may be old, but it's all new to me

I just recently bought an 86 from a guy, and had some basics done by a mechanic to get it on the road, and I've been riding it for a couple weeks now, my first bike!
I know nothing about fixing bikes or anything so I figure this will be a good way to get into it.
So far it is running great, but it being my first bike doesn't give me much to compare it to. I was having some troubles starting it cold, so I put some carb cleaner and some high premium gas in it, and it seems to be better.
The only thing that I think I need to fix is the brakes. The front brakes are squeaking quite a bit. I also noticed that my front rim is just a little wobbly. So i figure maybe that is contributing to the break issues.
Could this be a brake fluid issue as well? I'm super new... but pretty enthusiastic. Thanks all.

 

Brakes squeaking isn't really a sign of anything. I put disc brake quiet on mine, when I re-built calipers. That being said, re-building the brakes is always a good idea when you just get a bike this old. (Master cylinder, calipers, pads, lines) None of that is as hard as it sounds. Really, bleeding the brakes is the most troublesome part.

The thing that worries me in your post is the "front rim is wobbly" part. That isn't right. Does it wobble when you ride it 8O or just wiggling it around on the stand. It could be wheel bearings, steering head bearings, or both. But those aren't brake issues, not that it matters, still have to be addressed.

 

Even that part is a piece of cake if it's explained properly. When you get to that stage do a seach on here. If you can't find it, then just ask.

Front wheel wobble is usually wheel bearings. Stockers can be repacked, but replacing them with sealed roller bearings if much more preferable.

 

Is it just me, or does this pic of an 86 look very much dirt bike ish with the high angle lines from the exhaust to the rear wheel, and the skinny tank?

 

It's the angle it's shot from, muddy ring on rear tire, and you can't see the rear pipe, but reminiscent yes.

Welcome to XJBikes and to bikes in general!

If your saying your front wobbles while riding, it could be a number of things: what's been previously suggested plus it could also be a bad tire, bent/damaged rim, dragging brake, forks uneven in the triple tree, or front suspension issues with different amount of rebound and I might have still missed something. You can see that a lot can affect the front end.

Start with your tire and make sure it's not old, check your rim(wheel)for any damage, a good test is to put on the center stand and roll the tire while watching for any out of round you can also check your SH bearings while it's there. Rotate the steering from lock to lock and make sure it's smooth with no catch the whole way.

Keep in mind that you will want to go over this bike yourself and make sure it's not needing any maintenance (which of course it will), you just can't trust anyone else to check everything but yourself.

 

i would check the tire age and wheel bearings first in regards to the front end wobble. that NEEDS to be addressed before riding it any more.

if not that, i would then continue on with replacing the steerer tube bearings next as they will have to be replaced eventually anyway - and once you replace those with tapered rollers, they will pretty much be good for the lifetime of the bike

 

Thanks for the reply all.

The tires are both brand new, and I've already put in a new steering bearing. I took the brakes apart and put them back together. Them seemed fine, and after putting a bunch of clicks on it now the brakes aren't squeaking nearly as much.

I'm pretty sure that the rim is just bent a little bit. It's not bad enough that it's going to cause much trouble, but I'll probably just get a new rim at some point when I can afford it.

I'm very happy with how it's been running! Considering it is such an old bike, and I haven't had to do much to it at all.

Sometimes it will idle pretty high....over 2000rpm, and that kind of seems odd, but it doesn't do it very much at all.

Feels great to have some knowledgable advice at my fingertips here, cause I am definitely learning everything as I go. Thanks