Milwaukee/Wisconsin area XJ's

Sup everyone. My names Ike. Own a '81 XJ750 Seca and live in Milwaukee. Just saying hello and seeing if theres any other xj owners in my area (or even just wisconsin, maybe chicago). it'd be great to go riding or do some projects on our bikes or whatever. though right now there isnt much time left. but i think ill be busy working on my bike in the off season.

 

If I ever get the wife to agree to bring mine back home (Sheboygan), we'll have to get out and ride, unfortunatly, if I get deployed again, the XJ is getting traded for a touring bike

 

Hey there,
Glad to hear from a few others in the area. I've been in and out of the forum lately but am back for the near future. I'm right on the north side of Milwaukee. I'm definitely going to continue with the bike projects during the off season, so if you're in need of a second set of hands, let me know. I have a few things to finish on the home front before I can dive into the bike, but I should get into it by the end of January. Feel free to drop me a line if either of you need a hand, or a parts hauler.

Take it Light,
Bob

 

very cool man. ill definatly keep ya posted on things that are happening here. come spring we'll have to go riding or something. my bike is stored for the winter so (crosses fingers) just hoping that it fires right up come spring. if not. well then i guess i got more projects.

thats sweet you got that SOHC 750. those are great. we have one that needs work in this garage i work at.

happy new year

 

hey all,

I bought my first bike (81 xj550 seca) in may and rode pretty much every day until the weather changed. The only days i wasn't on it were when i had it in the shop to have the carbs gone over, and the last few weeks before the snow, when i lost the dang key.

There's a lot i want to do on the bike, but i'm gonna be taking it slow. First things first: get a new key and get the dang thing storage ready.

BTW: I'm in Glendale, just north of Milwaukee. I grew up in riverwest and still think of it as home.

 

very cool man. i live in riverwest! glad to see you on here. come spring we'll definatly have to go riding and do some work on the bikes. i bought my xj750 in september 07 and spent ten till the first snow learning about bikes and finding all the awsome spots around here. i been really wanting to hook up with other UJM's and especially XJ's just becuase alot of the flashy bike guys dont like to ride with dudes who didnt spend 10k on their bike.

right now my bike is winterized just waiting to be awoken. soon as it warms gonna clean the carbs. do my first sync (hoping to get colortune soon) and hit the road. Did you take your bike to The Shop in bayview? or somewhere else. how much did they charge ya for the carb work?

hopefully we get some more milwaukee/wisconsin people. its cool to know whos out there.

btw welcome to the boards as well. you could learn anything you need to know about your bike here.

 

Thanks, man.. this seems like a really great spot (this site).

So far I haven't ridden with anyone at all, just solo rides around town and back and forth to work.

I hear you re: not dumping 10k down my bike, especially if all i get out of it is a shiny bike. I wanna know what's going on when i twist the throttle back! I bought the bike (mostly) running for about $1000 and i paid the guys at The Shop about $400 to rebuild the carbs (it died completely just as i rolled into their lot... actually coasted the last 20 ft., and I didn't want to wait to get back on it). Add in the cost of a helmet, gloves, MSF Course, and Service Manual and I'm still under 2k.

Like i said, I ended up going to The Shop. I called a few places and none of them wanted to work on the older bikes. The guys at The Shop seemed sort of excited about it. Unfortunately I brought it in the week of Rockerbox and told them there was no rush... it took them a bit longer than expected to finish the work. To their credit, they let me know what was going on and why it was taking longer.

Have you ever gone to Two Wheel Tuesdays at Lulu? I didn't know about it until after the weather changed, but it looks like a good crowd.

Anyway, Thanks for the Welcome!

 

Hey guys, just a word of advice, up in Sheboygan, there's a shop called rerun, they work on the old jap bikes..... STAY AWAY FROM THEM..... I heard from the yamaha hog dealer and a few other small shops they do more damage than good. I took my forks in to Advance Landspeed in Plymouth (HWY 57&PP). Now that I know of a few people in the area, I wish I wasn't stationed in GA, at least I'd have afew people work on these things with. Good Luck and Welcome to the site, there is a alot of exellent Info on here.

 

very cool man! yeah definatly the guys at the shop are great. ive known Tim (the owner for a while now) hes a good guy. they specialize in bikes like ours. never been to two wheel tuesdays but ive heard of it and see it all the time. we'll have to go come spring. 400 sounds about right for carbs at the shop. but if there giving you trouble come spring we can do it ourselves. save ourselves some money.

 

Glad to hear there are a few more XJ'ers from around town. Also good to know there is a shop that is willing to help us keep our bikes running. I am going to try to do a full re-hab on my bike this winter and spring (fork seals, springs, carbs[the whole nine yards] and a few mods). If anyone wants to hang out while wrenching and tossing back a few, the more the merrier. I have to finish my motorcycle work platform, but should start diving in in the next month. I also have a dry garage with heat if anyone wants to start prepping before the weather gets better for riding, although the past few days feel like mid april rather than january.

