my XJ700 is coming along nicely

First, a huge shout to Designer_Mike for being gracious enough to sell me a seat for a very reasonable cost. It has made the bike nice enough that even my wife (who hates bikes) look at it and tell me that it looks very nice!
Second, I want to thank all the guys on here for the tips and advice. I didnt ask a lot of questions, but I read post after post of people having the same issues as I. If it weren't for the great and easy to follow instructions, I never would have gotten this far with it. I have a great running bike (still needs some things I will cover) that is reliable and a blast to ride. No words can describe the joy I have firing it up everyday. It has bewildered me, it has frustrated me and it has absolutely exhausted me.
All of it was well worth it.
Here is a pic of the day I brought it home. Terrible paint, no gas cap, seat torn, tires shot, carbs gunked up. Nearly a basket case and a very long uphill climb to bring her to life.


So, after multiple carb teardowns, a lot of sanding, paint, buffing, tuning, cleaning, sweat, tears, trials, tribulations and one lay down, I have come closer to completing my task. I had to replace the back fender because the original cracked, and I still have to paint it, too. Add some paint on the headers and clean the engine with a good brush set.
Oh, and find a rubber stem for left rear blinker.
It's progress that I am quite proud of.
Again, Mike, Thanks a million. I have a very comfy saddle now for my longer weekend rides.



oh, quick edit:
The color I chose was Medium Garnet Red. It is a little darker than the factory color and has a very deep shine to it.

 

Looking good!

A couple pieces of heat shrink or electrical tape will patch that signal light up until you can track down a good one.

I bet Chacal has them....and you'll want a pair or the other side that sags will drive you nuts -- DAMHIKT

 

Thanks, Mike!
I am going to pick up some epoxy and just put it in place for now. the electrical tape I have now just isnt holding anymore
I am going to do some digging around and see if I can find something here in town that will be a suitable replacement for the stem.
If I dont paint the headers, I am going to call and see how much they will cost from my friend back home with the X. If I don't like the price, I will let you guys have his number
Eventually I am going to replace the mufflers because mine are rough. rusting, bent, etc. That will come this winter.

Oh, I forgot. I was going to put my grand total of $ spent....
300 for the bike
25 for the rear tire, 30 to mount and balance. front is good shape. will replace this winter, though
windshield was free
Parts from the X, 75
Seat (won't say )
Paint, primer, sandpaper, 30
Let's just say that I haven't hit 600 buck total for it yet.
I would consider it a very very good purchase!

 

wha? whys the paint so cheap? was it free? cuz rattle canning that would cost more than that

 

actually, it is dupli-color automotive paint in a rattle-can.
5.69 per can. I have 4 coats of paint on each piece.

 

what did u use for a clear coat?

 

nice, makes me regret passing up the one i could've bought earlier this summer

 

it didnt require one. they have a few paints that require them, but this one seals well on its own