Ordered a set of Gran Turismo Grips off fleabay today. Can't wait to get them in, I really like the look of them and hope their shape gives me a bit more endurance comfort on my XJ.

Also built my homemade manometer. Grand total: $7. Had transmission fluid lying around, used clear tubing and vacuum synced my carbs. It runs smoother than it did, idle is smooth but still some minor issues (dies every now and then). Progress is progress though!

Today i installed a new chain after maxing out the old one. New sprockets, new tires, a pair of dunlop 404's, greased all the wheel bearings and axles, re-adjusted the clutch as per bigfritz's post, lubed all my cables and fixed the whining speedometer/tach and cleaned up some dirty frame bits. Amazing what new, balanced tires will do for a ride. its a new bike. busy day.

Alot..... Consult the thread......lol

I picked up the wheels from the tire shop with brand new rubber!

continental conti go's!

Cant wait to get the wheels on the bike and ride them if only the weather would warm up!

Powdercoated my kickstand, hardtail struts and handle bars. Looks great! Next weekend going to bear dunes

Removed my dead starter motor (starter relay and all electrical connections were OK.) Electrical end was PACKED with a mixture of brush dust and whatever else. Blasted with brake cleaner til sparkling. Brushes still have some life left in them, but now on the radar. Cleaned and regreased the gear end of the starter, cleaned up the cruddy front sprocket cover and buttoned it all back up. I now have a working starter and am back on the road!

Cleaned, bead blasted and painted the engine. Still waiting on the exhaust and need to get tires before I can put her back together again...

Rebuilt calipers, installed new stainless lines, new pads,rebuilt master cylinder,new bleed screws, new banjo bolts. Replaced front wheel bearings. Removed rear wheel and checked brakes. Brakes okay. Cleaned rear hub and re-installed. Bleeding these brakes is a pain. Cleaned contacts in right side switches. Reinstalled battery and started bike. idles okay after brief warm up. Exhaust pipe on left side not even warm. Guess I'll be pulling tank off next and checking valves. Thanks to all XJ gurus for all tips and tricks and advice. And a big thanks to Chacal for the great parts and service. All parts fit no problem. Sucks waiting for customs to clear parts though.

Replaced the stock pet c**k with a NOS replacement one I got for $68 dollars from a dealer. Replaced the carb vacuum caps with new ones and clips.

tighten exhuast bolts at cylinder head

Ridden it 336 miles in the last five days (two runs) - more than I've put on it in the whole preceding 10 months. Blame having too many bikes and not much decent weather over her.

And another 60 miles this morning - this time heading North...

Got the 900rk out of winter slumber, took her for a nice ride. Woke up the 700 two weeks ago. May break out the 750 Midnight Maxim later this afternoon.

Dave F

Gee Dave, I guess you really like the 900 Secas! Can't fault you for that as I would love to have one myself. My project is advancing at a glacial pace, have the top end dis-assembled, started removing the rusty studs. I'm going to have the replacement studs Chrome plated and the cylinder block painted a nice dark black. It should be an interesting effect; then I'll have the valve cover wrinkle coated and the lettering and stripes polished, and to top it off...Chrome plating for the 8 outside valve cover bolts.

Today we get Maxim clean. Lotsa road dirt as I get to ride it almost all year. Fast & fun bike.