Take it light,
Bob

 

aint that the truth. i actually went to jiujitsu today with shorts and t-shirt on. 60 degrees!!! in the middle of january! feels like im back in texas again. too funny!

im totally down whenever you wanna get some projects done. just shoot me a pm when you got your next one lined up. im seriouslly going motorcycle stir crazy here. (dont own a garage) i need to work on something.

what part of town you live in bob?

btw Andrew thanks for the heads up. always good to know who isnt worth going to.

ike

 

I'm on the northwest side, near Mount Mary college. I'm also getting a bit itchy to ride and wrench, but the house has plenty of projects that are better suited for winter, rather than riding weather. So, it'll be a few weeks before I can get in the garage for some quality time. I'll let you know when things open up.

Take it light.

 

Man, I know the feeling! I keep 3 lists:
Things I want to do
Things I should do
Things I need to do

It's always hard to check off the stuff on the last two, but occasionally the first two overlap and trump mean ol' number 3!

BTW: Are you the Sherman Perk guy?

 

Good call on the three lists. It will probably make things a bit easier to explain to the missus.

No, the sherman perk guy is my dad. He used to be into cycles back in college and shortly after, but let go of them over time. Really pissed me off when I found out, he had two mint BMW full dressers at one point. would have made a great first bike.

Well, back to work.
Take it light.

 

Wow, at first I thought I was one of the only Wisconsin residents here! Great to see others here too!

I hear you about not spending 10k+ on a bike, including my 1200S I havn't spent more than 3k on both my Maxim and my Bandit. The Maxim eats harleys all day long in looks and the Bandit will take almost ANY out of the box liter bike and bend its world, down a strait line. I know its not faster but my god man! It keeps up!

I'm north of madison, ever been around the lake wisconsin area? Harmoney Grove has been home for 19 years. My favorite time on a bike is carving through the curves of the wisconsin hills, and the maxim, despite how it looks, is one of the most planted bikes for corner carving.

My maxim, with an average rider (my brother), walked away from a R1 in the twistys. The maxim is exellent in road feel and feedback, and its predictable.

When the weather clears up a little in our neck of the woods (wisconsin) and you want a competent, clear minded riding buddie to match YOUR pace instead of the whole "try to keep up" shit, give me a PM and I can take you through some of the most breath taking scenery central wisconsin has to offer at reasonable speeds. 9 out of 10 times I have a spare bike that someone can use if they are without a bike or find themselfs itching to go out with the boys and just need to ride.



I'm in the middle of trying to find a house and I hope that its all worked out by the riding season! Its good to know their are more people from wisconsin on here.

If I am around the milwaukee area next riding season I will be sure to PM someone and see if a ride can be arranged!


Happy riding!

 

Central Wisconsin here.

Still working on my bike ( xs400j) before I can ride.

 

Brookfield - Right next to Milwaukee. 550 maxim, in process.

 

Chicago here. This is my first bike, picked it up last summer. Rode it until it got too cold. She's a little hesitant to wake up this year, but I'll be back at it once she's cleaned and synced.

 

I'm in the Madison area too and would love to meet some people who are in the area. This is essentially my first bike but I plan to keep it a long time.

 

Stallis (West Allis) here. Working on an '82 XJ650, should be on the road in less than a month (God willing...).

Carl

 

Did you get a new key cut for it yet? If not, I can recommend a guy that can have it done in a couple of hours. It's a bit of a drive, and you may be able to find someone closer, but hey charged me $25 for a new set of keys for my 550.

Let me know, and welcome!

-c

 

I don't think that was me you are referring to. I just picked up the bike last night (although it doesn't have an ignition switch or lock for the gas cap for now).

 

I thought the CL ad said there was no key for it? No ignition switch at all?

 

Yeah, there's not ignition switch (installed a toggle switch) or lock on the gas cap (straight screwdriver). I've got some work to do, but they are a little further down my list.

 

ahh... Well, good luck!

I'm in the neighborhood (kinda), so if you need my vast knowledge and experience, I am available. My experience includes:

- Putting gas in the tank
- Re-inflating tires
- Reading the forums

As you can see, my input would be invaluable!

Seriously, though, it looks like you have your work cut out for you. Can't wait to hear how it goes.

-c

 

Im in Plymouth, about 45 minutes north of Milwaukee on hwy 57, and 10 minutes west of Sheboygan on hwy 23.

 

well funny thing happened over the winter. I got hired at The Shop in here in milwaukee. So now i fix classic bikes as a job. helps when i need to fix my own bike too.

my xj750 woke up beautifully im proud to report.

tis the season people. we should group up and go on a ride sometime.

 

oh man you live right next to my favorite spot. you ever ride out in kettle moraine north? the scenic drive. i got a video of me on that road.

 

Lucky!

Congrats, man!

 

I'd be down for that! My baby has been running great this year...

