Anyone else getting as frustrated as myself?

I remember the day I brought her home... 500$ It ran... Extremely lean condition, so I went through the effort of taking out the engine to replace the pods with the stock airbox/filter... Also had to clean the carbs that the PO said were "just cleaned." I could tell from the insides that was a lie...

At the same time, I used the battery charger to derust the inside of the gas tank, bought some sealer, and that seemed to work like a charm... installed the inline filter, as well as the fuse panel... also got new tires, but couldn't mount the front one due to a bent rim... Found a used rim that worked out fine... also replaced the caliper, as that was also bent beyond repair in an apparent drop. OH, and the master cylinder... also had to replace the enrichment (choke) control, as it was broken. Seat was crap... decided to go with something different in the beginning... also took the rusty ol' shocks off and went to the father in laws to drill out some struts... also the front headlight... rear fender and tail light... bought 8 shims, as they were all out of spec... bought a colortune, have both Rick's vacuum sync setup AND the bottle method.... had to replace the mufflers... and I know I'm missing a whole other list of crap that has been done to the thing... including all new rubbers on either side of the carbs... this stuff ain't cheap.

So... That's it right? No... Now we're looking at the clutch, I still need to look at the starter and the alternator, and I'm about to kick this damn thing in a river before it literally nickel and dimes me TO DEATH... Really thinking on it, I bought this thing for the price tag... 500$, and it has two wheels... good deal. But by now, I could have found a V Star or the like for the nickels and dimes I've put into this thing. Mind you, I've bought a fair amount of niceties to customize the thing, but the only issues I was having at the time was fuel delivery... I could still get on and ride the thing. Now we're grounded already this season, and I dare to venture a guess that this season is going to end up like the last, in which the only rides I will be taking are for diagnostic purposes to find the next thing wrong in the sequence.

I'm {} <-this close to parting her out and trying to retrieve a fraction of my cash to invest in something newer and ridable. /end rant

 

I can truely feel your pain.

Chacal has a post in the xj4ever forum that discusses the real cost of maintenance. It might be worth a read.

mikeg

 

Sounds like you have gone through most of the stuff on that bike. How many miles did that have on it when you picked it up? I know the rubber goods are gone at 28 years old.
These bikes are pretty good for the most part. But like anything you end up investing time and money to keep something old running. Is the clutch stuck or is it slipping?
As far as the starter and the alternator go theres just brushes in there to maintain. Those are not too much.

 

Stuck. I just needed to vent a bit... I know the brushes won't be do difficult to deal with, just more time and money. I would like to ride it at some point, haha. She had 17k on the odometer when I got it... and she isn't sporting many more miles a year later.

 

I'm going to give some advise here. I would look at putting the bike in neutral and get it started and let it warm up real good. Like good and hot. (I had this happen to one of mine) I got it up on a slight hill my my house and got it to roll for a little. I then stuck it in first gear and took off. Then while it was rolling I pulled the clutch in and started working the throttle. It broke loose and I have not had any trouble with it since. Now To prevent this I always change the oil before I store it and I try to keep it in a semi heated area to prevent condinstation. The clutch plates get rust on them and it makes them stick.

 

It appears that your previous owner did noting to keep the bike maintained. I own two 82 XJ650s and I have cleaned and synched my carbs and replaced 4 shims and swapped rear wheels. I am taking the best parts off of the parts bike and stripping it.

I have put over 1000 miles on the daily rider since October 2008 just tooling around the local area every day that I can.

Once you get your bike running it should be good for quite a while.

 

Dian i can feel your pain...

i picked up a 900R last september and didnt do anything to it over the winter...

not being overly mechanical, nor able to hold an attention span for very long and not having anyplace to work on it, i left it in storage...

the "it ran when put up and all it needs is the carbs cleaned up" line was pretty far from being 'everything' it needed...

see my post about the 900R being a money pit to see where im at. it doesnt sound QUITE as extensive as your ordeal but heres a short list:

- Need battery.
- Left Front signal is broken and missing lens.
- Both tires need replacement
- Rear brake light switch not working.
- Rear wheel bearings.
- Neutral switch not functioning
- Replace rear brake pads
- Flush brake lines and replace fluid.
- Fork seals definitely leaking.
- Fork top caps chewed up.
- Vent is missing on final drive, has plug in it.
- A bit of surface rust in the tank, but not severe.
- Needs internal fork parts that are now extinct.

you have to decide if this is something you want, something your arent going to let beat you or something you can do without...

all i can offer is best wishes...

 

These are really well-engineered great running bikes - I know, I had one new in 82. It was great then and my great memories convinced me to get another 82 model last year. They certainly beat a new Harely for 20 grand or so when it comes to value.

