan of belly pans, it's just spot on!

A question, the support struts for the rear frame/seat, wouldn't they give better/stronger support if moved down and out a bit on the frame?

 

I'm in final countdown to getting this thing started. Connecting all the electrical & fuel injection setup now. I'm about a month out.

 

I was at the Detroit Auto Show and saw this Maserati in metallic blue. I have found the color inspiration finally! This blue with gold rims to match the forks. The scheme will resemble this bike.

 

This was a concern of mine. I did some testing on it. I hung on the end and jerked up & down on it. It did seem to be bothered by that. I'm not sure of the forces while riding, if they'll be greater or smaller? Aesthetically, the lines are more pleasing to me at this angle. I won't know until I test ride this beast, how it will react?

 

skylrk62 (great car by the way) I suggested to another forum member to put a ratchet strap on the back end and bottoming out the suspension to check for stresses before riding, might be safer than getting it all built up, testing it and finding issues. Just a thought.
Really a spectacular build!!
*EDIT*
As for the seat support, you could always put another set of support tubes from the ones you have now to a spot lower down and get the "Trellis" look of a Ducati, again, just a thought. Hmmm, hard to explain in words but here's a pic of what I'm getting at. See how the supports (silver rear section) are triangulated in the pic below.

 

I knew I had a picture of mine here somewhere Technically mine was a '61, according to the title.



Ha, this is a car I bought my senior year of high school. Waaaaay back when. My folks sold it pretty much for scrap while I was in the Marines.

Sweet bike by the way. I love the monoshock.

 

Hey Mike
It was probably listed as a 61 because WAY back then the new models came out around September of the previous year (IIRCC). So the 62 Skylark would have hit the showrooms in the fall of 61.
Not like now-a-days when you see the 2014's sometimes showing up before spring of 2013. Guess everyone wants to be first!!!

Ooops, sorry about the little thread hack skylrk.