1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca anti dive

If your refreshing, renewing, or restoring a motorcycle, one of the costs involved is part replacement. This video offers a great tip on saving money on o-rings. Also mentioned is a must have tool for detail work -  Dremel. Mine has two speeds and I buy the small wire brushes at the local tool supply store; 10 to a pack for cost savings. If you buy them at the big box hardware stores, they are sold individually and quite expensive. Any tips from our readers, please pass along and we'll post them.  JF

1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca and 1983 XJ900 Seca-SST

I can now cross this off my bucket list....a used stock 1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca sitting side by side with the 1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca-SST. This video will give the viewer a good idea of the differences between the two bikes.  I will continue to produce videos that will show the process needed to update the Japanese bikes of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. While I can't offer update tips on all the bikes of this era, a lot of what you'll see can be applied to your individual bike. Carb rebuilds, brake rebuild, steering head and wheel bearing replacement, plastic repair, and modifications. We hope you'll pass along your tips in pictures and clips. You can subscribe to our YouTube channel at JonFJ1200. Stay tuned....JF

The original 1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca

The benefits to having a website and blog are seen in the above video. I was contacted about two years ago through the website by a gentlemen named John, we talked bikes, modifications, and have stayed in touch. About two weeks ago John sent me an email asking if I might be interested in purchasing his 900 Seca. Seems the frailties of life have caught up to him....he has cancer and is not expected to live more than a year.

John wants the bike to go to someone who would appreciate it and not 'bob' or cafe it. At first the asking price was way to high, but with some emails and phone calls we worked out a fair price. This video shows the pick up and then some of the things that will need attention.  Stay tuned for video's of this bike along side the SST.

Ride often, ride safe,

JF

1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca-SST

In 2007 I finally fulfilled one of my goals and modified a 1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca. The inspiration came from seeing old printed drawings claimed to be a possible prototype of the 900 with the Yamaha 650 Turbo Seca fairing. Further research lead to pictures of the XJ750D Seca; a bike only produced in Japan (see earlier post for more details on this bike).  Thus was born the XJ900 Seca-SST (acronym for Standard Sport Touring), and a pursuit in a new college degree.

After I built the bike I decided to see if anyone else would be interested in my work so I contacted folks withing the motorcycle industry and was overwhelmed with their response....."send photo's, send build history, send more information."  Mitch Boehm at Moto Retro Illustrated was launching his first issue and invited me to send pictures and info. I'm grateful to be in the premier issue, published fall of 2009. Then the ball started rolling, MotorcycleNews.com of the UK did a story on us, followed by RealClassic.com, part 1 (900 Seca) and part 2 (900 Seca). Next Paul Crowe at TheKneeSlider.com (link), and finally BikeEXIF.com (link).

All of the attention lead to the realization that I needed to be better versed in many different areas. From computer skills, to e-marketing, to writing....time for this middle aged white guy to go back to school. Enjoying the process, the new friends from all around the world, and just plain riding.

Ride safe, ride often, JF

2011 Ducati 1198SP, 2011 Ducati Diavel, 2011 Ducati Multistrada

The world press is a buzz with Ducati's new Diavel. 1198cc V-Twin sourced from the successful Multistrada. Weighing in at just 456 pounds and putting out a whopping 162 horsepower, the Diavel("devil" in Bolognese) is looking to top the mph's at 150. To all you cruiser guys, there's a new game in town.
This clip first shows the new 1198SP, and then the odd looking Multistrada, followed by the Diavel.

Ride often, ride safe  JF

Super Bowl XLV - Goal Post Harley-Davidson

Today is Super Bowl Sunday. The Pittsburgh Steelers play the Greenbay Packers. So how does a motorcycle nut head like me celebrate the big day?  Internet image shopping of course! When I saw this picture I immediately thought of Paul Sr. over at Orange County Choppers. Was it one of Paul's new 'theme' bikes? It had all the earmarks, custom paint, custom pipes, custom sissy bar, and of course the custom ape hangers (handlebars). But wait, as my ever warped mine seized on the idea....this could be the Goal Post Super Bowl Bike!
No Paul Sr. didn't create it, however some dude, somewhere is lining this bike up for an extra point.
Enjoy your Sunday, eat some chips, followed by a Root Beer chaser....JF

1972 Norton 750 Combat Commando, 1966 Harley-Davidson XLCH Cafe Racer, and 1915 Harley J Model Cannonball Ride

Of these three bikes the 1972 Norton 750 Combat Commando captures my heart the most. With Norton now in production again in UK, Norton lovers the world over can celebrate it's return. I picked the background music at random, and bingo....seems to fit the 'feel' for the era.  Ride often, ride safe.  JF

1984 Honda Nighthawk 700S

One of my all time favorites for style and design. The following information is from Wikipedia."Honda marketed the CB700SC (also called Nighthawk 700S) in the US from 1984–1986, configuring the bike's specification to avoid a 1983 US tariff on motorcycles over 700 cc.  Honda marketed the CB750SC, a virtually identical bike with a slightly larger engine capacity, outside the US. A very closely related cousin was chain driven, sold in Europe, Australia and Brazil. It continued in production in Brazil for many years.


