Pressure washing? Aftermarket parts?

Hi Everyone.

I'm proud to say that I am the new owner of an 81' Maxim 650.... it's also my FIRST motorcycle.

I'm in my late 30's and have had mopeds in my younger years, but never a motorcycle. For me, the thrill is customizing. I'm not a huge rider, or a fan of weaving in traffic and being a moving target. However, I am very excited to start customizing.

This bike was owned by a mechanic and it is in very nice shape. Starts right up, runs strong, shifts well, and no blemishes to speak of! I had an older commercial 58" cut lawnmower that wasn't running, and this older gentleman traded me this bike for the mower.

This forums is AWESOME and I have had a great time looking through some of the great projects and upgrades that you guys have done. My favorite look for this bike is a bobber. I was wondering if you guys could recommend some specific parts. Some of the existing threads have links, but since they are older threads the links don't work anymore... and the links don't contain the make/manufacturer of the part.

First, I was hoping to modify the handlebars. Because of the angle of the bars in relation to the tank, I don't really know if I want to go to a drag style bar, or even a clip on bar, so I was hoping to get new hand controls, new white gauges, and a new illuminated cluster that shows the same illuminated squares as the stock model. Can anyone provide links of models that are directly compatible? I have attached a pic of what I have seen countless times, but I don't really know enough yet about the bike (or the motorcycling world) to know exactly what I'm looking for. If someone can tell me what this is I would appreciate it.


Next, I'd like to swap the seat for a bobber seat. I'm sure there are no direct bolt-on replacements, but can anyone suggest a model and link for a seat that they have used that worked well with the lines of this bike?

There are two minor problems with my otherwise pristine bike.... the foot pegs and the shift peg have little rubber left. It has somehow been damaged or cracked, or whatever. Are there aftermarket foot pegs/controls that are a direct fit? If anyone can provide alternatives I would appreciate it (either stock looking, or more stylish ones).


FINALLY.... this bike needs a good wash. Since I have never owned a true motorcycle before, how do I clean this bike? I'd like to pressure wash it, degrease the engine, etc. What do I need to cover?? What do I need to watch out for?

THANK YOU ALL!!!

-Dave

 

Under no circumstances should a motorcycle be pressure washed. Water will be forced into places where water should not go.
Just grab a bucket, rag, and a hose and wash it by hand. I don't see a spot of grease on her, but if there is any you can use Simple Green (the aluminum friendly version) and a nylon brush.

She looks good, but she's not pristine.
The seat is incorrect (looks like it might have been cut in length, built-up in height, and recovered), you have an aftermarket exhaust system and hand grips.

Chacal has replacement footpeg rubbers. Start a conversation with him.

As for bars, any people have liked the Daytona bars, or the EMGO Classic bars. Whatever you switch to will require a different master cylinder. since the stock one is angled for the buckhorns and won't work safely on flatter bars.

Despite the good running condition you should become familliar with the mechanicals before making any changes, and confirm that everything is safe and in specification.
The 'Read This First' link in my signature will get you started.

 

Not sure what you mean here? Are you asking what the gauge set in the picture belongs to? If you are, you're looking at the dash of an 85 of 86 xj700n. Air cooled.

 

If you're in NYC area, Nuch is close by. If you're upstate (the REAL upstate.....not way downstate like Liberty) in the Mohawk Valley to Chenango Valley area, I'm right around the corner.

 

Hi Nuch - thanks for the info. I was under the assumption that this gauge set and indicator light pod was some sort of aftermarket/catalog part, as I have seen it installed on many of the Maxim builds in this forum. People typically say "upgraded the gauge cluster", but never said what bike this was from or if it was a catalog part somewhere. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction with the 85/86 xj700n!

 

Hogfiddles, yes - way upstate. About a half hour from the Syracuse vicinity.

 

K-moe, thanks for the information. Hand washing it is!

Also, yes, I don't even have the bike registered yet - I will get to that next week and then bring it in for an inspection.

Your assumptions about the seat are correct. It is basically just sitting on the frame, not connected to anything. I think it is a necessity to remedy that issue immediately. Do you (or ANYONE) have any suggestions for any good bobber-style seats that fit the bike without extensive modification? I'm an engineer and have welding skills, but I don't have ready access to "good" welding equipment at the moment. I have a 110v buzz-box at home which I used to build a trailer (which is still together a few years later), so I can easily weld on a seat mount bracket if necessary.... I just want to make sure it's a GOOD, solid, sturdy weld. So I guess what I'm saying is the less fabrication that has to be done right now, the better. Thanks for the suggestions.

I'm reading your "Read This First" content now!

 

I'm just south of utica. I'll send you a conversation with my contact info in it. Give me a shout tonight.

Dave

 

Aahh... perfect, Dave. You're minutes away from me!

-Dave

 

Larry with his 750rj lives up there too--
We'll talk this evening.
Btw, reserve next June 8 for CNYCC#12 (Central NY Carb Clinic #12). Here's a link to #11 last month.

https://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/central-new-york-carb-clinic-11-june-9-2018.118486/

Shortcut would to start reading around page 5....

These are called Carb Clinic, but anything is addressed. Sometimes it turns into a brake Clinic like this year.... all depends on what is needed.

 

Cool - will-do. I'm looking through the page now.
So I will have a few minutes to hit ebay after, do you have any suggestions for a bobber-style seat that would go well on an xj650? I want to get that installed prior to inspection, as a disconnected seat is probably some kind of violation. I'll make it all pretty later, but if I can at least get a solid seat, that would be great! Hahaha.

 

I may still have a seat like that... I don't remember if I sold or not… I will check when I get home

 

You guys are spoiled...

 

?

 

Nah. We just smell funny.

 

I think he's referring to the guys who have access to the great xj resource that is Dave Fox.

 

Oh. I wonder if I have access to him---

 

...and some of us get access to that tractor!

 

Yeh -"just a quick trip up the road". And on top of that the world expert on spares supplies, without import duties and little transport costs.
Add to thaat the biggest stocks of used xjs on the planet, you'd better be thinking of who you're going to hand these down to. If you think about it, some of the better kept machines will double in age easily.

Spoled- treat with great or excessive kindness, consideration, or generosity.

Lost a bit in translation, but yes, I am slightly jealous.