New XJ Owner

Hi there everyone. I just wanted to take a minute to say hello after registering for the site.

Two days ago I brought home my 1982 XJ650 after 12 years or so of not owning or riding. I must admit this web site made my decision easier. At first I must admit that I was hesitant to buy something that is 28 years old but after poking around here for a couple days it became quite clear that this is not only a popular bike (wasn't looking for any status symbol however) but more importantly it is a sturdy and reliable machine. I never knew anything about them until a week ago when I started poking around. I had a Suzuki-can't remember anything other than manufacturer-in the early nineties and then a Virago that I sold around 1997 or 1998 so I was happy with the Virago and gave serious thought to the XJ.

I really don't know too much about the bike other than what the seller told me and I've already found holes in his story about the history of the bike. He told me he owned it for 10 years but I doubt that based on the dates on the title-which was listed as on original and not a replacement. He told me he bought it from the original owner's son and that they were the only prior owners. I am researching the title anyway just to find out. I don't really care too much because for an affordable price I am a motorcycle owner again and it starts (after some elbow grease and a couple bucks), runs, and stops and all the lights work. Other than that I don't know anything other than Yamaha XJ650 and the VIN number and Odometer reading...just over 18k.

I really have enjoyed surfing in the forum and finding that this is what I really wanted...A good riding bike. I wasn't looking for fancy or to prove my dedication to motorcycling by getting a certain brand name....I just wanted to ride again and not break the bank. Never thought I would get a running or non "project" bike under $1000 but I did...gotta love the end of the season I guess. Also the market around here has a lot of brand snobbery that keeps prices low on import bikes that are not sport bikes.

So thank you for all the info I've found so far. It would be almost impossible for me to thank everyone individually so a blanket thank you will need to suffice...no offense, it is truly due to the wealth of information present.

So 2010 you will see me around the Chain O' Lakes area in Northern Illinois as I get my "feel" back. For now I will get to spend the next couple of months checking mechanical soundness, cleaning, and polishing.

 

WELCOME! Wealth of info and decent folks here...

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