Newbie considering an '82 XJ650

Greetings all!

After four years with my Suzuki V-Strom, I've decided it was time for a change. So I was looking for a new (to me) bike and I came across an ad in the paper for an '82 XJ650 Seca (Canadian Model) with 28,000kms on the odo and in "mint" condition. Never one to believe what I read in the paper, I'm going to check it out tonight.

I was wondering if there were any longstanding issues with these bikes that I should keep an eye out for when I'm giving the bike a one-over? From what I've read on the net and in this forum (I admit, I've been lurking) they seem to be near bullet proof.

Appreciate any advice you guys can give.

Cheers,
Lucky

 

I wonder if its this guy's old bike.

 

I'm no pro at buying used bikes but here's what I would check.

-Does it start with choke on and then, when warm, run with choke off?

-Is there any tread left on the tires or are you going to have to replace them both?

-Is the gastank full of rust and sediment? (take a strong flash light)

-How do the carb holders look? (Cracked and old? $$$) They're the rubber manifolds that hold the carbs to the engine and you will break off some bolts into the engine trying to replace em.

-Does the headlight, blinkers, tach and gauges work?

-And finally... are the exhaust manifolds rusty and full of holes in the bottom create exhaust leaks like mine. These are a bear to replace and you will most likely need a machine shops assitance with a few broken cap screws!!!

 

Keep in mind this is my first and only bike so far...

It started with me being a boy, I had wanted a motorcycle for ages. I was finally in the market and situation to buy one, I found a 81' Kawisaki dual sport on craig's for $200 with some kind of shifter issues. I contacted the only bike shop that answered the phone that morning, happened to be some 140 miles away.

He said he didn't know what a "shift cluster" was and instead I should come check out some of their bikes.

Being stupid and naive, I made the trip.

When I drove almost 3 hours just to LOOK at a bike, it was actually a Honda dual sport 81 something, 10k miles. They had charged it up, let me sit on it, start it, etc... because this bike was similar to the other I was looking to purchase.

Before I made my decision, I was also shown an 87' (I think) Goldwing and my current bike (see sig/avatar).

The was Maxim BEHIND 3 other bikes shoved in a corner. I was told nearly no more than "it's a runner, it's been lowered and it's the same price as the other two."

Without taking a second look or sitting on the bike, I told him that was "the one" and had a bill of sale in my hand minutes later.

The bike I really wanted was a 90something GSX-R (pretty sure) but I was an extra $1200.

In summation, I could not be happier with my purchase, and I love every bolt of this bike.

I have also heard that if you were to take ANY other 27 year old machine and try to get it running "perfectly" you'd have to be crazy. With these bikes though, it's very much possible.

Though I plan to get sport bikes in the future, I'll never get rid of this one.

Sorry if I rambled on a bit but that's what happens when you Tanqueray before 9am. I hope I helped you reach a decision.

Edit: And reading the post above me, I left out MAKE SURE YOU DON'T BUY A LEMON

 

good luck - check the compression that should be job 1 and help set the price.

I love my 650 it has plenty of power and I have no intention of letting it go no matter what else I may buy...

 

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

Talked to the guy selling it and here's the story he gave me: the bike isn't his, it belonged to a good friend who died suddenly last year and he's selling it for his friend's widow. His friend was the second owner, and had the bike 8 years (has registration papers to prove it). Took it for yearly service to the local Yamaha dealership and has all the receipts. Front forks were rebuilt last year with Progressive Suspension springs. Tires are Metzeler Lasertec and were only ridden one season (he figures no more than 500kms). He doesn't ride, but claims that the bike starts without any problems and "sounds good".

Anyhow, I'll be checking it out tonight and I'll let you guys know tomorrow how it turns out.

Cheers,
Luc

 

Doubt it. This one still has original paint.

Cheers,
Lucky

 

If you have any doubts at all ask to take it around the block or something, there are many lies in this world. If he won't let you test drive it, I would think soemthing's fishy.

You have to "test" it for many years of riding in the space of a few minute ride. Who knows what was done to one of these ancient machines? Mine probably had 5 POs.

Mine wasn't worth $800, but I chalk that up to my own inexperience. I have no one to blame but myself.

If you feel it's not worth it tell him WHY. I wish I had argued when I bought my bike, knowing now that I should have paid at least $200 less.

 

Asking price on this one is $1000. Thanks for the advice, I'd already asked him over the phone is a test ride was OK. He said no problem, and even suggested that I could ride it down to the Yamaha dealer for them to check out! I know, I know: sounds a little too good to be true.

We'll see tonight.

Cheers,
Lucky

 

When you're cruising down the highway on it I think it might be too true to be good?

The only thing I think could ever make me regret buying a motorcycle is stupid cage drivers. Just in the last week I've had 3 'near misses' just around town. I've also had 2 of 3 uncles get hit on a motorcycle and they never rode again.

BE careful. please. I think all of us are just a little bit crazy to take such a risk just to travel somewhere. I daily rethink my choice and wonder if its worth it. Every morotcycle accident I hear about is just another reason I'm supposed to be dead.

 

Well, I bought it! This morning there's a 1982 XJ650RJC in my garage with 28,500kms on it. It's in pretty good shape, but there's an obvious difference of opinion between me and what the guy selling it considers "mint" :?

The good: engine runs nice and smooth, although the idle speed seems a bit low; tires are near new, and according to the service receipts there's only 600kms taken off the rubber; no rust anywhere except a small area underneath the right exhaust (looks like surface rust); suspension feels nice.

The bad: seat has a small tear in it; original paint is faded in areas; tach needle is broken; because of aforementioned low idle speed it tends to stall at a stop even when the engine is warmed up; it is in dire need of a good cleaning! Time to pull out the buffer, detailing brushes and Simple Green!

All in all, I think it was a pretty good buy for $600. I'll post some pics as soon as I can. Thanks again for all the feedback and advice.

Cheers,
Lucky

 

Sounds like a good buy - congrats. nothing you mention is a big deal. I would check the dates on the tires they may have good tread but could be old. Better safe than sorry.

 

The idle is easy, there's a big knob under the carbs to adjust the overall idle stop. Turn it "in" a few degrees; you should be idling around 1100-1200.

Everything you mention is an easy fix. Nice find.

 

Wow! Great deal Lucky. These bikes are awesome and this site will help you to do everything and anything you wish to your new Seca. Welcome!

BTW... my tach needle is a painted toothpick glued on by the PO (previous owner). For two years it went un-noticed until my dad pointed it out. Fitz, you would die if you saw it.

 

Thanks for the tip, Bill. Receipt for the tires is dated last year... May sound like a stupid question, but how do I find the date on the tire? Is there a code printed on the sidewall?

Hey Fitz - thanks for the info. I'm going to order the XJCD, but in the meantime this should be enough for me to get the idle speed just right. By the way, I'm going to have to go by feel, since there's no needle in Tach :lol:

Sounds like a good penny fix! Actually, there's a motorcycle graveyard just outside of town. I was thinking of checking there to see if they have any old XJ gauges.

Thanks again for all the advice and tips guys, I really appreciate it.

Cheers,
Lucky

 

I'll trade my XS400 for yer VStrom i so want one of those!

 

Thanks for the offer (I think)... but it's already gone. Only listed on Kijiji a few days before I got a bite!

Cheers,
Lucky