Potential future XJ owner

Hi everyone. I stumbled across this site last night after finding a 1981 XJ650 for sale near me and falling in love with her pictures. The bike is owned by a man who's father rode it back in 2001 but it hasn't been ran since and currently doesn't run. He does say that the electrical system works and he has a clear title in hand so I figure those are bonuses. I am going on Thursday to take a look at the bike before the seller leaves town and will then decide by next week whether or not to buy it. He is offering it for $500. Any words of wisdom or things I should keep an eye out for? I really appreciate any help and am hopeful that I will be a regular on this board starting next week .

 

If you can take a charged battery and test the compression. Beyond that look for rust and rusted out parts, look for cracks if frame and condition of the rubber boots etc.

If was stored inside or under cover it may be in pretty good shape. Cash talks. If you take cash and offer to remove it right away you can offer less and see what happens.

 

Umm...rubber boots? I guess I should explain better, I know NOTHING about motorcycles. I do have pretty good mechanical skills when it comes to figuring out what's what but when it comes to bikes I have no idea whats going on. I have already been reading a ton on this forum about this motorcycle but that just shows me that I don't know what I'm getting into . I am registered for a motorcycle safety course in April and part of the appeal to me with this bike is I will have from now until then to strip her down and learn as much as I can before I take the course and get my license.

 

By rubber boots he means the rubber pieces that connect the carburetors to the head and the rubber pieces that connect the carburetors to the air box.

The ones to the head should have no severe cracks, although surface cracking is likely. The air box boots should be there and supple.

If you can crank it over (a little jump box is great) you can check for compression and spark. Make sure the clutch and throttle move smoothly and snap back when you release them. Do not operate the brakes as it's likely it won't move after you do.

Make sure the tail light, turn signals and horn work. The headlight won't come on unless the engine is running.

Wipe the fork tubes off and then compress the front suspension several times. If you get oily rings you need fork seals.

Look in the fuel tank for rust.

Things you are almost guaranteed to need if it's been sitting since 2001:

Tires
Front brake flushed and possibly caliper unstuck or rebuilt
Valve lash adjustment
Carburetor cleaning, synchronization and adjustment.
Fuel valve seals
Fork oil replaced

If you get the motorcycle for free and pay someone to do the services I just listed you'll only have a little more in it than the bike is worth. In other words, if you can't do it yourself you need to walk away.

 

I have rebuilt auto brake calipers in the past, and after reading a few of the carb rebuilds on here I believe I could do that myself. Are the valve lash adjustments done the same as in a car? Is the fuel valve seal and fork oil relatively straightforward? If yes, then I believe I would be able to do the work myself, with some help from this forum of course.

 

With help from here and a good manual (a MUST have) if you can turn a wrench and take your time you can do it all. I'm no mechanic but have managed all the repairs etc and gained a ton of knowledge from the folks here.

As Carl said it will cost a bunch to have someone do the work. Even so you should expect to invest in parts, several hundred for the carb parts and other bits you will need, then 250 or so for tires and whatever tools you may not already have. There are a few specialty tools. Of course that is just rough off the cuff, you need to figure out what you need for the bike.

I hope that does not deter you but a lot of folks figure $500 to buy a bike and $100 I'll have it on the road. Also Be prepared to buy a GOOD helmet and riding boots, gloves and jacket. Safety first - take a look at our be the bunny posting.

Chacal is a GREAT source for parts. He has a wealth of knowledge, fair prices and fast shipping. You can save a bunch buying from him. Also parts are readily available for the bikes.

I love my bike and have enjoyed it very much. Anyway go into it with your eyes open and you will have a ton of fun!

 

Jon, I'm only about 50 mi W of you. Keep in touch if you get the ride.

 

Valve lash is nothing like a car. These dual-overhead cam motors have inverted bucket-shaped cam followers that depress the valves, and the lash is adjusted by changing the thickness of shims that reside on top of the aforementioned buckets. Not difficult just requires you have your wits about you. Carbs are a bigger hassle.

Fuel valve (petcock) seals and innards easily replaced but meticulous work;

Front forks are a piece of cake even if you have to replace the seals.

These are really well engineered "modern classics" and once put right are very reliable and a lot of fun. Welcome!