1982 XJ - cleanest used bike I've seen for the age

Hey guys,

My girlfriend just picked up an 82 XJ650 about 2 weeks ago. Looks like I'll have a new riding partner! Her and I found a good deal on craigslist, 6,000 miles, clean bike, well maintained and kept in a heated garage. I'll post pics below-

So far, we replaced the rear drum brakes, oil, and plugs. I have to pick up some front brake pads, change the brake fluid, air filter and possibly change the brake lines. Also picked up a new fuel filter, small items here and there. I've been around motorcycles all my life so I'm aware of how difficult the carbs can be once you start modding and having to start changing the jets.

Anything I should be aware of on these bikes? Any suggestions as to a new/different seat? She likes the bobber look, so hopefully going that route or something similar. We are planning on changing it up once she rides some more. She's already been out a bit and she's used to a 5spd as it is.

 

Re: 1982 XJ - new guy few questions

damn that thing looks amazing
what I have learned and only because I joined here
before you do anything
check the valve clearances and do a compression
test
also either replace or rebuild the front master cylinder
and replace the front brake line

how much did it cost her? just curious

 

Re: 1982 XJ - new guy few questions

Welcome!

 

Re: 1982 XJ - new guy few questions

Thanks, got it for $1000. That's just a few quick pics I took in the garage after spraying it down with a hose, it needs a good wash. He originally had it listed for $1500 but lowered it and we grabbed it up quick. Seems like a very mechanically sound bike so far. Has been well maintained too, considering it's a 32 year old bike.

Thanks for the tips, meant to add that about the master cylinder as well. We plan to work on that too.

 

Can anyone recommend a nice solo seat and bracket? Looking to change fenders too, any recommendations or links are appreciated. Thanks

 

Don't ignore the valve clearances. If they had their initial check at 3K miles, they should all still be fine.

If NOT, then you're 3K overdue for the all-important initial check. At least check them.

 

Thanks Fritz,

any write ups or information on this? I did this on an old race bike I owned, but it's been a while.

 

with a little work you can shave down that seat into
a solo seat with simple tools
and reupholster for a fraction of the price of a solo
seat

 

Of course. Done on a 550, but the procedure is the same: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html

And Part Deux: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29209.html

Also be sure to read this before letting your bride so much as turn a wheel: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

And this: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=41400.html

 

Hey great idea! I didn't even think of that, just ran it by the wannabe :wink: boss, she's cool with that too. So, we're going to give it a shot, and if all else fails, we'll buy one off ebay or another vendor.

 

Actually saw that sticky for the rear drums last week. We tore them apart on Saturday and checked them/replaced. Honestly, they looked brand new (but with some wear on the pads). Tore it apart, cleaned with degreaser, and reassembled with new pads.

Next step is to replace front brake pads (they're on their way), change front brake line and master cylinder.

We had out first official ride today, big parking lot for about two hours. I'm impressed she learns quick. Within 20 minutes she was cruising around 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. Coming to a stop and pulling out was simple for her, she was doing figure 8s and looping around in the lot. She has a ways to go though before she gets my stamp of approval . We all know how dangerous it is out there.

 

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY COURSE

 

REBUILD the front brakes. Completely. Don't replace the master cylinder with another 30-year old one off eBay; and don't skip rebuilding the caliper. Whatever you don't do will be the new weak link in the system. The M/C and caliper seals had a factory recommended life span of FOUR YEARS.

We don't take shortcuts on brakes. And I also strongly agree with the recommendation of a MSF class for the new rider.

 

I got one identical to it for my wife, 5500 miles and it sat for years. Runs great now. Don't cut up that seat, it's too nice. Get a used one off e-bay and experiment with it. That way you will have a good one to revert back to if necessary.

 

MSF For sure, now doubt in my mind that she'll be taking that course.

Fitz, thank you sir.

I will try and find the parts for the front brakes, happen to have a thread or place to purchase these? It seems very difficult to find these items for this bike.

RonWagner,

Sounds like you got yourself a good deal too. And good idea, may be best to buy a used seat. Wondering how it mounts, I saw people welding new brackets, I suppose I'd have to do the same.

 

Click the banner link in the upper right corner of the site, that'll take you to XJ4Ever which should have everything you need.
Shame to chop up such a nice survivor, maybe ebay up some replacement bodywork and seat so it doesn't get ruined? Not saying that you will fail, but it is easy to cut things up while planning to make a "bobber" or whatever is fashionable, but putting it back together into a usable safe machine that looks good takes a lot of effort, and there are a veritable shit load of failed or abandoned projects out there because of it. Fix it up properly (safety first!), get your girl schooled and geared up (ATGATT, safety first!) and let her put a couple thousand miles on it before you break out the demolition tools. She may like the way it rides and handles and looks as is.

 

Thanks all.

I can't believe I didn't get any questions about the bike in the back. Not many Harley fans here I see? :?

 

Meh, we see V-Rods every day. :lol:

 

I'm a Harley guy, namely just Sportsters.

I ride a 1200 Sporty religiously. Fast & fun. Off the line, literbikes can only hope to launch like it... past that... well... eh. :lol:

 

I saw the V-Rod in the picture. Took one for a short ride last year. Impressive bike.

 

you can get a harley anywhere.....but a decent XJ....is a different story

 

True! Very true Just giving you guys a hard time that's all.

Looking forward to getting this XJ built up. You guys may see us selling some parts soon :lol:

 

V-rods aren't real Harleys anyhow. They're mostly made of Japanese parts. :wink:

 

What bikes aren't made mostly of Japanese parts, this one is from Germany too (Porsche designed the engine). Regardless of where it was made, 2 wheels, either it be from Japan, USA, or Germany. Gotta love the open roads.

 

Couldn't have said it better myself!
That's a good looking bike as is...
Why ruin a good thing!
I'm sure you could find a cheap one to chop up that doesn't look so good.

 

Yeah .....a little bit of stirring is always good.

If you have a decentbike tostart with....I wouldn;t personally go destroying it. I am more on the purist side.

 

I am sure she would be willing to part ways if someone wanted to offer her a few extra $ for it. Then she can go find another bike, but this one sure is clean and in amazing shape for an 82!