New member here :)

Hey guys,

Just wanted to introduce myself as i will be getting an XJ650 soon and wanted to get a head start with other XJ owners

I have had previous experience with 2 strokes which i completely disassembled and reassembled successfully, i hope that gives me an easier time with these bikes.

Was wondering if someone could point out some very common issues with these bikes that are experienced more than any other issue.

Also, is a complete assembly of the bike a difficult process or simply time consuming? As i can get a bike with all the parts there, but disassembled for about $300.

Cheers,

Phil.

 

the most common issue is restoration and maintenance of the carburetors. it takes time and patience to get these carbs up to snuff. there are great how-you'd available on this board.

these bikes also need periodic checks (and potential adjustments) of the valves, which is daunting at first, but ultimately pretty easy.

there is one thing you should do RIGHT AWAY when you get your XJ., open up the rear wheel and inspect the brake shoes. there have been many reports of the "padded" area of the brake shoes separating from the bodies. this is a huge safety issue, as it could cause your treat wheel to lock up, which could be serious at high speeds.

 

how-to's is what I meant. phone correction.

also, welcome and congratulations on your upcoming purchase! these bikes are fun to ride AND fun to wrench on.

 

Thanks for the reply

Currently i own a couple of pocket bikes which i got off people who couldn't fix them for dirt cheap. My moto with these little bikes is that you ride them once, you fix 'em once

 

Hey, welcome!

 

I'd add that the old tube style fuse boxes are also known to be problematic, and many of us replace them with blade type fuses.

I'd add that the short lifespan of anything rubber necessitates careful inspect of carburetor boots, all gaskets, tires, brake lines, etc. Or so I'm discovering in my own restoration.

Well to the group. Oh, and add your bike to your signature - that way people know what bike you are talking about. ex - Seca or Maxim?

 

I was thinking a XJ650 maxim... I have gone through many photos and i would prefer the one with the straight handle bars, is that based on a year or what?

 

maxims dont come with straight/flat bars stock, any year.

the 82's had a weird spline type bars which would mean you would have to swap out the triple tree with one from an 83 if you wanted to swap bars. and upon swapping bars you would have to swap the master cylinder from a 750/900 seca because the stock m/c was designed to be at such a tilt.

just fyi so you dont think all you have to do is buy some new bars and be set.

good luck!

oh and welcome btw!!

 

oops, thought you were talking about a 750.

the 650's all had standard 7/8" bars, but all bulllhorn style, so you would still need to swap out the m/c.

but you can ignore the triple tree stuff.

 

The 650 you can see in the following link has the handle bars i DO NOT want: http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/yamaha_xj_650_1981.php

And i have seen the same year for sale with the other type of handlebars, what makes the difference between the models?

 

I tried to be entertaining while hitting all the MUST DO BEFORE YOU RIDE ANOTHER MILE stuff. I had forgotten to follow up with the other two promised editions ... my ADD at work.

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=3 ... t=rfc.html

 

Ooooh, looks like fun, will be reading that as soon as i am done my final this tuesday, wish me luck!