Bad News for An Aussie XJer

So I have moved and thought I might speed up the build so that I can get my bike on the road. I called around the local workshops and basically even the guy that specialises in 'older' bikes said he didn't want to work on my engine.

He reckons that getting parts (mainly pistons and other internal engine bits) is an absolute nightmare as Yamaha don't make them anymore.

I'm looking to rebuild the engine on my XJ900 and have started the job before getting this news. Has anyone else managed this process without trouble? Love some reassurance as I'd hate to through away the hours and dollars I have put in so far.

Cheers,
oby

 

hey obi, have you tried talking to yamaha themselves.
a bike shop i deal with here in brisbane can ring them anytime to chase price and availability and usually gets a good response.
yes it will be a bit more expensive but at least you know it will have genuine parts. best of luck to you mate, greg

 

Hi...shouldn't be a problem geting parts.

I got a new set of standard piston rings for my 1985 XJ900 for around $320 - that's all up for 4 sets of the thre rings.

Best price was at Mick Hone Motorcycles in Box Hill Vic. Look them up on the web and give them a call. Parts should be readily avaialable especially through a Yamaha dealership.

As for working on the engine you could take it to Yamaha workshop but you'll pay a premium for labour. If you can do most yourself should be relatively cheap. You probably won't need piston but new rings are probably on the list...along with new piston circlip while you've got that far into the engine. And if you don't have one, a Haynes manual - invaluable at around $50.

 

I will keep looking. I bought a complete gasket set off ebay so I will have to see the quality of that when it arrives. Otherwise I will check out that Victorian crowd as you've suggested for piston rings and circlips. I'll spend some more time on her this weekend and will be sure to keep you all posted.

oby

 

Our good friend and forum parts dealer 'chacal' can probably hook you with almost anything you need. Check here.

It takes some time to read the whole list, but he had everything I was looking for. He also has information about what fits which bike for many of the parts.

Good luck with it!