1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

new and a question

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by Bluegray57, Mar 12, 2018.

  1. Bluegray57

    Bluegray57 Active Member

    Messages:
    180
    Likes Received:
    36
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    US
    Have not been around bikes in a number of years. Hope to look at a 1981 XJ650 in good condition this week with 34k on the speedo. Other than the usual stuff, is there anything in particular I should look for on this model? Appreciate any advice.
     

    Attached Files:

    wgul likes this.
  2. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

    Messages:
    19,657
    Likes Received:
    6,762
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The City of Seven Hills
    There isn't anyhing about the 650 Maxim that stands out as being particularly odd, or extra-important to look out for. The pre-82 models had a gear driven tachometer, so check the seals on the tacho drive for oil leaks.
    Other than that, just do all of the usual things that a classic bike needs (top link in my signature).

    If you need parts start a conversation with Chacal. If it's available, he has it in stock.
     
    Bluegray57 likes this.
  3. Jetfixer

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    3,191
    Likes Received:
    1,501
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Nothern Indiana
    Nice Bike ....PLEASE DO NOT put PODS on keep stock airbox you will not have to mess with carbs jetting and will be able to enjoy riding . As nice as it looks in picture please don't take a sawzall to rear frame to make it a bobber , if you want to make one you will find plenty of half finished "projects" out there. Granted your bike do as you please , Cheers keep us updated on progress on your bike
     
  4. Bluegray57

    Bluegray57 Active Member

    Messages:
    180
    Likes Received:
    36
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    US
    No worries. Not into bobbers. Besides, there are many, many bobbers out there already for sale that aren't selling. :)


    I should add that the only thing I'm not crazy about is the sissy bar and seat. I might have to see if it can be replaced with something a bit different.
     
    Last edited: Mar 12, 2018
    Stumplifter, wgul and Jetfixer like this.
  5. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

    Messages:
    19,657
    Likes Received:
    6,762
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The City of Seven Hills
    The seat and bar you have was an option. The standard seat looks like this.

    [​IMG]

    Seats and grab bars come up on Ebay occasionally, but if you place an ad here you'll likely find a member that has a set to sell.
     
    Jetfixer and Bluegray57 like this.
  6. Minimutly

    Minimutly Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,944
    Likes Received:
    820
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    West Wales, uk
    Each to his own etc, but I wouldn't be able ride with those bars for very long, my trike had similar ones, killer on the wrists. Worth keeping the originals though, your bike really does look worth looking after.
     
  7. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

    Messages:
    19,657
    Likes Received:
    6,762
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The City of Seven Hills
    We were discussing the sissy-bar, though the handle bars do look uncomfortable. They aren't what I prefer either, but they are a lot more comfortable than they look like. Aside from the slow-speed control issues I have with them, the buckhorns are all-day comfortable.
     
    Stumplifter likes this.
  8. Bluegray57

    Bluegray57 Active Member

    Messages:
    180
    Likes Received:
    36
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    US
    Going to look at the 81 this morning. If all looks good and the price is right, I will be the new owner.
     
  9. Bluegray57

    Bluegray57 Active Member

    Messages:
    180
    Likes Received:
    36
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    US
    Done deal.....she's mine!!
     
    Plug, Chitwood and Jetfixer like this.
  10. SR500ED

    SR500ED Member

    Messages:
    32
    Likes Received:
    9
    Trophy Points:
    8
    Location:
    Smithville Ontario Canada
    You'll love the bike. As said above regarding pods and bobbers, maintain it and you'll have fun for years.
    Remember stock bikes or close to it, keep their value. Too many " projects" out there that no one wants. In fact, folks are trying to put them back to stock.
    This happened after the chopper craze of a few years ago.:)
     
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2018
    Jetfixer, Minimutly and Bluegray57 like this.
  11. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,792
    Likes Received:
    1,051
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    near Irma, WI
    Ain't nothing wrong with the "king/queen seat" ... just sayin' :rolleyes:
     
  12. Bluegray57

    Bluegray57 Active Member

    Messages:
    180
    Likes Received:
    36
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    US
    With the transaction completed, the bike is finally in Delaware with me. I decided to take it to the local Yamaha dealer and have it gone over. The list of things required doesn't seem too bad. The fork seals have a bit of leakage. There may be an issue with the voltage regulator rectifier as the battery tests good, but doesn't seem to be charging properly. The intake manifolds have some cracks. Brake pads are glazed, the fluid needs to be flushed and it requires a new air filter. All in all, I think not bad considering that it's a 37 year old bike.
     
  13. Bluegray57

    Bluegray57 Active Member

    Messages:
    180
    Likes Received:
    36
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    US
    I did find a standard seat on EBAY for $55 with free shipping. It will need a new cover but it's in sound shape.
     
    k-moe likes this.
  14. Chitwood

    Chitwood Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    866
    Likes Received:
    375
    Trophy Points:
    63
    Location:
    Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin
    I would probably add some things to that list but that's just me
     
    Stumplifter likes this.
  15. Bluegray57

    Bluegray57 Active Member

    Messages:
    180
    Likes Received:
    36
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    US
    The way I look at it, it's a beginning. Once they are finished with it, I'll take inventory of the situation.
     
    Wintersdark and Chitwood like this.
  16. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,792
    Likes Received:
    1,051
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    near Irma, WI
    I would like to gently encourage you to take on some of the maintenance items yourself.

    Dealers/ certified mechanics often don’t recognize ‘classic’ bikes nor the attention to detail that is required to make your bike safe for you.

    If you have no means for working on your bike yourself than search for local shops that specialize in older Japanese bikes. There seem to be more of these types of shops popping up, and their passion is often higher than someone used to doing warranty work everyday.
     
  17. Minimutly

    Minimutly Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    1,944
    Likes Received:
    820
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    West Wales, uk
    The modern garage take on these things is very often that older machines just aren't worth spending time and money on. Sad I know, but it's how society has gone - wear it out and throw it away..
     
    Stumplifter and Bluegray57 like this.
  18. Bluegray57

    Bluegray57 Active Member

    Messages:
    180
    Likes Received:
    36
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    US
    That is the plan. The only independent shops around here seem to be Harley only. I'm sure there are others, but I haven't located one as of yet. I will be moving into a house with a 2 car garage in the very near future and will be doing some of the maintenance here after. I had extensive communication with the dealer service manager before deciding to use them for the initial service.
     
    Stumplifter likes this.
  19. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

    Messages:
    14,994
    Likes Received:
    5,266
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    near utica, new york
    Learn and read here. You'll be able to do almost all the work yourself
     
  20. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    13,199
    Likes Received:
    3,862
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Great North Woods
    unless it becomes a Queen/king seat;);)
     

Share This Page