Looking at a 1982 XJ650

I have been looking at a 1982 XJ650, The speedomter shows 11,500 miles, new battery, almost new tires, price $800 dollars. The owner has had the bike three months. He decided that motorcycles were not for him. He said that the bike would not run unless the choke was on. A friend of a friend worked on the carburetors, to what extent I do not know. The bike starts fine, but I haven't rode the bike yet. What should I be looking for and what about the price? Thanks, Ken

 

Maxim? Seca? Could be a real bargain either way. Check the gas tank for rust, inside and out. Check obvious stuff like brake pads, fork seals, steering head bearings, shade tree wiring jobs, oil color in the sight glass, stripped oil filter bolt, oil seaping from the valve covers or the base of the cylinders, rusty frame, evidence of a wreck (scraped covers, bent control levers). Make sure all the lights work as they should (for example, the turn signals don't flash when you hit the horn [see shade tree wiring jobs]). Ride it and go through all five gears. These bikes are plentiful enough still that I wouldn't bother with one if the tranny is bad, except for parts. Listen for a sloppy cam chain when you're running her. Carb issues can be worked out, some easy, some a bit more complicated.

I have an 82 Seca, and she is pretty solid. I've also seen some other XJ's that were goners, and sadly not worth the trouble. 11,500 miles isn't very much. Lots of parts available for these bikes, and they are some of the most bulletproof bikes Japan has ever made. The 82 Seca is a bit rarer than the Maxim, and may be worth a bit more.

Have fun. Post some pics if you decide to buy her.

Regards,
Furyus

 

If it runs and it's in fair looking shape, it's a steal.

The not-idling-without-choke symptom is classic for running extremely lean. Betcha the bike's got aftermarket exhaust and/or air filter on it. Easy fix.

Furyus pretty much covered all the basics....

 

I'd scoop it, sounds nice and they are reliable rides.

 

I,ve put over 20,000 miles on my max since I got it last November and not alot of problems other than a little starter brush hangup. Love the bike, comfy on my 160 mile round trip to and from the job.