Newbie needs help

I am looking to purchase a 1981 xj650 to fix up over the winter season and get riding next summer. It is currently advertised as an "easy fix". The ad says that it will turn over but not start. Looking for any ideas/tips/advice as not only do i plan on getting it running, but am also looking to turn it into a bobber. [ps this will be my first ever motorcycle]

 

http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/the-information-overload-hour.27544/

Generally a compression check and visual inspection of any structural damage (bent frame, forks, etc.) is your best bet. Where in the US of A are you? There are a lot of helpful people here and a nearby member would probably be more than happy to meet you and look over the bike with you.

Bob away AFTER you get it dialed in and running reliably in a stock engine/ drive train condition. Emphasis on a stock air intake system.

 

Welcome to the forum! Could you give us a little more back ground? Have you even been riding and wrenching long? If this is your first bike, do as Stumplifter suggests and keep it stock until she is running right. Then do what ever you want with her. Safety is key on these older bikes and with you, that is why I was asking about your riding background.

Lots of information on this forum and that link above will take a while to get through, it is well worth it!

 

First ever motorcycle ever or first one you're attempting to "fix-up" ?

Here's the deal on this forum - there's a whole bunch of very knowledgable people here that have been working on these bikes for years and give up there valualbe free time to help other XJ owners like you and i out.. there's also no trolls or dicks - which is unusual for a forum. The best way to go about this is to get yourself a copy of the factory service manual if you can and the Haynes XJ manual ( it's nice to have a hardcopy in the garage but I also have soft copies if you want them PM me ).

Once you have these...as @Stumplifter says get the thing running and STOPPING ...then make it safe to ride and then consider what you want to do to change it up. Read all that stuff in the information overload hour - read the manual - give it a go and then ask specific questions here. Do that and you'll be up and running in no time. Also click on the XJ4Ever link in the top right(*) and @chacal will help you out with any part you might need.

Also - put the model and year of your bike in your signature so that everyone knows what it is when you post other threads.

Welcome to the club dude!

 

Every seller of a non-running machine says that it's an easy fix. Use that to your advantage when negotiating a price. If it were an easy fix (and it actually my be) why hasn't the seller done it?

Read the links in my signature. Regardless of the actual cause of the bike not starting, you NEED to go through it thoroughly.

 

Don't look.

Just get it.

You won't find a better forum with better people.

Go XJ!

 

Thanks for all the advice guys! As far as my location, mid Ohio. As far as my experience riding, would be my first riding season. But my experience working on things I have a little knowledge. I would help my dad fix the cars and lawn mowers growing up and have always enjoyed it (I know it's two completely different worlds but I think I can manage). I have the optimal space and tools to do the job, just not as much motorcycle mechanic know-how, but I'm always willing to learn

 

Take an MSF course.

You will be fine with your mechanical knowledge level and willingness to learn about motorcycles.

 

^^^^+1 The MSF is a great class, you will really lean a lot about motorcycle riding and about your skill level. https://www.msf-usa.org/

 

Thanks Ribo!

 

Plus it's fun to ride in a circle, panic brake, drag the clutch, and traverse 2x4's for two days straight... (with someone else's motorcycle of course).

 

Consider buying one that's already bobbed. They look good but not that good to ride further than a few miles. Once you've done it, you might be sorry.

 

oh shit I forgot about Matti!

 

Well that depends how you bob it - ask @BaldWonder how far he's ridden - if he's still around.

 

Well, that's my point. I can turn to 100 people I know who enjoy riding their bikes as they were designed. Those unfinished projects we see on ebay are almost never unfinished standard restorations, they are bobbers and cafes. Your mate might be one that did is correctly.

For a new rider, it's a huge risk that the job won't be completed at all (ie one of many unfinished projects on ebay), won't be done at affordable cost, won't be done to an acceptable quality or won't be a bike that he enjoys riding.

The guys have advised to get your bike sorted, absolutely correct. My tip would be to try to get a few rides on bobbers and understand the outcome. Make sure that's what you want before you start.

 

Maybe buy this.
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/81-xj650-maxim-rat-bobber-many-subjective-improvements.117084/

 

Ditto on the MSF course, learned a ton. But also remember you are still learning.

As our instructors said when handing us our licenses... "Congratulations! You are now fully qualified to ride motorcycles!... on a closed course, parking lot, ... with two coaches... etc."

In other words you don't know crap yet, be careful

 

RRRIIGGGHHHTTT-----//

 

About a season after the MSF course, I started to feel comfortable and confident. I still rode cautiously, but 6 months of experience went a long way. A little less confident the next spring, but it all came back quickly.

 

After my experience this past year, I'll always suggest new riders get an older bike and learn the basics as they fix it up.

I didn't plan on buying an XJ, but found something I liked on CL and dove in. I've spent the summer working on it, following the advice of this group. It's been frustrating and intimidating at times, as I had never really worked on any vehicle beyond the simplest of repairs before. That said, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I now know more about motorcycles in general than guys I ride with that have been at it for 30+ years.

Case in point, I ride with a group that is mostly HD and Indian. On a ride this past summer, one of them was telling everyone about a factory recall notice from HD to have his brake fluid changed (I guess a new design left much more prone to absorbing moisture). These guys with their expensive bikes were shocked to learn that brake fluid wasn't actually supposed to be dark brown or that it was supposed to be changed one a regular basis. Thanks to what I've learned, I was shocked these veteran riders had no clue.

