Restoring 82 Maxim

Hi. Newbee but been reading and got approved ! Had an RD400 many years ago. Was a great bike that I took care of but rode hard - and sold with 27,000 plus miles still running and looking good. Now 25 plus years later I bought a dormant 82 Maxim XJ550J for $325.00 that was ran/driven a few miles 3 years ago. By it's condition, I think it was always garaged. 6902 miles. But hideous Bumble Bee paint !. Doesn't appear to have been beaten on - sprockets look fine/almost new. Chain adjustment maybe 1/3rd back. Am restoring it and very excited to get it on the road which I hope is in a couple weeks. Pretty sure it is completely stock - as built. Think it even had the original front tire.

Would appreciate some advice. I read the brakes thread which convinced me I have to replace them. While the ones on it look fine, I think they are original - so 32 plus years old. I see a couple types for the front disc - organic, ceramic, sintered. Which ones should I buy ? I am keeping this bike. I lean towards the sintered for life/performance but is that the right decision ? I don't see any sintered drum pads for the rear for sale so guess I'll have to get whats available. Should they match in composition ? Does it matter ? I think I best replace the brake line also. I haven't found any new form/fit ones anywhere. Any advice on where to get ? How do I replace it ? I see "generic" - measure and order - but what about the connections ? Is there a way to order the right length and they come with the right ends to just bolt on ? Willing to pay for stainless/good. Previous owner included the Clymers repair manual and as brake thread says "4" years life but zilch on replacing/how/or any advice on bleeding. Assume like a car - pump till no air and firm.

I stripped the tank to metal (Bondo in a couple spots under what I'm pretty sure was the factory paint !), fixed a small dent, coats of primer/sealer and am about to finish paint including the side trim. I've got new tires mounted to these cool swirl rims, all new filters/fluids/plugs/all hoses etc... plus a couple other things I think it needed to make nice/like new and am close to ready to start re-assembly. Very excited to get it done and on the road. Brakes ? What else should I do to have it safe and reliable for years ?

 

The only way to get the right parts for your XJ is to click on the icon in the paper right hand corner XJ4Ever.
Chacal/ Len can get you brake lines that are a perfect fit.
You can get almost anything XJ related from him.

Check your valve clearances.
Rebuild the master cylinder and caliper while replacing those brake lines.
Rebuild the fuel tank Petcock.
Fresh rubber for sure.
Probably wise to replace those 32 year old cables also. My clutch cable 'looked' good and snapped on me out of the blue.
Carbs are probably over do for a rebuild.

You will need to spend money and time, you will be rewarded greatly!
Ask any questions you have here.
Lots of knowledge lurks here.

 

I got a petcock rebuild kit as the guy said it leaked. But no brake or clutch cable. I've put a fair amount of time and some $ into it already and want it to last a bit hopefully before needing more work - so will do. Will check parts lead - thanks.

 

You'll be spending a bit more time and $. It will cost 500-800 bucks to make your bike safe, reliable and running good. But when you're done, the smile on your face will be priceless.

 

VALVE CLEARANCES. First.

6900 miles? They were ignored. And now you're 3900 overdue on the initial check (the most important.)

Look in the "XJ FAQ Suggestions" forum for all sorts of how-to articles. The Clymer is a bit fuzzy on some things; these will help:

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29209.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=25058.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=31061.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=35134.html

as will this: http://www.xj4ever.com/setting%20fuel%20levels.pdf

 

Wow - thank you. The pictures are going to help me a lot. Really appreciate it. Spent a couple hours on it yesterday.

 

I have the same bike, did virtually the same.

Replace the shocks and fork springs. Big Fitz has got the info on that, I think they were Progressive Shocks???

Man.... what an improved ride over the stock oil shocks!!! Front braking is so much better without the front end diving on you.

I have been pretty fortunate, my bike has been extremely reliable. I haven't had any problems in a long time! I hope I haven't just jinxed myself!