Similar to the previously introduced 650 Nighthawk, the Nighthawk S featured a 700 cc engine, shaft drive and hydraulic lifters in a bike with angular lines, a small "bikini" fairing and a 16 inch front wheel more typical of a sport bike. The Nighthawk 700S originally (1984–1985) featured black paint with either red or blue blue accent panels. In 1986 the 700SC featured navy blue paint (with white panels and red pinstripes) or black (with red panels and tri color red pinstripes).[2] Valve cover and clutch covers were painted black as well as the wheels.

The engine was the same layout as the 650 Nighthawk's, but a completely different design and shared no parts. It had double-overhead cam, four cylinder with hydraulic lifters which virtually eliminated valve adjustments. The exhaust was a four-into-two finished in black chrome. The engine was enameled mostly in black with brushed satin silver trim. Other components were also enameled in black including the lower fork legs, handlebars, and rear grab rails."

These bikes have quite a following, check out this link for much more information.

Ride safe, ride often --  JF

Motorcycles of the 60s

The video was taken at the Seattle International Motorcycle Show. Bikes on display were either in the VME (Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiast's) section, or part of the Sound Rider display. Enjoy!

1985 BMW K100RS

Featured today is a 1985 BMW K100RS. Nick named the flying brick, due to the flat four motor laying horizontal in the frame. Produced between 1983 and 1992, the K100RS is legendary for its longevity...many examples with 100,000 to 300,000 miles. Perhaps the only nit pick with the K bike, some thought it was boring to ride, due in large part to how smooth the motor was.  I don't share that opinion. Rated at 90hp, fuel injected, 983cc and weighing in at 548lbs. Perhaps the greatest challenge to owning one....finding a low mileage bike for purchase. Ride soon, ride often....JF

Yamaha YICS-Good for fuel economy

Have you ever wondered what YICS is? Why is it blazoned into the covers on the engine of your older Yamaha motorcycles? Is it like Wonder Bread? Does it make your bike run farther, jump higher, and outrun the bad guys? Yamaha introduced Yamaha Induction Control System in 1979 as a fuel-saving engine system in 4-stroke motors. As stated in an earlier post, some of the most fuel efficient motorcycles were of the late 70s and 80s. How does it work? The following is a summary of the system from a Yamaha service manual.  "The YICS  consists of 2 separate chambers, each connected, by a hose, to a port on each cylinder just behind the intake valve.  As the piston moves down on the intake stroke, the cylinder fills with a fresh air/fuel charge.  A vacuum is created in the YICS chamber at the same time.  When the intake valve closes, part of the charge is drawn into the YICS.  When the intake valve reopens the mixture in the YICS shoots back out through an angled tube into the cylinder, mixing with and swirling the main intake charge.  The swirling charge is then compressed and ignited, burning more completely and producing more power than that of a conventional engine."
With this in mind, also note that many owners of XJ bikes recommend using high octane fuel, or a good fuel cleaner to keep the YICS tubes from getting clogged. I recommend using a product called FP60 by www.LCDINC.com  On their website the following benefits are claimed for their fuel additive:

• Antioxidant and solvent properties scavenge water and moisture from the oil and fuel systems
• Emulsifies carbon and varnish and most other "gunk"
• Stabilizes the fuel, allowing more efficient burn in the combustion chamber
• Lowers fuel mixture freezing points
• Reduces carbon dioxide and NOX emissions up to 30%
• Leaves a thin, protective coat of oil over vital fuel system parts, including fuel pump, gas tank and fuel injectors.

I've been using FP60 for four years and have had great success with it. Seca turbo fairing, headlight cover, YICS, and a fuel additive....does it all add up to 58 miles per gallon on the Seca 900?  My tests say yes.

Yamaha XJ750D Seca

Part of my inspiration for building the XJ900 Seca-SST was this photo. Pictured here is a 1983 Yamaha XJ750D. This bike was not imported into the USA. The following information was located on the web from a gentlemen trying to sell his bike in New Zealand.  The ad read - "An excellent Touring bike, so comfortable to ride.

The XJ750D was the first model in Japan equipped with a full faring incorporating aerodynamic design. At the same time it featured advanced Yamaha electronic technologies such as the YFIS (Yamaha Fuel Injection System) and the "Yamaha Cycle Communication System," which provided a man-machine interface to give the rider information concerning the condition of the machine



It boasts a fully digital dash board with a ten function on-board fuel economy computer that includes a clock, up-count trip meter, set-able down-count trip meter, fuel remaining in tank (liters), fuel economy (as you ride, updated every 30 seconds) range on remaining fuel, time spent on trip, average speed, fuel consumption, and average economy.



There is also a seven function monitor that activates a large warning light on the dash and displays an LCD icon to warn if the side stand is down or brake, oil, battery or fuel levels are low. It also warns of lamp failure in the head or tail lights and provides a fuel gauge.



A great example in true original condition. Just a few scuff marks and a small plastic weld repair on the fairing.



Complete with a radio, tape deck and all the hard luggage you need for the "Great Touring Adventure".



4 cylinder, fuel injected, shaft drive. Starts first time and runs like a dream."

WOW! Fuel injection in 1983?!  Would love to see one of these bikes up close....just for the digital information on the instruments.  So, if you own one, drop us an email, send pics, and happy riding.  JF
secaman@gmail.com