Access to a yard full of XJ Parts

Hi all,
I am fairly new to this forum and to XJs and I wouldn't have been able to make as much progress as I have without this forum. And because of this I thought I would offer some help to those looking for parts.

I posted an ad with some parts I have laying around for sale but I have been meaning to make this post for a while. I live in Phoenix and in the last few months I have found a 'junkyard'-- I hate to use this word as it refers to junk but I am not sure what else to call it-- that has over 40,000 japanese bikes. It is full of XJs and about any other make or model of japanese bike you can imagine. They have alot of parts pulled off the bikes and in large piles that require digging. But mostly, the bikes are lined up outside and you can go find what you need and pull it off yourself. I have been fortunate enough to find most of what I have needed there and for a surprising fraction of what I could find online (example- got a whole clutch basket for $25). The good thing about Phoenix is things can sit outside without rusting but the downside is that most rubber/plastic parts are dry rotted.

So if anyone is having a hard time finding a part or is just curious, PM me what your looking for and the next time I am going to the yard I will see if they have it. Put your year, make and model (and if you can the engine number- it makes it easier for me to find the right bike) as well as the parts and a reasonable price for them and I will see if I can find them and get them for your price. I don't live very far from there but it might take me a few days to a week but I will look for you. What do I get out of this? Honestly I go there alot and I love digging through stuff, so why not help a few of you while I am going to be there anyways.

Thanks
Jacob

 

that is a very generous offer! let me be the first to say thanks and also to make a request. I am looking for a front brake master cylinder cover that is not all beat up. it must fit my wife's xj550 seca (I think the maxim ones fit too) and it must say Yamaha ( I don't want a generic cover, I want the original). the black finish is not as important as it not having any road rash or other scars. I plan to sandblast it and powder coat it. I can't find just the used cover anywhere online and len only has generic replacements. if I can get it for $15 or $20 shipped to seattle, I would be thrilled.

CN

 

No problem. I will be near there in the morning so I'll stop by and take a look.

 

I concur with CN, this is a very generous offer, and I am sure that at some point I will be asking if you can check for something. Thank you!

 

That is great news. I am currently rebuilding an 81 xj550 maxim and am in need of parts. What would be the best way to go about getting parts through you?

 

No problem. I happen to live close to a huge yard full of bikes that I have come to realize is a great source of parts that most don't have easy access to. I am just doing my part in helping out those on the forum that need hard to find parts.

PM me with the info on the bike and parts you need. And the next time I am there I will see what I can find. Also include a reasonable price so I can make sure I don't get something you don't want to pay for. If it is an extensive list we can also talk on the phone to make sure the details are clear. Paypal would also be the easiest way to transfer money. We can sort that out once I find something you need.
Thanks

 

Just FYI the original parts that seem to be hard to find and/or are valuable to listers are often sidecovers, gas tanks and emblems, exhaust collectors, and some of the smaller miscellaneous parts or ones that are subject to damage or loss, more so for Secas as fewer were made than Maxims. If you happen to go there to get a part for someone, take a look in particular for undamaged tanks (rusty is still OK), especially for Seca 550 models (hard to find). Also, for Seca 550's battery side sidecovers seem to be hard to find as well. Seca 900's are also somewhat rare, so keep an eye out for any of those.

 

Really nice of you Jacob. If you can find side covers (a burgundy red would be perfect, but not necessary) both left and right for a 1983 Seca XJ750 for under $20 each that would be great. I'm afraid we will all drive you nuts, so if you can't that is ok.

Gord

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I will have to do some research so I can learn how to identify the different models easily. It's a huge yard and sometimes it's hard to determine the model. They have plenty of tanks so I'll see if I can find any of the rare ones. Also, there is an abundance of exhausts--the mufflers are sometimes damaged but headers and collectors are plentiful. Are the same collectors used throughout the XJs or are they model specific? The reason I ask is a lot of the exhausts have been pulled off bikes and are hanging up on huge racks. So without them being on the bike I might have a hard determining the correct model if they are model specific.

