Got my first bike, it was free and now Im here

Hello,

So I got this bike for basically free but the old owner has no information about it. Someone left it at his house.

1) The carb's were not attached.
2) The battery looks original, haha.
3) All the electrical relays, and fuses seem to be there.
4) There is no fluids in it.
5) Head gasket was ripped in 2 spots, 1/2" section and 1.5" section.
6) I think something is to attach the carbs to the airbox, but its not there.
7) Tires will not inflate
8) Fuel tank isnt bolted in.
9) CLutch cable is supper loose
10) Throttle handle moves all over the place

So, with that said.

I am going to clean the carbs tonight and retach them when I get gaskets for the holders. Even tho the carbs are not attached to the airbox, the bike would run without them being attached, right?

Get a battery to test the electrical.

Get a headgasket.

Put in some fluids.

Try and fire it up in Neutral.

I havent worked on a motorcycle or even ridden one. Im not sure if I should open the block. If it aint broke dont fix it. But, what about it sitting for 6ish years without fluids. Im extremely new and any advice would help. I want to order the Haynes and Clymer for it, but I cant find a shop with it there and I dont want to wait 7-10 days. SHould I change all the hoses or just see what ones leak?


Im not sure if this bike is a XJ or XS but the people at XSbikes.com said it was a XJ but the owner said it was an XS...

-Colin

 

It is definately an XJ but not a European model. It looks pretty good, especially for nothing.

Search "Carb clean" as this really needs to be done thoroughly - but you will be rewarded with a great bike.

Good luck.

PS. If all else fails, put in in a big box and send it to England!!!

 

looks like the bike isn't in the bad of condition! looks like an 84 or newer since it does not appear to have a YICS engine in it.

I also got mine for free. New tires and chain and sprockets where my main problems. Also in the process of cleaning out my carbs. Couple good right ups on the carbs on here.

I'd take the time to order the clymer off the internet, you can find enough info on here till it comes in, and looks like there's plenty to do without the manaul.

A for tearing down the block, was the head open to the air? for animals and such to crawl in? Have you checked the oil filter to see if there's any crude or grime in that area? Luckily i didnt have to do anything to my block. I'd check your vavle clearance on your head tho.

good luck!

 

That's a 1980 - 1981 XJ650. Maxim
don't buy a head gasket yet. You would need to see bad compression numbers and have other problems first.

Don't spend any real money until you process your title, that you don't have.
Don't ride anywhere until you look at the rear brake,
And welcome to the site !! Tons of answers here.

 

THe only "open" areas was where the carbs attach to the motor and where the carbs attach to the airbox. The head looks to be okay.

 

What he said - if you check the manufacture date on the label on the steering neck we should be able to tell you if it's the 1980 G model, or 81 H model. By the colour of the tank I'm suspecting it's an '81.

Also those aren't the stock handlebars, but that's a minor issue, and a fairly popular change anyway. However if your mirrors aren't working right, that's probably why -- swapped the bars but kept the stock mirrors.

 

Ditto what Time said. Remember, it isn't your bike until you have the title. Don't put a dime in it until then. That has to be your first priortiy!

 

Double ditto on the title, just be your luck to put a bunch of time and money in it to find out 1: it's stolen and dumped at the place you got it from. 2: Put a bunch of time and money in it and then go to register the bike and the original owner shows up and takes his fresh bike back!
Oh, and as far as a free bike....aint no such animal!