New XJ owner

Hello!

Im Jeff from Naperville, IL. Recently purchased a 1982 XJ 650 Maxim from my FIL who purchased the bike new in 1983. The bike has been well maintained and just rolled 41,000 miles. It starts & runs well even after sitting for a few years.

I plan on changing the engine & final drive oil, air filter, spark plugs & adding a fuel filter. May run a tank mix of fuel system cleaner or Sea Foam too.

Just wanted to introduce myself and let you all know how much I appreciate all your advice and support.

 

Looks nice.

The brake lines look original. Rebuild teh whole system.

 

^^^ what he said.
Except "teh".

 

When you say revuild the brake system, what parts are you referring to? Lines, fluid, master cylinder only or caliper, pads, rotor in front as well rear shoes? Just want to be sure I do this right.

 

All of it. Every single part. Replace all rubber bits. Replace all friction pads. Get every part of the master cylinder and calipers clean.
A good engine does you no good if you can't stop.

 

Sounds good. I'll start getting the parts list together. Any other areas on the bike that you suggest I look at? Thank you again for the input.

 

Nice looking bike, and even better to know its history. Yep, totally rebuild both front and rear brakes. K-moe didn't mention it, but I know he will recommend stainless brake lines. I was able to get a complete set of Galfer stainless lines with all fittings on Ebay for $104 with free shipping. I called the vender and had them request that Galfer install the DOT rubber on them. All Galfer stainless line meet DOT standards but some folks don't seem to like the black rubber DOT label.

 

Thanks. I'll order those stainless lines this week. Im sure the originals are brittle...plus the stainless lines will look so much cleaner. Any recommended eBay vendors you used for the lines?

I was also reading the thread on changing out the fuse box to avoid potential issues. Any recommendations on companies to purchase one from and how easy is that project to do?

 

Both of your questions get one answer. Well, two answers, but they're the same: there's a user here named Chacal. Start a conversation with him to find everything xj. Or click on the xjforever logo at the top right corner of every page here. That's his shop. He has the knowledge and parts to get your bike in shape.

 

For all your XJ needs, click the banner in the upper right for xj4ever. Member Chacal can fix you up with anything and give you enough advice to fry your brain cells.
Darn you, Matti. You type quicker than I do.

 

My kid would disagree... he's sitting here in his pj's watching me.
"Daddy, why are you typing so long? I wanna see motorbikes!"

 

Fantastic! Thanks everyone! Hope you all have a safe & happy 4th of July weekend!