New to motorcyling and to this forum

Hi--I bought a 1980 650 Maxim XJ with 70 000 km on it (is that the order of the details?) a couple of months ago. My brother found it for me--it had been sitting outside under cover for a couple of years in the cold Ottawa winters. Fortunately, after he cleaned and tuned it up and with a little more work at the shop, it seems to work fine. It's my first bike ever!!

I haven't been out too much yet -- I must say that I was a little surprised to only get 140 km on the first tank before having to pull over and find the lever to switch over to the reserve tank. Is that normal or should I be expecting much better mileage?

My first ride at higher speeds was quite fun--I almost blew past a school bus with its flashers going. A few noises that I have to locate but they disappear at lower speeds.

I was wondering if it is possible to add additional headlights to make myself more visible? And there is no lock on the seat grab rail--I would like to be able to lock my helmet and the seat--where would I find such an attachment? Oh, and how can I polish the engine (the aluminum is pitted a bit)?

I live in Kingston, Ontario and I look forward to getting out there this summer!

 

I recently sold my 1980 XJ650 Maxim I.
If I remember right, you could get around 100mi/160km on a tank or so.

Look on the right hand, rear underside of the seat on that grab rail for that Helmet Lock.

You will have to work from 800grit up to 2000grit wet/dry sand paper to get rid of those pits. Once you get it smooth like you want it get some aluminum polish like Mothers or Extreme and work it from there.

 

First off....Welcome to the forum. And to motorcycling as well!
Your mileage doesn't sound too unreasonable. After a couple of "reserve" trips it becomes pretty plain where your bike will leave you stuck. Never mind how I know this.
You should hook up with a MSF Basic Rider Course ASAP. Get the gear, and wear it.....always!
Good luck, and happy riding!

 

Thanks for the welcome and for the tips on mileage and sandpaper. There is no lock on the handgrip--I know because I replaced the sissy bar that didn't fit with the grab rail and there was nothing there.

BTW I took a motorcycle safety course before I ever got on a bike--lots of fun and great for confidence building and what to look out for. I have proper gear--joe rocket jacket, full face helmets, leather gloves with some armour in the knuckles, although I am still searching out some chaps or pants. The photo was as the bike came off the trailer--no gas in the tank and it hadn't run in years. Having taken the course I look at guys on bikes wearing sandals, t-shirts, and shorts with even more incredulous eyes!!

 

Welcome to you Carol_a, this forum should be a useful resource for you in your future adventures with your XJ. Sounds like the course tainted your view of riding forever! This taint however is knowledge, which is to your benefit. Flip-flops have no place on any moving conveyance (skateboards included), I've proven that point myself (another stupid story). I'm very pleased to hear you have taken the time to educate yourself and get geared up properly, I do wish more folks would follow suit. It would save many the grief of injury or death. Not to mention the dent they make in my taxes and insurance premiums. It may sound trite however it bears repeating, be careful out there! You and your knowledge are the first (and best) line of defense while riding. Peaceful journeys.

 

Welcome Carol...hope you enjoy biking and your XJ as much as I do.

 

Welcome Carol_a, this is a great group of people filled with lots of Knowledge about theses bikes...

 

Hi Carol, you found both a cool vintage bike a good forum, about your helmet lock, if you do find your factory lock it is not gonna be that great anyway and if you spent say $200 on your helmet you should think twice about using it, I use a small but long padlock that I put a few different places on the bike depending on circumstance, sometimes on my Harley i slip it through my mirror post or sometimes on either my harley or my yamaha i'll put it through both the helmet loop and the front disc rotor, this accomplishes the dual purpose of securing the helmet and the front wheel, I also carry a large cable lock to secure the bike to a fixed object when needed and if your using a FF helmet you can run that cable through the face opening of your lid, and if your wearing your armored jacket on a warm day for safety you can loop that cable through the armhole of you jacket to be able to leave it and have it still be there on your return. have fun, welcome to motorcycling!!!