Selling XJ650RJ

A bit of a sad story. I’m selling my bike after it was stolen and recovered because I don’t have time to fix it up anymore.

Long story short, it was in very good shape prior to being stolen, now needs a bit of love to get running again. If you're an XJ pro, all the underlying mechanics are in order (carbs, valves, tires), and I'm asking $800 for something that shouldn't take long to get back on the road. Full story below, skip to the details section below for specifics, and here's a link to more photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/yexcm313w42j4kn/ID5qJu_3Cl

This was my first bike I’ve owned, and purchased it a couple years ago to commute on — it only had ~5k miles. Of course, it broke down within a month, which started me on the wonderful world of motorcycle maintenance. This site has been invaluable as I learned the quirks of these bikes. I got it running again, and in the process adjusted the valve clearances, did a full carb rebuild (including breaking the rack and replacing throttle shaft seals) and synch, replaced the tires, air filter, and a bunch of other little cleanup stuff. Long story short, it ran like a damned sewing machine (especially on the highway), and I put another 3500 miles on it myself (now at ~8500).

Now for the sad part. It was stolen a couple months ago, and I learned the hard way that theft wasn’t covered under my insurance (I needed the platinum package basically). Then I got a call a few weeks ago — the cops found it! I left work early and rushed out to a sketchy part of town to discover my bike with a new matte black paint job and a few scrapes on the right side where the thief must’ve laid it down on the road.

My situation is different now than when I bought it. I now live in an apartment in San Francisco, without a place to work on it or the time even if I did. I have a very demanding job that sees most weekends eaten up, and I just don’t have the ability to put everything back in order.

While I can’t get it to run, it does turn over (the battery is completely dead, though I bought a new one a year ago so the thief must’ve drained it). The only other damage I’ve noticed is superficial — scrapes on the right side, and the right brake lever is snapped partway off. I don’t know what it would take to get it running again, but my gut says a recharged battery and a bit of TLC will get er going again. There is minor rust spots on the chrome, mostly from the SF fog (it’s only been parked outside for ~6 months).

This would be an awesome project bike if you’re familiar with XJs, as all the bones are there, it’s got really low miles, and I put a lot of work into it before it was stolen. The thief bought it not to trash, but to ride so I can’t imagine much has changed since I last rode it. You’re welcome to bring a new battery and a wrench and see if you can get it working if you have the time.

The details
I’m asking $800 cash obo, AS IS, and here’s what I put into it:
Adjusted valves to spec (needed to replace 3, but everything’s in spec now)
Full carb rebuild (all parts listed here were bought from chacal on this site — most jets were replaced with the exception of 2 which were in good shape)
New air filter
Petcock seal replaced and fuel filter added to fuel line
New tires (the only thing not from chacal, Shinko 712’s from bike bandit: http://www.bikebandit.com/shinko-712-mo ... ?b=1633942)
Rear brake shoe — NOT installed yet, as it was stolen before I had a chance, but it’s worth $80 and I’ll throw it in as well. DO replace this asap, as the rear brake is responsive, but I noticed a squeak.

Here’s the damage after it was recovered:
Minor scrapes on the right covers
Right brake lever snapped
Right rear brake pedal is bent slightly (could be bent back into shape pretty easily)
Right grip is chewed up on the end
Ignition is messed up (this is how the thief stole it), but you can still turn it on/off easily with a screwdriver
Battery is dead
Seat cover vinyl is cracked all over and needs to be replaced, but currently has tape all over it. The foam is in good condition.
The license plate is missing, though that’s probably not a big deal since you need a new one anyway.
You may or may not call this damage, but the tank and the side covers have had all decals removed and painted matte black — though the thief did pull a couple small dents out of the tank.

I’m selling it as is — you haul it or get it running and ride away. If you have a charger and want to charge it up at my place or have a battery of your own, bring it over and see if that’s all that’s needed to run. The title is clean, currently PNO. I’m the 3rd owner.

I’m in Noe Valley in San Francisco, and will be posting on craigslist shortly. Members of this forum get preference because I want her to go to a good home, but PM me quickly if interested.

 

What make and model are these mufflers? They look good, do they sound good?

 

Francois,

That's the original exhaust you're looking at there! That was for the 650rj only. That exhaust is very bike-specific..........that's why I've been "stuck in neutral" with my 650rj for awhile.

Dave F

 

Hog's right — original mufflers.

 

Aaaaah I see! lol!

 

Oh, I KNOW I'm right