Fitz gets shafted-- new project 650

Nice bike man! Like the others said, you've got something to do for the winter!!!

Also, the post title is outstanding!

 

WOW! No issue hijacking the thread for a moment-- that's a 400 MAX! The only inline-4 XJ400 I was aware of looks just like the 550 SECA.
Sombitch. You learn something new every day.

Proto; Sorry bud, didn't see it. Looks good. I don't spend a lot of time in "XJ Modifications" a lot of the stuff guys do to perfectly good XJs makes my tummy hurt.

SOME MORE "650 noob" questions:

Chain drive to the oil pump? This thing's got more chains than a Harley rider's wallet.

Just below the cam chain tensioner, sticking up vertically from just in front of the primary chain "hump" in the crankcase, there is a bolt with a locknut, looking very much like an adjustment point of some sort. (Looks like the cam chain tensioner adjuster bolt/locknut.) Wazzat? I can't find any mention of it in the (Haynes) book.

WHY does the petcock vacuum line run all the way over to #3 when #2 is a lot closer and wouldn't require another little wire guide?

 

Interesting that the 82 650 Seca doesn't have YICS...

That bolt holds the rear cam chain guide.
I have a 650G Service manual that has a short paragraph: "Remove the rear cam chain guide by loosening the holding bolt".

 

Thanks, RP.

The '82 650 Seca is a real interesting dinosaur. There are a lot of things that look like they were left from the late 70s XS' genesis.

I think the fact that it was an '80-'84 model year bike for the rest of the world means it was "developed" in 1979; the other XJs kind of evolved past it and then it popped up in the middle of the range here. The 550 and 750 Secas were more advanced in a lot of ways.

It's interesting that the "holding bolt" has a locknut. Insurance?

 

Dam, nice find ... There's one like that here for $600 that's been tempting me, but no cash for a project this year.... Will be reading your progress...
If I can swing it later, maybe awinter project... hehe

Besides may Max XS has been keeping be busy....

I'k like to see my 400 XS Max next to an 400 XJ max... would make a cool shot

 

Love the drop on those handlebars. I need to get some like that to replace the "mini-apes" the Maxim comes stock with. :lol:

 

Yes. Very poetic analogy.........

Rp showed you the way......

That a really good question, and I've always wondered the same thing. Mass-production manufacturers don't normally wish to "waste" money or material by making something too long, so there must have been what they considered a worthwhile reason. Maybe it was because running it to #2 would have possibly caused a kink in the line? Or perhaps it's somehow related to the lack of a synch screw on the #3 carb, and what that means as far as vacuum draw is concerned? Or................?

 

i use #4, it's easy to reach and i don't burn my fingers

 

It must get a lot of vibration from the chain links, but I think the tensioner must be allowed enough slack to pivot.

 

You may be onto something. That would certainly prevent you from "sync'ing" your way into a fuel supply problem.

But why didn't they do it that way on the 550s then? The hose is long enough to reach either one, but it's on #2 from the factory.

Mystery still unsolved.

 

Hey Fitz, welcome to the shaft world! No more grease slung on that rear wheel.....

On my 650Max the "head" of the powerlock attached to a stud on the frame. The head captured the chain in the box - quite visible location.

 

Ahh, so it's not just a Seca affectation. Hmm. Status symbol?

BTW, I use PJ1 Blue label; properly applied it DOESN'T fly off, as advertised.

I've been a chain-drive kinda guy for over 40 years (frightening thought ain't it?) so until I get a chance to really ride this thing I can't offer an opine except that it does appear as it will be different.

I guess there's only one way to find out...

 

Good score Fits... Look forward to seeing your progress.

 

...but what does it do?

Mine has one too?

 

[quote="]JoshuaTSP
...but what does it do?

Mine has one too?[/quote]

Mine has one as well. It is attached to a chain, like an 80s bicycle lock. I suppose it was meant to run thru your front wheel as prevention? or lock a helmet to the grab rail. The chain on mine is covered in increasingly stiff/brittle rubber, that requires a good few minutes to stuff it back into the little space provided.

I agree with the "useless" assessment.

 

Hmmm....I'll have to PB Blast mine, and see if it even works.

I've been looking for a helmet lock.

 

You should have a helmet lock hanging down from the seat lock.

Use Kroil instead it might actually work.

Still having it is cool. It really is rather useless. Both my 550s have one, I've never used it. Theirs hide discreetly however.

 

REALLY!!?!? 8O
AWESOME!

 

little angular wire loop. Hard to see on the 650 Seca. Turn the key CW to unlock seat; CCW and the helmet lock drops open (as long as it's not missing.)

 

I cannot wait to get home!!!