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First XJ, Learning and Riding!

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by jes750, May 28, 2013.

  1. jes750

    jes750 New Member

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    Location:
    Colorado
    Howdy everyone, about a month or so back I bought a 1981 XJ750 Seca as my first bike and have been working to get things more tip top on the bike for a possible longer tour (goal is to go on longer rides whether this bike or another). I had toyed with doing basic maintenance and not really keeping the bike longer than a year but the more I ride/learn, the more I think I might just keep this Seca and really aim to make it a nice bike. These things have some cool character to them.

    I've been lurking on these forums for a bit and tried to gather/learn as much information as possible but there is a lot. The bike is running, been doing short day rides around town since getting some stuff done on it and had 2 more experienced mechanics (different shops yet both had owned/rebuilt these) check things over to help me.

    Done:

    New forks
    New Tires
    Tuned/synched carbs
    Lubed/adjusted cables
    Changed engine/shaft oil
    New plugs

    The 'to do' list has only been getting longer since I want things as nice as possible mechanically first but with a 33 year old bike, the amount of things to check is enormous. The more I learn, the more I realize I need to go through.

    To Do:

    -Front brakes/calipers - Needs new hoses and even though brakes aren't bad I'd rather just get new. While doing this I may end up doing an entire caliper rebuild just to make sure it's all good.

    -Rear brake - Due to the warnings here, I had check this for de-lamination and no issues with that but it does need replacement soon.

    -Steering head bearings - Mech showed me where these need to be done.

    -Going through the manual to make sure all regular maintenance has been checked.

    -General cleaning of the bike/other cosmetics like paint, the dent in the gas tank and half broken blinker (which still works just cracked).

    All of this will be brand new to me as I've never worked on a bike before but fairly mechanically inclined and ready to learn/fail/grow :). The hardest part will be doing this work in my apartment's parking lot but also have some buddies with garages if needed.

    Anyway, TL;DR version - Hello and happy to join this very cool community.
     
  2. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Location:
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    VALVE CLEARANCES.

    Cannot be ignored.

    Were due at 3K and every 5K miles thereafter.

    If ignored will destroy your motor.

    Required to get the carbs properly synchronized.


    Are missing from your list.

    You forgot (a big) one.

    Oh and you do need to fully rebuild the brakes including caliper and master cylinder seals, pads, shoes and new lines.

    One (ok two) more things: Line up that garage space, and get a service manual. You're gonna need it. (Them.)
     
  3. jes750

    jes750 New Member

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    Big thanks Fitz, been reading a lot of your posts as well as Chacal's and very appreciative of the knowledge you spread. Have service manual already (Haynes) but looking to get the factory one as well since I've seen multiple recommendations to have multiple.

    I'll have to check with the mech that synch'd the carbs, not sure if he checked valve clearances but what better time to learn than now.

    Edit: And plan on making threads for these repairs/renovations with all sorts of pictures and such. Feel that I've already learned so much from this forum, what better way to give back than to share my trials/tribulations (and there will be tribulations :)) for others in the same boat.
     

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