Aquired First Bike

Hello to the community!

I just took the motorcycle safety course and got licensed in September at my local tech school. So a couple weeks ago I was browsing craigslist for cheap bikes.

I found a 1982 XJ750R Seca that I ended up trading a .45 handgun for. I am having a couple minor issues, but the community here is quite helpful. I have found several old threads pointing me in the right direction on things like preparing the bike for storage over winter, fixing my broken speedometer, and cleaning the carbs.

Anywho, I figured I'd browsed for quite a while and should make an official introduction post so that I can start becoming an active member of what seems to be a fine community.

I will take some pics in the morning to put up here.

-JB

 

Welcome,
Sounds like a good bike.

 

hope you get as much enjoyment from yours as i get from mine, and welcome,

 

Welcome Jr, what part of the world are you in?

 

Well not exactly a pro with the camera, couldnt get the pics to an allowable size. Will have to mess with them later.

@waldo - from GB, WI go pack!

-JB

 

WELCOME from TN!!!

skillet

 

Welcome from sunny southern CA!

 

Welcome from Appleton, WI.

Go pack.

Nice to see another XJ in the neighborhood.

 

Welcome from NW Mississippi.

 

"I was browsing craigslist for cheap bikes."
good man

 

So I don't claim to be a photographer and never have but none the less here are a few pics, as promised!









-JB

 

That looks like a stock exhaust with SuperTrapp mufflers only. THAT would be a stroke of major luck.

Nice bike, they always look so much better after converted to a round headlight.

CHECK THAT REAR BRAKE! Right away, honest: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

 

The brakes are on the list of things to look into over the winter. Last time I rode it the brk warning light came on, so I need to check the fluid and I'm quite certain it probably needs pads up front as well.

Along with the brake issues, it needs a new rear tire, an ignition (key pops out while bike is running), and my speedometer quit working last time I drove it too so I'm trying to get that worked out but thinking about replacing with something, well, less ugly!

Also, I mistakingly switched the fuel valve to "pri" assuming that it was the off position and I leaked fuel all over the floor. What I gathered from other threads on here is that I likely have a crankcase full of fuel and most definately need to change my oil.

So she needs a little work, but I can't complain since all it cost me was a handgun I hadn't shot in over 2 years. Plus I'm rather enjoying learning about it and how to fix it.

Thanks for the replies.
-JB

 

Well, if it peed gas all over the floor with the petcock in PRI then you have carb float issues too; that same "peeing" will be going on with the motor running and will affect how it runs.

The rear brake is a "don't ride it another mile" warning; read in the thread how many folks actually experienced a delamination or had really close calls.

What it needs, brake-wise, is all new lines and all of the caliper and master cylinder seals and rubber bits replaced. The recommended life span of brake lines is four years, and I'll bet yours are original. Pads crumble too, just from sitting.

Tons o'fun.

 

Very nice looking ride! You did very well on the trade I'd say as the bike will give you hours of fun getting it in prime shape where the handgun just needed a 15 minute cleaning once in a while.

Make sure you get a service manual to help guide you along the way and you'll be very glad you did.

As for the picture re-sizing issue the best way to avoid the hassle is to get a free photobucket account, upload any size pictures and then paste the link for the picture to the post on the forum.

Like this: (Click on the picture to increase size)



This is what can happen to the covers on your bike if you spend $20 or so at your local Harbor Freight store on polishing supplies.

Welcome to the XJ/SECA zoo!

Loren

 

Wow, I must say I didn't realize there would be so much involved with the brakes. But I definately wanna do it right the first time so the thing is safe to drive! I have been checking out Chacal's parts list but must say it is kind of information overload for me since I've never had a bike before this one. Would you have a rough estimate of how much all those brake parts would cost? I'm for sure going to order a manual from Chacal in the very near future, as it seems like a must have.

Also, I'm sure Chacal has something equivelant but just for reference, is this what I'd need to straighten out my carb issues?

http://www.oldbikebarn.com/Yamaha-XJ650 ... gory=74266


-JB

 

Decent kit, i got a similar looking one on ebay for $44 that was for all 4 carbs, man these things are finicky, still dont have her running yet.

 

Yeah those will do it.

Order from Len (chacal) and get get you parts in a few days.

Order from bikebarn and maybe in a couple weeks.... that was my experiance anyway.