 

To the point of how far one may or may not ride a "bobbed" bike, since my 650 Maxim has been on the road in my ownership it has never been in stock form. It has been strutted, solo seat with springs made and installed. I kept the factory airbox as I didn't want to mess with a tuning nightmare. It's not perfect the way it is but I have put on somewhere in the neighborhood of 3-4 thousand miles on it since May. Yes there have been a few times where it has gotten to me but I am also a new rider. Once my 750 is done (who knows when that will be) I'll be able to see what riding an xj in stock form is all about. I agree and disagree about long distance rides on modified bikes. It's all in how or what you modify and your fortitude to ride it, in my opinion of course.

 

Every single friend I've had that has come to me for advice on starting riding has been given the advice. Go buy a $1000 beater that you don't care about dropping - don't care about the faring or the paint and hopefully something with crash bars etc. After the control of the bike becomes mostly subconscious which will take about six months then go get your band new CBR from the dealer if you want. During this time you will have dropped your beater at least once and probably hit something once also.

How many of these friends took my advice - zero - how many dropped their brand new <insert-bike> within six months - all of them!

I don't give advice anymore.

 

^^^^+1 If you had not started to ride as a kid, this could happen very easy. One of my buddies drove is new 600 out of the dealers drive and dumped it right away. I agree with finding a bike that is okay and safe to ride that might be hard on the eyes and even burn some oil. Ride the hell out of it and get used to it and not worry if it get a scratch or ding, that what a first bike if for. Then once you have taking the MSF class and gotten used to riding, get a better bike that looks good and enjoy.

 

Or get a used Rebel. Cheap, light reliable, not enough power to get into much trouble, and you wouldn't believe the compliments I get on it's looks. Mostly from non riders. At first my ego had problems with the size, but it's perfect for what it is designed for, easy riding. Plus there will always be a buyer when it's time to upgrade.

 

Uh huh.......

 

yeah good first bike for sure - but get one with the pillion seat cos part of riding is getting ridden after.

 

I don't think the 250 could handle a passenger. Load capacity is 350 lbs, and my fat arse uses up most of that... WOTAT! (Wide open throttle all the time)

 

Nothing under 500 is a motorbike IMHO - unless it’s an off-road scrambler. I have zero basis for this opinion it’s just how I feel!

 

my biggest nemisis for the last bike on the road for the season is an guy in his 70's who rides a black scooter his is first on the road in the spring last on the road in the winter and sneaks out when the roads are clear in the winter. Gets a nod and wave from me every time I see him, true rider its in his blood.

all the Harley bikers disappered form the streets a few weeks ago (local chapter of some biker club) only colors flying now are the leaves as they blow around

 

Sounds like a real biker but he's not riding a bike is he!!

 

2 wheels and a motor = motorcycle

a guy I know HD rider used to mock my 550. he and his HD got run over by a 4 wheeler
now I just ask him how his bike is running when I see him

 

Agreed. My neighbor has an Ultra Classic. Beautiful! He'll tell you that he's been riding since he was a teenager. Tats, pony tail... you know the drill...

I love the guy. Honestly, I do... I've even cracked a few beers this past summer with him.

But...

My XJ has been out 3 times this week... 1x to work... 2x for me... I can see the dust on his Harley from my house.

 

Two wheels and a motor?

So this is a motorcycle huh!?

 

I'm not getting started with definitions again...

 

no silly thats a segway

 

Hey, I know I'm late to the party, but...

So yeah, my bobber. I modded the frame just fine, but the seat is awful now. It's about as comfortable as a wooden chair with one of those pillow pads tied to the backrest. I can go about an hour before my ass is numb. Then I need another hour to un-numb it. So that, and becoming program director for my area's autocross club, and dropping the bike while moving after hitting Jrod one fine summer day, and having a baby... I haven't been riding for some time now. I'll get back to it, but there'll need to be some major changes to the bike, not just life.

 

That must also make your seat quite uncomfortable!

 

Ok ok, "becoming a father." Better?

 

A little bit... It doesn't remove the image of Baldwonder squeezing out a bald wonder though. Hehehe.

 

Hey! Baldy's back!!!! Good to see you, man!

 

Thanks Dave! I wouldn't say I'm back-back, but I'll drop in from time to time and harass you guys.

 

Fair enough.....then when you DO drop in, we'll harass you! lol

 

BTW....thought you were gonna come to the carb clinic!?!?!?

 

For 2016's clinic? Yeah, I don't remember what my excuse ended up being. As for 2017, not much else happens when you have a colicky newborn. Thank goodness she's past that phase!

I'm fairly certain we've completely hijacked the OP's thread here.
OP, if you chop your bike and need to chop the seat, get the seat professionally upholstered. They'll know the secret sauce to making a comfortable seat, meaning more and longer ride times. It'll be worth every dollar.

 

Planning is underway for 2018 now, I think you still have my phone number---feel free to stay in contact with me for details, or send a conversation to me.....

 

Indeed I do... area code 315.

 

Yup

 

I think we lost the OP a while ago. Just so you know this is NOT the secret comfy seat sauce:

 

Already putting the nickels away now for the 2018 carb clinic run! I'd like to bring two XJ's this time. But if that's not in the cards, maybe I show up with one and leave with two...

Here's to Dave having something interesting to sell... and willing to sell it!!!

 

Hand-crafted dulcimer comes to mind....