 

Hey, does anybody here have carb sync tools? Preferably vacuum gagues, and/or colortune? PM me if you do, and you are willing to help a fellow biker out.

Thanks,
Brian

 

Riverwest here.

I've got access to a Carbtune that did wonders on my Maxim-X. I've got a Colortune on order, but not in hand yet.

 

You are not alone guys wisconsin as well, wisconsin rapids to be exact. about as center of the state you can get.

I recently got my bike (xs400j 1982) Running had it for about 8 months , got it in a trade ,. it didn't run at all no spark. 300 dollars later and i have 20 miles on it just tweeking it.gotta get tags ( Hobby Motorcycle) next week

pretty much know this beast inside and out now thanks to the manuals and the guys here who spread thier knowledge of fixes and tips, Thank you!

once this thing is where it should be i will repaint it the factory (Burgandy) and sell it for a bigger newer one , kinda like the warrior

http://www.starmotorcycles.com/star/pro ... 0/360.aspx

 

no kidding man? Riverwest here too. i live right near fuel cafe. very cool.

 

I'm hoping to get my bike running tonight (assuming my wife lets me out of the house) so we'll need to try and put a Milwaukee area XJ ride together some time this summer. There should be enough of us.

 

Green Bay checking in. A little farther north than most of you but don't mind putting a few miles on to do a ride. Was already up to Superior and back this year. The 550's running pretty good for not having been tuned in a while. Need to finish my other project before I wrench with the bike any more(87 VW GTI 2.0 16v). At least she is running and I'm enjoying every minute of it.

Take er easy(and if she's easy take er twice),
Kurt

 

Alright all, I'm up and running now. I will be replacing my gas tank, ignition, and forks tonight (not in that order) and then doing some paint work to make all the colors match. I should be ready, willing, and able to do a ride early next month or so if you're all interested.

 

Recently back to the board. West side of Milwaukee checking in. I am also interested in a get-together in the near future. probably wont have the bike up an running yet, as a few projects at home have kicked up, but plan to do some work in the garage by Memorial Day, if I can get power reconnected to my garage. If there will be a mini carb clinic, sign me up. If there is anything I can provide or supply I'll make it work.

 

Power has been restored!!
Spent the weekend trenching in the new conduit and fired up the lights Monday. I now have a clean, lit garage that I can hide out in. Going to work on the work platform this weekend while the fiance is out at her batchelorette party (no distractions for me). Then it is on to the fork seals, putting the bits back together, then I am going to properly clean and adjust the carbs. Got a bit of practice on my dad's lawn mower, so my ear is back in line with the sweet noise of a well tuned engine. I'll get some pics up of progress on the garage and bike.

Take it light

 

Awesome! Let's get some get-together together!

What weekends work for June?
Who's interested in getting together?
Where should we get together?

 

I'm still interested and would be willing to help out with a Carb Clinic. My garage isn't very well equiped (and is a huge mess), but I am pretty comfortable working with them. Someone with a colortune and mercury sticks would be helpful also.

I still need to do some painting and replace my turn signals, but she's ridable.

 

Proposed dates:

June 14th, 22nd ,28th ,29th

Afternoons are best for me, but you guys pipe up with your preferences, too. Are you guys thinking we should do a ride, or a clinic? I like either, with a slight leaning toward a clinic. As much as I love to ride, I could use some advice/help from people who are better than me at this stuff.

 

I can make time any of those days, I think. I'll check with the boss and see what we have planned. I have a 1.5 car garage that has finally been cleaned if we need a spot for a carb clinic. I know my carbs need a good tweaking, but if it will be a ride I'll try to get them set before then. Any other thoughts?

 

Appleton checking in. And I plan to have my ride living by the weekend. I hope...

 

Hey yo!

I've been away from this board for a while, but I'm really going to try to stick around.

I'm down in Zion - not much of a haul from MKE. I don't know if I could make a clinic - (28th or 29th are the only possibilities for me), but I'd be willing to lend my colortune and YICS tool if needed.

 

Palatine, Illinos Checking in.

Had my XJ about 6 years but she slept for 3 of em. Just woke here from her long slumber this spring with Gas prices being what they are and shes none too happy.

If you all plan on having a carb clinic i'd love to attend.

Steve

 

Chicago here. If you guys are doing a clinic, I'm in. I think my carbs are pretty good (home-made manometers FTW), but I could use the assistance of a colortune like nothing else.

 

I am in Madison and would definitely be up for a trip. Has a location and time been selected?
-Pat


I would be willing to bring a 12mm colortune and a homemade YICS tool.

 

Sounds like there hasn't been much activity in the area. I still haven't tackled the carbs, but in the next few weeks would like to have a carb-tune clinic. In August I begin a 90 mile per day commute and can't afford to chance it with my truck as my only option. Anyone have availability the weekend of the 19th?

 

I'm working on the 19th, should be free on the 20th as far as I know.