 

The side covers are fairly hard to find. One nice thing about the climate here is that all of these bikes can sit out in the weather and not rust. The downside is that most rubber and plastic parts are dried out and cracked, but there are a lot of these plastic parts that have been pulled of and put inside a large warehouse. I will see what I can find next weekend.

 

Hello Jacob I'm looking for a ic ignitor for a 550 seca type tid14-05. If you come across one Thanks

 

The exhaust pipes usually have a number stamped in them by the lower curve. The first three characters will clue you in for the model, though there are some pipes that will fit other models....

 

Hi Jacob, thanks again for your help. I just wanted to make it easier for you by posting a couple of pictures so you don't have to research them.

Any colour will be fine, even sunbaked. thanks again.

Gord

 

Hi Jacob,

Jherbst is looking for one of these:


I have one but its my only spare so I don't want to part with it.

 

Thanks for the pics. They help alot.

I'm planning on heading over there this weekend so I will see what I can find.

 

Hey Jacob,

I'd suggest you bring a digital camera when you go, and snap some pics of the inventory; particularly those sidecovers, tanks, handlebar covers, grab rails, and any other external components that seem to be the ones that get damaged and lost over the years as there are the things forum members seem to need most. even shots of a trailer full of hanging exhausts or tanks, etc might be enough for some members to identify that one item that they have been looking for.

The "seeking parts" red posts of the buy and sell section could be referenced to see what the current listers' needs are

 

PM Sent......thanks.

Brad

 

I'm looking for 1980 or 1981 XJ650 Cylinders. Low miles with no rust and in between 63mm and 63.1mm.

 

Hello all.

I spent a good few hours looking through parts this weekend. I took 4nik8er's advice and took a few pics so you guys could see the yard.

You can see in the pics that there are a lot of bikes and a lot of parts but not a lot of organization.

There is 7 or 8 rows like this with shelves to the ceilings.


I have also uploaded a few pics of tanks for two reasons: 1.) to give you an idea of some of the inventory and 2.) so maybe you could help me with identifying them. The tanks are not on the bikes and I am having a hard time determining what they go on. If you see a tank that you recognize please feel free to let me know.

Here is a good example (XJ550 SECA) of what some of the bikes look like out here.


Here is a short list of parts that are plentiful. These apply to most models with the exception of some of the rarer models.

• airboxes
• carbs
• transmissions
• engines (most are fully intact with transmission, clutch, etc)
• exhausts systems (some dented)
• exhaust collectors
• rectifiers
• gas tanks (some are dented but no rust)
• wheels
• rear springs
• ignition coils
• wiring and electrical
• brakes and master cylinders

Here is a list of parts that I have not seen. I have been looking for these parts as they are hard to find but have not come across any. It doesn't mean they aren't there. They could be in any of the enormous piles or shelves of parts.

• side covers
• seats
• fenders
• front fairings

As for the models, there seems to be plenty of 650's, 700's and 750's. I have only run across a few 900's or 1100's. They do have 8-10 XJ550 SECAs but all of the cosmetic stuff has been picked clean.

I spent a lot of time going through and identifying bikes based on engine numbers to see what they had. If you're looking for parts I have listed as not seen, I'm up there about every weekend and I may run into them one of these days.

Check out this photo bucket album with all of the uploaded pictures. http://s1378.photobucket.com/user/jbernc/library/XJ PARTS

 

A thought.....If you come across xj900 secas, could you record the serial numbers for me and send a private conversation with them in? I'd like to get them registered on the 900rk database.....can still document where they ended up.

thanks,

dave

 

Wow - good work jbernc! I see what you mean abut a lot of parts but not much organization. I see you found at least one XJ550 seca tank (red with white decal) - curious what they would want for that.

 

Thanks! The red XJ550 seca tank may be claimed already-- I will let you know if I find any others. I may be able to find more now that I know what the XJ550 seca tank looks like. For future reference, the owner of the yard said tanks start at $150 and decrease depending on condition-probably depending on his mood.

