New Rider needing some help on some things

Hello Guys

I have a few questions regarding my bike.I have a 1980 XJG650. I have had it for one summer and I am now getting ready to get it back out for the spring. My questions have mostly to do with doing a good tune up on the bike and general maintenance. Here it goes. Try not to be too harsh, I know I am a newb at this stuff but want to learn.

#1 Want to replace spark plugs. Looking for any good suggestions on brands to use and if I should get pre gapped plugs or get ungapped ones and have them gapped?

#2 What is best type of oil to use? Have done some reading and seems to me that using car or vehicle oil should be fine. Please tell me if this is incorrect. Was thinking of using a full synthetic like Mobil 1. Also any recommendations on a good oil filter.

#3 Want to replace air filter since I am not sure when previous owner replaced. Was thinking of a stock replacement K&N filter to use. Any help is appreciated.

#4 I am getting the tank repainted and want to know if there are any things in need to do before putting petcocks back on, such and new seals. This alsp applies to gas cap.

#5 I want to put inline fuel filters in the gas lines. Any suggestions on type or brand.

#6 Looking to get new engine guards since ones on the bike now have custom highway pegs and they are rusting where the were welded. They are not stable and don't look good. Wanted to know if guards from other XJ bikes will fit and maybe good brands and places to get them.

This all I have for now. I appreciate any help that you guys can give me. If you think of anything else good to check or replace let me know because I have had the bike a year and I don't think the previous owner did alot of mainteance stuff to it. Thanks in advance.

P.S. I am from Columbus OH and any XJ owners in the area feel free to contact me on here.

 

#1 I would use the NGK plugs the factory recommends for your bike. ALL plugs come alledgedly "pre-gapped" NEVER EVER trust them always check/re-gap as necessary.
#2 Stay away from synthetics or any "energy-saving" oil (contains friction modifiers.) Both of these can cause clutch and starter issues. Good quality (or "motorcycle" specific) 20W50 is the best recommendation.
#3 Stock or K & N is good.
#4 I would replace the pectock o-rings and the gas cap seal.
#5 Opinions differ; chacal carries a couple of different ones that work quite well on these bikes.
#6 I can tell you for sure NOT the ones for a 550. That's an eBay item these days, I don't think anyone is still producing them but I may be wrong.

Don't forget to attend to your fusebox before it leaves you stranded.

 

Welcome - here is my 2 cents

#1 Want to replace spark plugs. Looking for any good suggestions on brands to use and if I should get pre gapped plugs or get ungapped ones and have them gapped?


I like the NGKs that were stock on the bikes - My advice is ALWAYS gap your plugs I have zero trust for what someone else has done.

#2 What is best type of oil to use? Have done some reading and seems to me that using car or vehicle oil should be fine. Please tell me if this is incorrect. Was thinking of using a full synthetic like Mobil 1. Also any recommendations on a good oil filter.

You want to use a 20w50 oil. Brand is not critical but you MUST stay away from friction modifiers common in many car oils. You have a wet clutch the modifiers will cause slippage. I like Castrol GTX 20w50. Has worked well for me. The starter clutch is buried in the engine. Synthetics tend to make it slip ( I know first hand cause I tried it). I'd stay away - search the site you will see a ton of similar stories. I get my oil filters at Advance Auto - around here they are <4.50 each with both orings.

#3 Want to replace air filter since I am not sure when previous owner replaced. Was thinking of a stock replacement K&N filter to use. Any help is appreciated.

K&N is a good filter - If you use the lifetime foam there is more air flow which can/will effect tuning.

#4 I am getting the tank repainted and want to know if there are any things in need to do before putting petcocks back on, such and new seals. This alsp applies to gas cap.


Inspect the seals when you take them off. If they are worn or dry replace them. Chacal carries them all

#5 I want to put inline fuel filters in the gas lines. Any suggestions on type or brand.

I have great luck with the small engine filter from Advance Auto. It is semi clear so you can see the junk and small enough for a perfect fit.

#6 Looking to get new engine guards since ones on the bike now have custom highway pegs and they are rusting where the were welded. They are not stable and don't look good. Wanted to know if guards from other XJ bikes will fit and maybe good brands and places to get them.

You need to get measurements to be sure. Yamaha made 2pt and 3pt mounting engine Guards. I found mine on ebay - if you watch you can come up with a good set. I know 81 and 82 650 are the same not sure of 80s.

 

You beat me Fitz - I typed more

 

As far as the fuel filter goes, Chacal sells one with a 90 degree barb. As far as I know this is the only filter that will fit on an XJ650 without creating a rise in the fuel line.

A rise in the fuel line will trap air and give you fuel flow problems.

 

I'm only on my second cup of coffee, waiting for the garage to warm up. It's early yet... I covered the bases, you explained the "why." Teamwork I tell ya.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I will definitely be going to get these parts tomorrow since the tank will be getting it's paint job this week. Again thanks for the help and look forward to not having any problems with this good advice.

 

The 1980 2 points fit the 81, 82.

 

I have an 85 700 maxim and I was wondering the same thing. Will engine guards or sissybars from a different year work on my bike? Thank you for any reply!

 

If you want to run sythetic oil, Mobil 1 makes oil for a wet clutch. They have some 20-50 that they call V-Twin Oil. Basicly it is made for an air cooled motorcycle, and it says it is fine for wet clutch. That is what I put in my bike, It seems to help it run a little cooler on hot summer days.