New member with a new to me 81 xj650.

Just picked up this little guy for a bobber project. Price was right at $400 and its in really nice shape and came with extras. Came with a factory manual, extra seat, new tires and a soon to be gotten rid of sissy bar. Has all service records for the past 20 years. It looks really nice but has a few issues ill have to sort out. Oil leaks from the tach cable fitting, carbs look be running a little rough and weeping some gas and engine sounds like it needs a valve adjustment. It might have a slight exhaust leak at the head mount but i might just need to tighten the nuts up. It has the usually electrical issues but its 100% rideable as is.
Im gonna start a build thread once it warms up abit so im just in the planning stages. Im probably gonna drop it abit , put some drag bars on it and chop the rear and fab up a seat then ill see were that takes me.

 

Looks like a nice bike. When you start your build, start a thread so we can see the progress!

There are a couple things you will want to check, starting with the rear brakes. Do a forum search for "rear brake delamination" and you'll see why.

There is also a write up on here by bigfitz52 on replacing the o-ring for the tach cable.

What's the mileage? The valves were to be done at 3,000 miles, then every 5,000 miles after the initial check/adjustment.

You will also want to check the date codes on the front break lines, they were only good for 4 years from the factory, so if they are original they need to be replaced.

Carbs are usually a major issue with these bikes, but we're here to help if and when you need it.

To find a bike with that much history on the maintenance is pretty unusual, so that is a plus.

Welcome to the site.

 

Thanks for all the info. Im going to tackle the simple stuff first like the tach cable and carbs. I may have to wait on the valves because its cold out and i cant work my little fingers for too long. I have no records of them being done so they need it. The brakes were all redone but i wouldnt mind an upgrade to ss lines and better pads but ill give the ones on it a chance.
Carbs have me mildy concerned. Not because of the rebuild but the tuning aspect of them. Im fine on one or 2 but 4 always give me problem. Im sure ill figure it out. I may update to pod filters while im at it but it looks like some people never get it right. I dont need this bike to be a screamer but i would like it be nice looking.
Bars will probably be my first order of business. after that ill strip it down and see what stays and what goes but I need the bars to see what direction it will take. I know those front guards and rear fender are gonna go.

 

$400.00 for a running bike, great deal. I like the engine guards, would buy if you where to sell.

This tool should come in handy when checking your valves

http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/partno/08-0020

 

Yea I agree that's a great price for that bike, especially with new tires. Most of the things you mentioned are not expensive to fix or very hard to do. Welcome to the XJ world and congrats on your new machine. Don't hesitate to come and inquire if you need any advice, this site is the best on the web.

Good idea on the SS lines, they make your brake system safe and effective. The carbs do require a little patience but they are doable. The valves are really easy, I was skeptical but it was far easier than I expected. I like the low bars myself but mine aren't quite drag, you could check them out in my gallery. They definitely improved the handling of the bike.

 

hella good deal man! stick around!

 

Nice bike for a nice price! Welcome to the site. There is alot of information on this site and always people willing to lend you a hand or just information to help you along.

 

Thanks for all the positive info guys. I did end up playing with the bike today and took off the engine guard and a few other things. It had problems starting so i pulled the plugs and they were black. I cleaned them and it fired right up. Took it for a spin and it seems ok. light tick coming from the motor but it may be part of the exhaust leak or maybe the valves. PO over filled the oil so its way about the sight glass so i drained it. Bike has the factory air box but inside was card board and a uni filter. Looked like it was oem fit so i dont know why the board was in there. Im sure it needs to be cleaned but it was getting dark out so i left it. It may also explain the carbs issues but ill pull them just to be safe.

The way i see the bike shaping up its almost certainly gonna get drag bars. Im mildly concerned about them hitting the tank so im gonna try to raid my neighbors shed for a crappy set to fit up and see whats up. If i have to fab up some bump stops thats not so bad as long as i get decent range of movement. Back is getting chopped and i think im gonna toss my 01 gsxr seat on it. Its looks good and is almost an exact fit. Its actually weird the way the front mounts straddle the tank bend and the rear seat tabs rest exactly over the tube rails. One or 2 welds and itll fit like a glove. I may drop it abit too. It seems quite low already so i dont know. It has a decent gap above the rear tire i may try to take out.

 

It should sound kinda like a sewing machine when running. Unlike most engines, valve clatter on the XJ is a good thing. When the clatter goes away, that's bad. The valves on the XJ get tighter with wear, not looser.

 

Its a definate tick tick coming from the passenger side of the motor. Its not to bad but its their. Im gonna change the oil and see if that helps for a short term fix. Its way to cold to do any major repairs or fixes. Its not like im really gonna ride it as is anyway.

 

Picked up set of straight bars today and started looking things over more closely. gonna start sectioning the fenders soon so ill take a bunch of pics.