 

$150 would be a reasonable price for an undented, non leaking tank c/w petcock and sender, based on what they have gone for on eBay the rare time I've seen one.

 

Hey Jbernc... next time you're there can you look for a complete airbox assembly for an XJ650 Maxim 1981. Everything from the carb inlet rubbers backwards. Thanks a lot mate

 

Geez - That is ALMOST as many carb racks as Dave has in his garage . . . .

What a wonderland - I could get lost for months wading through all of that!
Wonder is the plastic parts (airbox) gets brittle baking in the sun for so long.

 

Thanks for all the pictures and time you are taking on this Jacob! Still hopeful you'll find some 83ish 750 Seca side covers (both sides). If it wasn't so far, I'd ride down, set up a base camp, hire a few sherpas and head into that mountain of motorcycle parts with you.

 

Taku:
Since I have been in there so much the last few months, they are starting to help me with finding some of these parts so I don't have to go digging around looking for a needle in a haystack. So they might be able to point me toward some side covers. I will keep you informed.

 

I will look and see if any of the XJ550s have the airbox. I am not sure if the airbox is different but is it for a MAXIM or SECA?

 

jbernc, I must also comment on your generosity! I just tore down my 85 XJ700 Maxim to the bare frame. If I decide to replace anything that doesn't clean up well I will definitely give you a shout. Thank you!

 

Hi jbernc. I am looking for a complete and non rusty carb for a maxim 550. Please pm me with a price if you know of one. Thank you in advance.

 

Jbernc; could you see if there is a master brake cylinder for an 81 xj750rh seca? preferably one that can be rebuilt by myself?
Thanks,
Ryan

 

Thanks Jacob

 

Sound, Great news, Will surely be passing through there as soon as.



bmw service

 

Hi Jacob, is it possible to get the address of that salvage yard?
I have a friend who is going to Phoenix next week and he would like to drop by for a look. Thanks Glenn

 

How about black mufflers for an '81 650 Midnight Maxim? The original part number is 4H7-14711

 

Could you locate and price an atari unit for my XJ750? Thank you in advance.

 

Base,
you mean for a 750 Seca? I got one
( well, 4 or 5 )

Or for a 750 Maxim? I got one
( well, 2 or 3 )

Dave Fox

 

Normal maxim. I was having a roaring noise in the front end and I removed the speedo cable and the noise went away. So I got a new cable and put it on and noise is still there. I can grab the cluster and move it and the noise changes pitch. So I got a little over zealous and broke the needle.

 

Since you asked him first, lets see if he finds anything for you.... If he does not, then send a conversation to me.

Dave Fox

 

jbernc, you are a lucky fellow for being near a place like that and I thank you for sharing! If you happen to spot a decent seat(2 pieces) to an 85-86 Maxim 700(N or X) please get back to me. The duct tape on my project bike doesn't look too pretty

 

jbernc,, first thank you for helping everyone.. I just picked up an 82 xj750 seca project. can you check for a good gas tank complete ? the bike is 5G2-100198
any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance .. Brian

 

That is very cool.

k-moe just suggested that I find a 750 Maxim fuel tank for my 650 'cause it's about a gallon bigger - and I live out where an extra 40mi/fill is pretty important...

Could you check on that?

 

Hold that thought... I located one. We'll see if its any good...

 

Next time you're around there could you check for a carburetor diaphragm/slide that isn't torn? I've been having a hell of a time trying to find one for a reasonable price (or even just finding that part in stock)

 

You are a special kind of person to offer such great help! I am in search of exhaust for a Maxim X 700. Mine is a 1986 X but I assume the '85 fits as well. I also believe the exhaust from the 750 Maxim X is a fit, but very rare in USA. The entire exhaust or just the mufflers, whatever you might find!

 

If you are in the yard this week am in the market for tci unit for an xj550

 

Onetrack..... If he doesn't come across one, contact me. I may have a couple extras

 

Dave...let's be honest, here. What don't you have? Lol.