I got myself a street bike

Hey all, been lurking around the site for a week or two, I picked up my bike a few weeks back, a 1982 XJ750 maxim. I have been riding dirt bikes all my life and have a questionably street legal XR200R also an 82 but this is my first real street machine. So far this site has been a wealth of knowledge but i still have a few dumb rookie questions. The bike is making a noise from the top end kind of sounds like a loose timing chain is there a adjuster on the bike? The oil has a gas smell to it, on of the carbs was stuck open, but i fixed it and changed the oil, still smells is there another place it could be getting into the oil. How well do your brakes work? both calipers are working the pads all have about a 1/4" left, one of them did get covered in fork oil but i cleaned off with brake cleaner, the brakes just dont feel that good, barley feel the bike slowing down at 60 but they will lock the tire up going 5mph, anyway if you guys have any idea of what these problems might be of have any advice for a new XJ owner let me know........ Glad to be hear and look forward to riding this summer. Also I live in newton MA if any of you guys are local to the NE

 

The brakes on the XJ's are notoriously "weak".
The brakes have probably never been touched.
You can start by flushing the system and making sure the passage in the bottom of the MC is clean.
Then fill with fresh brake fluid.
If still not to your liking, Braided lines will give you a firmer feel at the lever.
As you say they will lock if applied hard enough.

Watch those brake shoes, I'm not sure about oil but, brake fluid cause's the pads to disintergrate.

 

Kinda what i thought i did flush the system and bleed.
still going to get new pads in the next few weeks hopefully it will improve the braking
just have to get a new for seal first so the new pads don't get covered

 

Check out Chacal for any parts you may need. He's the man.

 

A 27 year old bike should have its brake lines replaced PERIOD. Yamaha brakes even at their best ARE a bit "mushy" but can be got pretty damn good with new components, careful cleaning and assembly and a good bleed. Pads that old should be replaced, and PLEASE look at this http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html and at least CHECK your rear brake right away.

All that being said, if you want to improve the stock brakes, the single biggest improvement you can make is stainless steel lines. Stock brakes at their best are like squeezing a tennis ball. Switch to stainless lines and it's like squeezing a rock. Add an EBC drilled floating-disc rotor and modern pads and you'll be able to stand the thing on its nose.

Provided the tires are in good shape. CHECK the date codes on the tires and replace if 5 or more years old regardless how of much tread is left.

 

I miss my 82 XJ750 :cry: seeing ur pic makes me what to offer my friend twice what i should it for :lol: nice bike tho!

 

Cly,
there is an '83 Midnight Maxim 750 available close to me that looks very nice and could be ridden home ... If you were willing to pay the gas and a return bus ticket or something ...

 

where in ohio are u? and how much 8)

 

The timing chain has a "self" adjuster. You have to turn the engine backwards. Some put it in gear and push it backwards. I would rather put it in neutral, pop the side caver off, and turn it with a socket wrench