Used / Spare XJ650 Motor Worth Getting for $300?

I recently came across someone selling a xj650j motor locally. The motor looked pretty complete but upon closer inspection it appeared as if there was some oil in the carbs. The owner thinks there was about 30k on the clock before the rest of the bike met its demise so I'm assuming this blow-by is wear related (piston ring, valve, etc.).

I'm sure I could talk the owner down a bit but do you think its best to pass on this motor based on the problems I have already noticed? I thought it would be nice to keep a spare handy but my current ride is fine and I really don't need any extra clutter.

Thx

 

Unless you need parts from it or your engine is about to die, I would pass. If you keep your engine in good condition and maintained you will most likely never need to replace it.

 

I say go for it if you can get it for 250$ Having a spare engine is good as you could rebuild it slowly and have it ready to swap at some point.

 

Don't assume that oil in the carbs is from blowby. A smart person fogs everything with oil to prevent corrosion.

Do a compression test. If it's low, then pass, or lowball him to $50. Rebuilds aren't cheap to do. Most of the oversize ring and piston sizes are NLA except to have them made. There are ways around that problem, but why go there unless you have to.

 

it has the carbs on it those can be sold for 150$ so it is a good deal.
shipping on used motors is costly, bird in hand.
you can polish all the covers and swap them onto you motor
even have the heads redone for future use, does it have the starter too?
ohm out the pickups if in spec another useable part

check to see if he has and will include the TCI
it is a silver mine in spare parts

check ebay and cl as well as our swap trade for prices

 

Buy it!

 

you can never have too many bikes or spare parts...but you need to buy them at a good price...if the carbs look good I would offer $100.

 

So, the question we all want to know is...

"Did you buy it?"