OK let teh fun begin XJ550

[wolfsbane]

Ok well have decided to keep the XJ550 after seing a nice one on the web and seing as the cost was low decided to have a go
may take me a while and will def ask a few of you questions but here we go
turn this


INTO This except some forward controls may be in order



so i recon its time to stip it and get going

[wolfsbane]

ok first question strip her down rebuild motor and put her back together for rego before i cut the back of the frame and do new smaller shocks or is this not a major modification that needs a plate ?

[Bacca]

Will need a rear guard if ya don't want unwanted attention

[wolfsbane]

yes mate got that sorted have one from a big Kawasaki

so what im looking at is
small front guard , risers that will convert to a 1inch as i have a set of drag bars
only gauge will be speedo , light and indicator switch from independant parts, indicators are very small already have them
want to keep tank if i can or get one of a 1985 model , bobber seat , lowered rear with slightly fatter Tyre , pods and home made bat box with new wiring done , 4 to 2 straight thru exhaust using original headers
but i think first thing will be the motor rebuild
Lots of work and will take a while but like the look of the bike and the price was right
then have to look at the paint and what would look best
oh and chop the back of and have some shot gun rounds used tac the into the pipes after chopping them

[Bacca]

Be interesting to see how it turns out, some builds tend to evolve as ya go

[wolfsbane]

ok need to know if i cut the back of the frame do i need engineering approval

[shaunster]

I spoke with an engineer who I met at a BBQ about a year go - and just asked him some general questions.

His words were: if you mod the frame at all, technically it needs to be engineered.

If you do it cleanly, and mount the rear guard in a way that looks solid, I doubt you are going to even get a second glance from anyone.

[wolfsbane]

Thanks shaun

it will be done to look like it was made that way just wondered if i should register before i do it

[shaunster]

Probably wouldn't hurt to get it rego'd and running before cutting it up saves you any potential hassles.

[wolfsbane]

Ok first question

Tank has been left open at some stage and has surface rust internally what if any is the best way to get rid of this
also by-past the starting system and turned her over looks like she will be a runner before i have to do a major rebuild (i hope )

[Prof]

Try 4mm gravel and soapy water and wave it around frantically.

[wolfsbane]

thanks mate

[wolfsbane]

Started strip down toady just front end this is what it looked like
Rust and webs

Seals look alright

along with the gecko and a few wasps nests was all this rust

[wolfsbane]

after clean thing will have to replace


mock up

[Prof]

Go retro with fork boots to cover rust below bottom fork yoke... some polished stainless tube or painted mild steel tube above. Weld a couple of fancy ears from 6mm square or round bar and mount a side mount headlight.