First time rider, long time fan

Hey, everybody. I recently purchased my first bike: Seca XJ 650. I'm really excited to get started! I've made sure to buy all the proper gear, and even took the local safety courses on a little Honda 250 Rebel. Needless to say, I can't wait to start riding my Yamaha. As soon as I get it started.

 

Welcome to the best site for XJ's !!

Why won't it start?? Check tires and brakes !

 

Hi and welcome...........so you have a new to you 30+ year-old XJ650 Seca.....great choice......now you need to read the threads on:
1. Rear brake delamination
2. Front brake line replacement / caliper rebuild and pad replace
3. Outdated tires
4. Master cylinder rebuild
5. Valve clearances and carb tuning

This forum is a fabulous resource with very caring (generally) and articulate, knowledgeable folks who will guide you through the learning process.....enjoy...and perhaps it is good that you can't start the bike yet...

Dave

 

WELCOME from TN!!!

skillet
btw above info good for getting started...

 

Thanks for all the great info. I just purchased it from a seller on craigslist who seemed well versed on motorcycles. By his knowledge the bike was road ready and NOT a project bike. As I am new to bikes (other than the safety courses) I was looking for something to get me from point A to point B for at least the next year.

 

Oh, and just to give a better idea of my situation: the bike won't start. When I press the ignition, it doesn't turn over. The electrical is working (lights, display, etc.). I took out the battery and had it charged to hold the needed amount. However, it still won't turn over. Moreover, the battery noticably tapers off as I keep on the ignition. The lights dim, and the sounds weakens.

 

Motorcycle batteries rarely last more than 2 years, and once they die, they can exhibit the kind of life you speak of - - enough to run lights.

You bought a non-runner with no test ride, I'm guessing??

* Process the title in your name

* Get a new battery

* Pull the carbs for a clean & tune session (read "Church of Clean" )

* Pull the valve cover for a valve clearance check/adjust before tune-up.

That and tires, brakes, cable lube - - there's a whole laundry list of things to do before you can trust the bike.

 

I rode around with the seller to make sure it was in working condition. He had replaced both tires and had the oil changed. As far as cable lube, valve check, and cable work, that would be unclear. I'll even go so far as to say negative just to be on the safe side. I'll take out the battery again and take it down to see if there is any life. If not, I can check that off the list. If so, I'll be the proud owner of a new battery tomorrow!

 

Pull off that rear wheel and check for delamination,aka the pad falling apart from the brake. If that goes.your rear wheel locks.and you go to the hospital or morgue. Remember this is a very old bike that probably wasn't properly maintained through.its entire.life. just cause the seller seemed like he did right doesn't mean it was done.right. pull off the manifold and check your whims clearance. That can kill am engine.I say all of this from personal experiance. I had to put in a lot of work on my bike cause it had touching shims, clogged carbs, bad solenoid, bad plug caps, improperly installed clutch plates, and plenty more. Everyone will answer all your questions and tell you how.to do it right. Take your.time and do it right or you'll pay for.it.in the end. I did.lol

 

Welcome to the group. It is a great place.
Heed what you read here.

My 2 cents:
As I was told after completing motorcycle training , , ,
"Congratulations, you are now certified to drive a motorcycle at 15 mph in a parking lot."

SAFETY is primary to your enjoyment.

 

Hello

I want to let you know that if you do not know how to fix bikes a 30 year old bike may not have been a good move. I am still working on my bike I bought 3 years ago. I have been riding it but it has been a very expensive and time consuming bike. I am not saying you made a mistake but you should be aware.

This is the best site for help in fixing your bike and if you have some mechanical knowledge and tools you should be okay.

Check your connections at the battery, solenoid, start switch, and ground wire at the frame.
Also check the fuse box for good clean connections.
If that does not work

You check the solenoid by jumping it with a wire or old screwdriver.
Do this with the key on jump the two main connections red and black on most. It will spark and should turn over.

Good luck

 

You are looking at 3 possible causes here.

1. A bad connection in the fuse block. If the bike still has the old round tube fuses. There is a very good chance that the tabs holding the fuse for the ignition could be bad. This is a known problem with these bikes as they age.

Corrective action: Replace the fuse block with an updated blade style fuse block. This will also help eliminate a good majority of other electrical problems.

2. A bad starter solenoid. The solenoid is a contact point curcuit that over time develops carbon buildup on the points. If enough buildup exsist it could keep the solenoid from completeing the curcuit. This is a wear item, and is design to be replaced over time.

Corrective action: Replace the starter solenoid.

3. Bad starter motor brushes. The starter motor brushes wear with age, and leave carbon dust buildup inside the starter motor causing a higher than normal current draw to activate the starter motor. This is also a wear item, and is design to be replaced over time.

Corrective action: Rebuild the starter with new brushes.

A battery that can hold a charge long enough to progressively dim the lights as you push on the ignition is still good enough to turn the motor over, or at the least get the starter motor engaged.

Diagnose the problem logically, and save yourself a lot of headache. You already know that the battery will hold a charge. Replace it only if it fails a load test.

Once you have the bike to the point that it starts, and runs. Focus your attention on making sure it will stop. This includes a full rebuild of the front brake system with new lines, and rebuilt master cylinder, and caliper/s, and new rear brake shoes.

Ghost

 

Do these have a safety switch that won't let you start it with the side stand down??

Tim

 

hi everybody im new to this forum so im looking to learn a thing or two. I picked up a 1981 XJ650 Maxim for 300 bucks its a little beat up but id like to give it that cafe racer look. comments and ideas please!

 

In a word. Yes. That is another item that needs to get checked.

Ghost