Looking for ride information

Good afternoon
Bringing an 82 xj650 back to life since June
Done new brakes front and back, new wheel bearings, new seat cover, fabricated side panels, rattle can paint job, and clutch cable.
Etc. Took bike for a ride on my street felt unstable and chalked it up to needing new tires because it had sat for 7 years.
Had new tires installed and bike still feels the same . Can this condition be caused by no air pressure in front forks?
Honestly just found out today that I do have air forks also just ordered a zero loss pump
Is 17 lbs the correct pressure? I am well fed at 225 pounds thank you for any help
Paul

 

For some reason 12-14# is in my head, but I have no hard reference for that right now. Lots affects the ride. The biggest stability fix I have made so far is replacing my steering head bearings, but yeah, definitely try some air in your forks, first. Much easier.

 

Thanks will do

 

Second the steering bearings. Put it on the center stand and block up the front so the tire is in the air. Bars should feel tight but smooth without resistance and no divot at all in the center position. The All Balls tapered bearing upgrade is the way to go if you have to replace the originals.

 

Thanks
I will tell you bringing this barn find back to life after sitting for 7 years for me would be next impossible without the help of people on this site
Thank you for the advice

 

Did the steering test bike on center stand front wheel in the air definitely not smooth. Handlebars straight in line with bike there’s resistance left and right. Steering bearings shit,
Going to think about if this is something I can do or send to a shop. Also look on u tube university for inspiration lol

 

It's not a real technical job, and only a small step up from wheel bearings and brakes that you've already done. The most intimidating part will be disconnecting all the wiring around the headlight and handlebars. With lots of photographs for reference, it will all make sense as you reassemble. You'll learn a lot about your bike in the process also.

 

Thanks for info looks like I doing steering bearings. Will upgrade to all balls tapered because I am guessing these may be original.
I will update when I get it fixed

 

Put a drop cloth or something under the front of the bike when you do the change. I would bet that a few of them single bearings come falling out of the ring the holds them. Just nice to have something to catch them and stop them from rolling all over the floor. Or so I have been told....lol

Good luck with the upgrade.

 

Just to throw in, not to be a wet blanket I swear.
I had the same issue when I started fixing my first xj.
The main, but not only, reason was the swingarm bearings were just totally buggered.
Kinda like the steering head bearing basically but when they are toast the back wheel is not stable at all, wiggle wise.

 

lol I am already sweating like a pregnant nun doing the steering
The swing arm I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it
Thanks for the info

 

The swingarm can also be loose. Check to see if it can be tightened. One of my bikes was a little unstable and I found out the swingarm was loose.

 

Thanks hunt
I will be checking the swing arm after I do steering head bearings

 

Upgraded to all balls bearings yesterday.
Little unconventional way of doing it but worked out. I suspended the handlebars from rafters in my shed(didn’t disconnect any cables or brake lines and also unbolted headlight assembly slid that to the side too) removed tire and forks luckily the old bearings and races came out fairly easy. Put back together and test drove about 6 miles before the rain started.
Thanks for all the help and information people on the forums provided. Hope you all have a great day

 

So that fixed it?

 

It did the bearings were original and the grease was dry and hard. Took a test ride and handled very well

 

I call using your tools to your advantage good thinking and ingenuity. I did the same when I changed out my Nomad 1600 head bearings. Poor bike looked like it was at a rodeo and was being pulled from above and in front. Worked very well and did't have to remove any cables or wires.

 

Yah! You went from being intimidated by it to figuring out a way that was definitely "off manual" but was easier and better. Nice work.

 

Thanks so if anyone is keeping tabs they can add 1 xj650 to the list of”back on the road bikes”.

 

I think it’s fun when all those ball bearings just go flying everywhere. That way, every once in a while you can find one and recall with pride the time you did the steering head bearings. You will still be finding them years from now!