New XJ650J owner, waiting for first ride...

Hey everyone,

I purchased an '82 Maxim 650 with 33k miles several weeks ago. This is my first bike, and I got it for $100. New battery, fresh oil, and new plugs (for good measure =] ) and it fired right up. I've ridden it a bunch around my cul-de-sac, but don't have my endorsement yet so I haven't taken it out on the road.

Last week I put in a new air filter, inline fuel filter, and a modular headlight with the "Euro-style" lens from Hella. I changed the shaft drive oil this weekend. I got some gas in the oil because I had no idea how the petcock worked, so I'll be switching that out, and installing the spin-on adapter I got from xj4ever at the same time. I also had to replace a set of aftermarket turn signals (one of which was broken) with stock ones.

I also plan to rebuild an extra set of carbs I picked up and adjust the valve lash this winter. I'm looking forward to having this thing run like a top!

I'm taking the MSF class this weekend, and hoping to start riding next week. I'm very excited as I've been wanting a bike for years.

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself, tell my story, and thank everyone for the wealth of information and advice I've found here. Seems like a GREAT community, and I'm looking forward to meeting some of you in person on local rides!

If anyone has any other suggestions for things I should do before I start riding, please chime in!

Thank you,
Aaron

 

And by the way, props to Len over at xj4ever for not only providing great information that I used to order parts from, but for the prompt service as well. He is a wonderful asset to XJ riders!

 

Sounds like you got a great deal - let's see some pics

Now for the list

BEFORE you ride it again check the rear brake for delamination - safety issue
You should drain and renew the front brake fluid - check the pads
Tires - How old are they - check the date on them regardless of tread left.

May have left off a thing or 2 but those are important.

For yourself get good gear and wear it!

Good luck and have fun.

 

Bill-

Thanks for pointing out the rear brake delamination issue. I read up a bit on here and looks to be serious! I'll definitely check that out before I take her out again!!!

For the MC, I assume it's the same as bleeding a car's hydraulic system? Any issues with using synthetic fluid in these brake systems? I've had good success with that in my (very modified) car.

Tires were new a couple of years ago, and show no external signs of deterioration (cracks, bulges, etc.). Bike was stored in a garage out of the rain and the sun's UV rays. Does that sound OK?

Got the gear and am anxious to try it out!

Cheers,
Aaron

 

Where are you doing your MSF course? I did mine in The Dalles, great class!

Dont forget if you havent to put in an inline fuel filter.

Always good to see another Oregonian show up on here!

 

Deadulus,

Thanks for the reply! I do have an inline fuel filter installed. I'm taking the MSF class at PCC Sylvania in Portland. Everyone I've talked to has said the class is well worth the money, and it'll make my friends and parents feel better about me being on a bike, and I'm sure it'll make me a safer driver/rider.

Are there are Oregon XJ meets? If not, we should organize one!

 

No there arent, it'd be fun to at least have a meet and greet, see what interest can be generated from there.

Just have to get my bike back together now! hehe

Just had a thought, we could do a meet in Cascade Locks and if we could garner enough interest, do a ride either on old HWY 30 or across the river somewhere.

 

MC is basically like a cars and you can bleed it the same way. Not sure about the synthetics I went with DOT 4 IIRC.

If the tires are only a couple of years old and in good shape you should be OK. Check the date anyway "new" tires have been known to come in that are really a year or more old already...