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First ride!

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by baytonemus, Aug 21, 2010.

  1. baytonemus

    baytonemus Member

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    This was a big day. I acquired my bike back in April and have been working on it. It had not been run in at least 10 years. Many challenges in the process, most of which have been chronicled in this forum. Still need to do some work on the front brake.

    This was not only my first ride on this bike, but on any bike! I've never owned a cycle before. I'm sure you'd have all gotten a good laugh out of watching me trying to get the hang shifting this thing. I'm catching on, though.

    My first impression is that it really revs high. Sounds good, though, and idles nicely when stopped. It's pretty proud day for me. Thanks so much to everyone who has pitched in to help me. I have learned SO much!
     

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  2. andrewlong

    andrewlong Member

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    Congrats! Nothin' like being freeeeeeeeee on the roads!
     
  3. 1904xj

    1904xj Member

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    YEAh!!!!
    Another XJ on the road baby!!!!
    Good Job.
     
  4. gratscot

    gratscot Member

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    I know the feeling! Looks pretty nice too, someone spent time cleaning that thing up.
     
  5. cturek

    cturek Member

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    That's a great looking 550 you have there.
     
  6. baytonemus

    baytonemus Member

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    Thanks, guys!
     
  7. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    GOOD JOB. Looks great. See, it was worth all the effort, wasn't it?

    Yes, these little guys like to rev. The 550 is a screamer, it's quite happy cruising at 5500 or 6000 rpm all day. I generally run to at least 6K in every gear, 7K if I'm riding briskly, with an occasional squirt to redline (or at least 9K) in 2nd or 3rd (redline in 4th is a speeding ticket.) And ther're still 2 more gears left...

    Think of it as a racebike for the street (RickCoMatic's term, I can't take credit.) But please be careful, and do not DO NOT grab a big handful of throttle in first gear.
     
  8. Militant_Buddhist

    Militant_Buddhist Member

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    congrats. Another XJ resurrected and a brand new XJer, freshly minted. Sweet.
    A real perty one ya got too.
    Yes, inline 4's like rev high.
     
  9. baytonemus

    baytonemus Member

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    Thanks, Fitz. You gave me so much assistance through the process and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. I still need to go through the front brake, so my question-asking days are not yet entirely behind me.

    The high revving is going to take some getting used to. Any negative side to not revving this bike up so much? I actually haven't even been using 1st gear.

    Thanks also, M_B!
     

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