"New" 82 XJ750 and Hello

Hey y'all. New to the forum.

I just bought a 1982 XJ750 Seca, "Bruiser." It looks to be in awesome shape and rides real smooth. 31k miles. I'll post pics when I get a chance.

I've had other bikes (2005 Moto Guzzi Nevada, 1982 Guzzi V50III, 2004 Sportster 883) in the past but this is the first that I plan to do all the work on myself.

What should I do first when I bring it home? I know its overdue for a valve clearance check and probably a carb cleaning. Any advice on other things to do?

The tires and brakes are in great shape and the clutch feels in great shape.

Thanks.

 

Welcome. Valve clearance and carbs are good starting points. You may want to check the fuse block as well and if it still has the original fuse block it is a good idea to swap it out for a "blade" style fuse block. They are available at just about any auto parts store and it may save you hours of frustration as you try to troubleshoot a gremlin that turns out to be a fuse that is not being held tight because the fingers have cracked.

Also, we will both get severely chided on this forum if I don't mention checking the rear brake shoes for delamination (the friction material can pull away from the steel backing plate if they are old shoes). Just take a gander at them and you can see in a minute if they are delaminating.

Best wishes and by all means post some pics.

 

^ What he said. Welcome to the site! I'm sure you'll find lots of great help here, have fun and ride safe!

Mac

 

CHECK THE REAR BRAKE FOR DELAMINATION FIRST!!!!!

 

What you MUST do before riding:
a. check rear break for delamination
b. check valve clearances
c. change oil and filter. Get from auto parts- Fram CH6003 and 3 quarts of MOTORCYCLE oil.
d. clean carbs and sync
e. FULLY charge battery and take it with you when you get the filter and oil and have it tested.
f. bleed front brake
g. Change final drive oil

And now for what you SHOULD do after completing the list above:
h. check front brake lines and replace if more than 4 years old.
i. change air filter
j. check all lights/nuts/bolts
k. adjust EVERY lever
l. Check front wheel bearings and steering head bearings

m. Get a manual, put your bike in your signature (it'll save you from typing it every time you have a question/problem, and you will have questions, we all do), read the posts in the FAQ section, and ASK QUESTIONS! don't be afraid to ask for help, that's what we're all here for!

n. Enjoy your new ride!

oh, and when changing the filter, don't forget to put the spring in! (don't ask) LOL

Welcome to the club

*EDIT*
oh, yeah, we'll call this one g.1 - absolutely going to want to make sure it's got a blade (ATC/ATM) style fuse panel. It'll eliminate about 75% of the electrical problems you'll have.

 

Fantastic. Thanks for all the detailed advice.

 

No problem suttree, like I said, that's why we're here. The only thing that makes us happier than riding our XJs, is helping someone else be able to ride theirs.

Oh, I forgot in the other post, check the condition AND date code on the tires. Replace if necessary.

 

Ill add another note to Tskaz's oil filter spring warning. There should also be a washer behind the filter that the spring should contact. 9 times out of 10 it is gone but if you are fortunate not to have suffered it's loss, make sure you don't throw yours out with the old filter.
And now back to our regularly scheduled program already in progress...

 

If the washer is gone should I replace it?

 

Yes!