1980 xj650 maxim revived

I just picked up a Yamaha XJ650 maxim 1980

It was sitting for 8 years gas in the tank and all. I drained the old gas added some additive and new gas changed the oil and oil filter. It started no problem I was shocked. Now I need to clean her up and start the modifications. I want to cut the exhaust any opinions?

 

Oh Dude! Stand by as there are going to be a bunch of folks lighting up the forum about all the things you have to do first.... check the valves, carbs and replace all the brake parts before you can do anything else. My opinion is cutting the exhaust isn't worth the noise and jetting issues that will come with it. Congrats on the bike find and more than anything.....HAVE FUN WITH IT! Do what you want with it.

 

Go to the church of CLEAN!
Check valves
Replace the rear shoes De-lam is a bitch!
Replace the tires!!
Replace fuse panel with blade type
HAVE FUN!!

 

Congrats!

Before any heathen modifications you have to make sure your bike is completely up to snuff mechanically. Ignore looks, focus on safety and sound mechanics.

Start with the link in my .sig, it refers to a great topic about all the things needed for a "new" bike.

 

Thanks guys yeah the carbs were already jetted I have a detailed bike history in the form of receipts. So far I'm changing handle bars and adding a solo seat with springs then I will add white walls. My local motorcycle mall service guy won't work on a bike this old any recommendations for local xj guys? I'm in north jersey

 

You probably find that no shops will work on them.

This is a quote, and I am not kidding, "We won't touch any bike older than 4 years! Too much to go wrong!"

You, my friend, have now become, an XJ technician! LOL

But embrace the challenge! It is SO rewarding!!

I cannot tell you how big a rush I get, when I come home and Rosie is NOT in the garage. SWMBO, has taken Rosie out for a ride, by herself, knowing that Rosie, although 32 years old, is still one kick-ass, reliable machine!

 

I hear ya skippy.... I guess it's time to get my hands dirty. Getting her running the way she's meant to run is priority one. I'm going to pull the carbs tomorrow. I also need to figure out how to shrink pics to post here. I'm not sure which will be harder..... Thanks again