Will this 1982 XJ750 Seca Craigslist find need a Valve Adjustment?

Hi everyone! First off, I apologize if this is the wrong section to post in. I thought about posting in the general discussion, but thought this would be more appropriate.

I'm looking into purchasing a 1982 Seca XJ750RJ. Has 14,350 miles on it. The seller on my local Craigslist is asking $1500, but said there's some room for negotiation.

After doing quite a bit of reading online, it would appear that this bike is just about due for a valve adjustment (every 16,000 miles, right?). I have zero mechanical experience, especially when it comes to bikes, and I'd hate to purchase something that is going to need thousands in routine maintenance costs. So I thought I'd ask the experts on this!

On top of that, what other things should I look out for when I go check this bike out this weekend?

Listing description: "If you are looking for a clean vintage motorcyle to get you around then look no further. This well maintained and good running motorcycle has been in the family since it was new in 1982. It is a sporty ride with a comfortable riding position and the 4 into 1 Supertrapp exhaust that turns heads. The front brakes are new, tires have about 4,000 miles on them, carbs have been professionally rebuilt by Power Yamaha in Stayton, Oregon."

Thanks so much!

 

I was in a similar situation when purchased an XJ750 last year. I paid $900 for it, with 30K miles. I had zero experience with bikes until taking the Basic Rider Course last August and hadn't worked on a car since the 90s. I'm still intimidated with it (I'm waiting to check my valve clearances until after I see how someone else does it in June), but folks here are very generous with their knowledge. I can't really tell you what to look for, but I will say that it is best to assume the well maintained bike might not have been so well maintained. Check safety items first.

Edit: Nice looking bike, by the way.

 

Thanks for your reply! This bike almost seems to good to be true. Original owners, only 14K miles. Looks super clean. But of course with any vehicle this old you've got to be cautious! I'm hoping the fine folks here can help me out!

 

you could check the valve shims just to be sure if you were to purchase the bike. should have been checked 3 times by now
ask him if he has any service records for the bike that would be a good start to know where the bike may need some work.



also here is a link to manuals free download
XJ750 manuals

 

use the direct link from imgur, then paste it into either the picture button or the link button.

 

Exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the insight. I'll keep that in mind, and ask them when I check it out! Thanks!

 

Hi Polock. I had attempted both direct linking to the image URLs, and simply linking the Imgur URL to some text, but both times it gave me an error saying I don't have permission to do that. I'll try editing it again!

Edit: Was able to upload the images into the post, but still wasn't able to post them like I normally would in a forum. Hopefully that's a little better though!

 

looks nice

 

should have been a tab saying thumnail or full image

copy paste works sometimes too.

 

Oh no....you're in trouble now
take 1400$ with you, 1200 in one pocket and 200 in the other, tell him the brake lines are way past due

 

Checking valves is actually really easy. Follow the guide on here exactly and you'll have zero problems.

 

links
AIRHEAD VALVE ADJUSTMENT with Pics

AIRHEAD VALVE ADJUSTMENT Part 2: The Tool vs. ZipTie -w/pics

 

Hi Yellow. Thanks for your reply! I've watched a few videos on how to check and replace them. It's not so much the checking that intimidates me, but the process of taking the bike apart to be able to check them. I also have just a small toolset that may or may not be sufficient for this type of work.

Do you have any advice on what I can look for when checking out the bike?

Thanks for the links CJ550H! Super helpful. Also very intimidating! Not sure if I'd be capable of doing that. I'm reading it takes roughly 4 to 6 hours for an experienced DIY-er. That translates to at least 10 hours for me! :-D

 

The only "special" tools required (assuming you have a basic socket set, screw drivers, and set of allens) is spark plug wrench, and feeler gauges. I used the zip tie trick when I did mine and it was a piece of cake. Although I did borrow my girlfriends tweezers for a minute lol.

The process may look a little intimidating but honestly the write up from Fitz is very very detailed and easy to follow. As for dismantling the bike to get to that point it should be very easy to flip the seat up and take the tank off. On my 550 the tank is held on with a single nut. I'm sure the 750 is pretty similar.

And unless you have pretty deep pockets and want to pay a repair ship every time your bike needs a fix I would highly suggest learning to do the work yourself. It's far cheaper, and also leads to a better understanding of how the bike functions.

 

I'll definitely keep that in mind! The guide is very helpful. I'd just hate to screw something up. Any thoughts on what I can look out for when inspecting the bike this weekend?

 

go to the auto parts store and have them order this or buy from amazon below.
K-D Tools 2274 Metric Feeler Gauge Set



K-D Tools 2274 Metric Feeler Gauge Set
by KD Tool

 

smoke out of the exhaust and current owner.
check the front disc for scores and pads. look for all defects make a list. the owner is going to tell you how good the bike is. ask for service records
running go through the gears.
set a price you want to pay and stick to it . as Polock suggested

if he will not take your lowest offer
write down your name and phone and make a standing offer of it. Tell him to call you when he wants to sell it a. Thank him for his time and walk away ( write this offer down before you get there ), keep looking for a bike.

 

Last week, I just checked my valves for the first time. I had always had a dealer do it before. I got a quote this spring from a Yamaha dealer. It would cost around $400-$500 , even if they did nothing but check and no new shims necessary. After doing it myself, I found that the majority were slightly out of spec, one seriously so. The bike was running good. Good thing I checked! It had been 14k miles since last done.

It isn't hard with the instructions above. That said, if you are buying from a mechanic, make an offer contingent on:
1) they check and adjust valve clearances prior to sale AND
2) they provide you with the valve clearance numbers and shim sizes to prove they actually did it!

I can see where learning to do it yourself is good as it will be done more often. I always hated to plunk down the hundreds of dollars...

 

Assume that every used bike will need every maintainance item done. If upon inspection the work is not needed, then at least you know your new bike better than you did before.

Also assume that unless a video is linked from this site that it has incorrect information. There are several videos out there that show you how to screw up your XJ.

Your first valve check (and adjustent if needed) will take you around 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Your second will take you about 45 minutes if you work slow. Start a log book and in it make a table for your valve clearances and what shims are installed in each location. With that information your check and adjust procedure becomes really easy.

 

I actually have this already! :-D I use it for setting my string action on my guitar. Score!

Thanks for the tips! That's good to know. Unsure if they're a mechanic, but wouldn't hurt to ask!

That's a good point. I'll keep that in mind. And yes, there are TONS of bad instructional videos out there (in all things). I'll be sure to dig through this site for the good ones! And if those times are based off someone with no mechanical experience, then that's actually not too bad! Thanks for the tips.

 

Thanks for this! Good stuff to keep in mind when I check it. I'm hoping to snag it for $1000-$1200, but we'll see... I can use some of these maintenance items against the asking price during negotiation hopefully.

 

My first attempt at checking valve clearances and shim size took about 4 hours, but I also replaced the valve cover gasket and the all the valve bolt grommets at the same time and had to modify the shim bucket tool. This probably took half the time.

I also learned some things trial and error, esp. regarding the use of the shim bucket tool which will make it go faster. I figure it will take about an hour next time.

4/30 update - still took 3 hours today to put in 6 new shims.