1982 roadside find

Driving back from a job and found this on the side of the rd. Price was way too good. Talked to owner and he started it up and it runs very nice. Looks to be a full bike to include side covers. Needs new back tire, fork seals and steering head bearings replace.
241451622_390653515745875_8750318538350452667_n by Tim Brown, on Flickr
241819541_885268225733285_6207394087331743087_n by Tim Brown, on Flickr

 

Nice, looks clean.

 

Great find!

 

Congrats! Well done.

 

Thanks....will be ordering the new bearing and fork seals today. She will also go on the table today and I will check all the safety stuff (rear brake for separation) and change out fluids.

 

Front end is apart...wow hope it all goes back together so it looks nice. The races are in the freezer for tomorrow, looks like that will work out okay. The old stuff that came out of the bike was showing signs of fatigue cracks in the lowest part and the top was mostly just nasty dried old lube.

These new bearings look nice, sure will help this old gals steering and I am sure handling as well.

 

Nice find, How many miles ? Did you change the back tire before you took the pic"s it look like a new dunlop 404?

 

How cheap was it ..

 

Bike came like that from the sale, it also started right up with cold engine. It was under $400. I got lucky. The seller is old school and does not sell on line. So nothing on FB or the "C" list. Drove by it only because I was on that road for some seasonal work.

38K miles I think...

 

Sweet deal

 

New head bearing are in. The freezer trick worked very well. They almost "click" into place that way. I used a rubber mall to tap the bottom of the tree as I was slowly tightening the nut on top. Sure is nice to have smooth steering again. Now to finish the fork rebuild and then put her to bed for the winter.

This 750 has the fork damping selector on top. It also has the air balancing ckt connecting the two forks. This is my first Maxim with this feature. I would guess maybe the 82s had them. I know a lot of the Honda's used this system as well.

 

Started on the front forks and then ran into a issue. I was not able to drive the new seals in place without damaging them. I will be taking them to a local shop and have them complete the rebuild as I don't have the tools or idea how these types of fork seals seat. The 1982 XJ750 Maxim has the adjustable forks, a dial on top that moves a long selector leading to the bottom valve. On the upper fork portion these is normally a ring that helps remove the lower seal. There is non on these forks, they are just a straight tube that is held in place by the lower valve and bolt in the lower leg face.

I removed one with a dremal cut off wheel and a chisel, forced the old seal ring into the opening of the lower fork. No damage done and once the force was off the seal it came out. Putting the new seal in, just can't seem to get it to fit. I was using the upper fork as a guide and my fork sealing tool, but does not want to go in.

My local motorcycle guy will get the pleasure of doing these forks for me.

 

The seal issue was all me. I just had a brain fart and it was easy. Put them back on the bike the other day and finished bleeding and cleaning the front brakes yesterday. The weather is going to be nice today so I think I will be out riding and not int he woods.

The fuse area needs to be done on this bike. The PO put in line buss fuse holders in place of the OEM fuse box. That will be a little later down the road as the bike is starting and riding very well. Love the feel of the new bearings and it really makes the bike feel nimble on the road.

Enjoy the rest of the great weather if you are in one of those areas.

 

This bike has found a new home. Nice to see happy people test riding bikes and taking them home for a new riding season. Makes the hobby so worth doing.