Hello, I'm Broc

I just bought my first motorcycle recently (1981 XJ650) and am new to the forums. Just wanted to say hello and post some pictures of my bike. Also if anyone has any ideas for popping those dents I'd love to hear

http://imgur.com/FiIFhL7,znOS4kQ,lF2Q3h ... 1h,5Lj0IbS

 

Welcome to the forum.
Since this is your first bike and it's an old one, there are a few things you need to check for your own safety.
Check the brake lines, they have a date code. Check the tires, if they have cracks or a date code of 5 or more years ago, replace. Check the brake pads for wear and the rear brakes for delamination(a very dangerous condition).
These bikes have a weak fuse box originally so replace it to avoid problems down the road or on the side of the road.
Does it run or have any issues yet? There's a lot of knowledge to be found on this site and people that are willing to help. Good luck with your bike.

 

The bike runs great so far, I have been riding it for about a month. The PO said the bike had been restored by a mechanic last summer when he purchased it. He then rode it for 300 miles and bought a larger bike. I am starting to go through and try to check everything I need to for it being a 32 year old bike. So any advice is appreciated. I have checked my tires date and tread, they will be fine for this season but need replacing after. I have opened the master cylinder and it seems to be in good shape. I put brand new intake boots on the bike about 2 weeks after getting it, changed the oil, and installed a K&N air filter. Going to check the rear brakes for delamination this weekend. When you say replace the fusebox do you mean with the same one but new? or an aftermarket one?

 

Aftermarket blade type box would be better.

 

The original fuse box looks like this:
http://yambits.co.uk/images/FUH006.JPG

But after so many years they start to fall apart or loosen up and you might end up losing a fuse under acceleration (that's exactly what happened to me - Luckily it just killed the lights).

Ideally you want to replace it with something like this:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/New-High-Quality ... ad1&_uhb=1

 

Welcome, Broc.

Trust not the PO, ever. Checking everything yourself is not only lifesaving, but very satisfying.

 

I agree 100%, that's why I'm starting to go through the bike myself. From what i've gone through so far everything the guy told me was true. But who knows what he didn't know about.

 

Gungrave, welcome to the forum and the world of XJ's! You can get everything you need for your bike from forum member Chacal here (Click on the XJ4ever link) including the fuse block, and yes; replace it.
Good advice on the PO.....most of them will say or do anything to sell a bike except put money or correct parts in.
Doing your own work is gratifying, and nobody cares more about your own safety than you!

 

Thank you for the welcome! So far the site has been great, every is incredibly friendly and very knowledgeable. Speaking of getting parts that's great, because my M/C cable is the original one from the 80's, gonna need to get a new one.

 

Welcome man! Nice find. Just to echo what's been said, trust no PO. Before you worry about cosmetics, pull that back wheel + check them for delamination. Check your tires + brake hoses for date codes. If it's running nice... plan on a carb cleaning over the winter, if it's not.... plan on a carb rebuild now.

As far as the dents, they look a little big, but you could try welding a stud and pulling them. But IMO, I'd fill them, sand them out, + get the tank resprayed....

 

Max has a video about removing dents. Take a peek at his suggestions and see what might work for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkbFhPrJ14w

 

hi, welcome to the forums.... Apart from that dent it looks really nice!

 

Is there a good video or write up on here for removing the back tire to check for delamination? I had the original manual but it seems to be misplaced as of now. Also what would you recommend filling the dents with?