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XJ650 - Help needed

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by C-AUS, Jul 30, 2018.

  1. C-AUS

    C-AUS New Member

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    Hi all!

    I recently was handed my brothers old 1980 XJ650H, a real beautiful machine! I am currently in the process of getting her roadworthy again, cleaning carbs, new tires, brakes etc... (pics attached)
    However, as a young guy, 18, and relatively unsure of working on bikes, what better place to ask for help than here.
    I have a few queries, if anyone could direct me to sites, threads, videos etc that cover the topics, or know what to do personally, please feel free to share.
    1. The seat, sadly, has nearly rotted through. I don't mind the look, but wouldn't mind something a little sleeker either.
    2. Fender delete?
    3. I don't want to butcher the bike, as I like the original look, but I would like to clean up some things, mainly the mirrors, (would like bar ends) and perhaps change out the indicators. Also the headlight is on its way out, I adore the big headlight, so if anyone has any idea for a nice but affordable light that would help.

    Any more advice or tips from you guys would be amazing!

    Cheers,
    Charles IMG_3631.JPG IMG_3633.JPG IMG_3636.JPG IMG_3641.JPG IMG_3642.JPG IMG_3644 2.JPG IMG_3953.JPG IMG_3955.JPG
     
  2. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    Here is a quick 2 cents...
    My understanding is that the front fender is part of the structural design of the front forks - probably should leave that where it is.

    I am not at my regular computer so my bookmarks are mute...
    Seek the Information Overload Hour and The Church of Clean. Lots of good information there for general rebuild stuff and carburetor re build (Church).
     
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  3. C-AUS

    C-AUS New Member

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    Thanks for the info! I'll check it out.
    I meant rear fender, I'll edit the post to make it more clear
     
  4. Bushy

    Bushy Active Member

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    Hello C-AUS , what's wrong with the headlight it looks ok in the pics... you've got a Fork Brace on the front they are a good thing. Hunt around the site here lots off good info and help available. How many k's on the dial.

    Brakes both ends Electrics Valves Carbs Forks Check it all before take off, it looks like it's been sitting a while. Good luck with it.
     
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  5. MattiThundrrr

    MattiThundrrr Not a guru

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    https://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/the-information-overload-hour.27544/
    The big headlight is the signature of the 650 Seca, which is a pretty rare bird. Somewhere in that link numbers are listed, but if I remember correctly, only 800ish made it to Australia, so think carefully before making any modifications that you can't undo!

    Full disclosure: the XJ650R is my favorite UJM, perhaps my favorite obtainable bike!
     
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  6. Boyne

    Boyne New Member

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    I had this model and year bike in 1982 and loved it. I still rate it as the best bike I ever owned. It was Australian Two Wheels magazine bike of the year 1980.
     
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  7. C-AUS

    C-AUS New Member

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    Yes the headlight is my favourite part of the bike I think, it looks amazing at night.

    On a further note, the paint has chips all over, and some small cracking around the fuel cap, from spilt fuel, does anyone know where I could get touch up paint?
     
  8. Boyne

    Boyne New Member

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    That may not be the original paint as there were stripes on the tank.
     
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  9. ADragonsTail

    ADragonsTail Member

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    C-AUS maybe get yourself along to a Melbourne meeting of the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club. The guys there will be able to point you to local paint and seat guys.
     
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  10. C-AUS

    C-AUS New Member

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    Thanks for that information!
    Do they have a site to visit to see meeting times etc?
     
  11. ADragonsTail

    ADragonsTail Member

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    www.vjmc.org.au

    The photo in my avatar is actually the last photo (about 12th) in the rolling banner on that site.
     
    Last edited: Aug 1, 2018
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  12. ADragonsTail

    ADragonsTail Member

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    I had a 650 in 1981 and I have one now but I don't tell that story because it is the same year that the Holden Camira won Australian Wheels Magazine's Car of the year. A few years later it became better known as one of the biggest lemons.
     
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  13. ADragonsTail

    ADragonsTail Member

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    It looks a bit like mine did when i first bought it. That colour house paint must have been on special at some time.

    127-2774_IMG.JPG

    It's brushed up okay since.

    P1050539.JPG
     
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  14. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    The first link in my signature should be of help.
     
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  15. C-AUS

    C-AUS New Member

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    looks good!

    Cheers!
     

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