xj700 Maxim Restoration

I bought this xj700 Maxim last October from a coworker in Alabama and I've been slowly restoring it. So far I did a carb rebuild with all new gaskets, jet needles, o-rings, etc. I have also, replaced the battery, spark plugs, air filter, various hoses and clamps, and did an oil change. Now I've just ordered rear drum brake shoes, front disc pads, both front brake rotors, and a fork seal rebuild kit. Anything I should look out for with installing the new parts?

 

If those are the original front brake lines then replace them. Most bikes in general get a huge improvement from Stainless braided. While you're at it you may want to inspect the front Master too if it has never been touched. Sounds like you are being methodical in you approach to bringing the bike back to road worthiness. Good luck.

 

I agree, do the lines. Factory says replace after four years, most never do.

 

Front rotors damaged? Most will last longer than the bike will.
Had to replace mine on my Xj750rl, it has 100,000 kilometres on them and getting a bit thin.

 

I have the same bike and have done everything you have done although I didn’t have to break the carburetor rack. I replaced the brake lines with stainless and I don’t think I would do it again. They work fine but since they have no give they seem awfully hard to me. I like the softer feel of non-stainless lines, and since I don’t ride aggressively the stock lines would be fine. I also replaced the stator shaft seal because it was leaking a little oil like yours appears to be. I would pull the stator cover and check for a leak.

 

I have been leaking some fluid through the engine oil breather line. Do you think that's the stator shaft seal leaking?

 

I don't know if you can see in the picture, but the left front rotor has a small fracture. I think it might be because the previous owner rode the bike heavily while the front forks leaked hydraulic fluid over the front brakes. They're probably heat fractures.

 

No. The stator cover is on the clutch side of the engine and has no connection to the breather. However, in picture #1 and #4 there appears to be some staining, possibly oil stain, under the stator cover (big round cover under the carbs) and that might indicate that the seal or oil nozzle seal (also located under the stator cover) might be leaking. Just check under the cover on the engine and see if if it is oily.

 

I wouldn't take any chances with the brakes. replace the rotors. They aren't expensive.

 

I just got a set of new rotors and pads shipped in. So they'll probably go in over spring break.

 

tabaka45 I took the stator cover off to have a look and this is what I saw. It looks like there is a chip in the bottom of the cover where the bottom bolt is. Is this what your cover looked like?

 

Yours looks ok. I don’t think you have an oil leak. Mine had a lot of oil in it.
If you are talking about the “chip” in the bottom where one of the bolts go that may be a drain port in case you do get a leak. Seems I had something like that but can’t be sure. In any case, I think you are ok. Button it up and deal with the brakes.

 

Well after a long night I replaced the front and rear brakes, brake rotors, the leaking fork seals, and even had time to spray a clean coat of paint on the crankcase