YAMAHA XJ6-N

This is my Yamaha XJ6-N.

A two-wheel vehicle.

A blank canvas – the Yamaha XJ6-N

As I’ve had my motorcycle license for a little while already, I finally saved up for a motorcycle and purchased a Yamaha XJ6-N for joy rides on two wheels. When I bought it, this bike was completely original – not even decals had been added. Much like the Mini when I got it, I am individualising this motorcycle, possibly adding performance modifications as well as various aesthetic changes to match the Mini. Check out my YouTube and Instagram accounts to stay up-to-date.

Modifications to my Yamaha XJ6-N.

A snapped chain

After riding my Yamaha XJ6-N for just two months, disaster struck. While I was on the way home from a spirited ride at night, the chain snapped in the midst of an uphill turn. Luckily, it happened during a low speed and the bike didn’t even fall over. However, the chain had gotten stuck deep in the crankcase and smashed a large dent into it, causing oil to seep out. We had to tow it back home.

Once home, I inspected the damage more closely. The exact cause for the chain snapping was impossible to tell, but all I could imagine is that it happened due to age and insufficient lubrication. The bike had only 20.000km on the clocks, but I didn’t know whether the chain had ever been changed before. For more details on the incident, check out my YouTube video!

Installing a new engine

After an attempt to fix the dent, a full oil change, and a brand new chain and sprockets, I tested the bike to see whether this fixed it. However, after the test ride I could tell that there was no way to fix the dent and stop oil from seeping through tiny cracks in the crankcase completely and more than that: the second gear was making a terrible rattling noise. My bike was unsafe to ride. After having a professional bike mechanic inspect it as well, the decision was made to replace the entire engine!

Over the course of a couple of days during the winter months I was able to swap my Yamaha XJ6-N’s engine for another used but fully functioning engine. Of course, I documented the entire process on YouTube! The journey of fixing my motorcyle had finally come to an end as I went for my comeback ride!

Sequential LED-indicators by LED-PERF

Before and while my motorcycle was stationary, I made a few changes to enhance the look and individualise it. The first thing I changed were the indicators. Instead of the bulky, orange indicators that the Yamaha came with, I opted for sleek, sequential LEDs that fit the bike’s sporty look.

Number plate holder by SAITO V-shape

Because I had to take off the number plate holder for this installation anyway, I took the opportunity to swap the plastic advertising number plate holder for an aluminium V-Shape holder without a frame. To fasten, I simply drilled two holes into the plate and kept it in place with flat-head bolts.

Protech Magazi XC-10

Whenever something breaks on my vehicles, I prefer to replace it with something of better quality than its original piece. For instance, when one of my motorcycle’s mirrors shattered, I purchased the Protech Magazi XC-10. These mirrors are made of high-quality aluminium, have tinted glass and are arrow-shaped. A perfectly functional and sporty addition to my Yamaha XJ6-N! Of course, I made a video documenting how to change the mirrors on a motorcylce as well as a before and after comparison on YouTube.

White Decals for an individualised look

No motorcycle or car is fully individualised without a few stickers! Just like on the Mini, I personalised my Yamaha XJ6-N by adding a few small decals. These are vinyl cutouts that I make myself. I chose to add a “Yamaha” decal on the fork and my social media tagline “kiarashifts” on the swing arm. Finally, a small “600” placed at the back of the motorcycle signifies the size of the engine at 600cc. Now, I’m considering wrapping some parts in the same blue colour that I have on the Mini or making some small pinstripes along sharp edges. Make sure to follow me on YouTube and Instagram to stay up-to-date.