The 3 biggest factors and things to consider for anybody who brings home a 25 year old bike is (1) how it was stored over the years, (2) how the previous owner elected to "improve" things, and (3) 20 year old rubber things that are simply way past normal replacement. While your purchase price may be low, anything this old will have some of the same issues, be it a car or m/c.

Have patience and you will be rewarded well. Some of your issues just go with the territory.

 

Low purchase price or higher, the same stuff is still going to have to be replaced, whether it's worn out or dried and crumbling.

Once you've gone throught the bike from front to back and top to bottom, you end up with essentially a NEW 25+ year old bike, for about half the price of a new bike. XJs really are quite reliable once you cover all the bases. My personal methodology is to use the "maintenance" section in the service manual and go through every single procedure, leaving nothing out. Replace every gasket you disturb and every leaky seal you can. Replace everything you come across that is worn out or dried out and crumbling.

Since I got my '81 fully operational, safe and roadworthy I've put about 2500 miles on it and it hasn't skipped a beat. Any time it's "down" now is because I tore into a 'long-term' concern.

Sounds to me like you're nearly there. Clutch not difficult just a pain, the parts to rebuild it are not that much; alternator brushes are easy and cheap. Keep the faith.

 

Dian, your preaching to the xj motorcyle choir, we have all put a lot of sweat & money in our bikes. The term free aint free is my story. got mine $0 from brother-in-law, $673 latter I have one mean screamin machine & the best part is I did it myself. Not to forget all the guys input from this site. There is nothing more satisfying than the first time you roll her out & take your frst ride. It's like Christmas. STICK WITH IT!

I had the clutch issues as well, locked up tighter than I don't know what.
After changing the oil I let it get good & warm, then shut it off. I took the oil fill cap off so I could see the clutch operate. Everything was working except the plates didn't move. I took a piece of heavy wire, think coat hanger, bent a 90 on the end & filed a bevel on end kinda like a screw driver. I used this to slide btween plates & gently separate all I could reach. During this I would actuate the clutch. After about 20 or 30 minutes it broke loose & has work flawlessly ever since. Seem that once the fresh oil got inbetween the plates it got what it needed, fresh lube.

So in closing, don't give up on the old girl, she is just making you earn your strips.
Gregg

 

I got my bike in a trade 2 1/2 years ago . Its nearly done, valve adjust ments cam chain tention, clear coat are the things that I need to do this year before I store it again for winter. to date I have spent about $750.00us ( retails at kelley bluebook for about $900.00 ) and about 300 hours of labor. my plan has worked great ,

the plan , take my time do the things that are most important , make it an original, and finish before 2010. then take it to a few swap meets and shows.

Don't be in a hurry perfection takes time, you will be impressed at what you have accomplished. I know I am.

 

I think a BIG plus on these bikes is, you CAN do the work yourself, most of it even if you arent that mechanically inclined.

Im kinda in your boat, but I did it myself. I bought mine for $350 and after spending some money and a lot of learning, my 80 650 was running great...THEN I decided to personalize it.....

Still, not counting tools, Ive only got just slightly over $1000 in it including the purchase price. Another planned and budgeted $500 and I should be sitting pretty.

And Im getting tired of people telling me I should get a bigger bike. If I do it'll be an 1100.....

 

Dian,

It does sound like you got the short end of the XJ stick but as the others say, I think the end of the tunnel is closer than you think.

You've done so much work that you've basically unscrewed the gas cap, rode the old bike away, ridden a new one under the gas cap, and screwed it back on.

 

I appreciate all the kind words and encouragement. This board is and has been a great help... All the sweat and blood into that bike, it would be an absolute shame for me not to ride it around for a good amount of time; After all, I can't be beaten after getting her up and running well enough to ride around after she tried to set me on fire. I'll go through the last couple miles here, see what we can get out of it... MN-Maxims, I totally missed your advice post... I may just give that a shot Thanks again everyone... I'll keep the board posted on what happens... It rained like crazy today, so nothing's new.

 

Oh, caught your advice too Gregg... That'll be on my list of things to do before spending another dime as well, haha... Thanks again.

 

Yeah THIS is the part where you get upside down quick...

I think this is a case of why a lot of guys ride versus why we ride. I could ride ANY bike I want. Any. When my situation improved to the point where I am in the position of actually being able to ride to work again, I started sniffing about for a good commuter bike. Looked at new bikes, damn uncomfortable, the entire lot. Started looking for a 650 Seca, then got reminded about the shaft drive. Stumbled upon my '81 550 and rescued it; then discovered that it is without a doubt about the most perfect 'solo' bike built in many years. If and when things change to where I need a two-up tourer, then a bigger bike might be in order. But for my purposes-- practical, fun, personal transportation my 550s are ideal.

 

I hate the term starter bike. My 650 is a great commuter like Fitz says. I have no desire to ride 2 up on any bike. I have node it but I don't want the responsibility when a mistake I make could harm another.

Now if I wanted to do some longer touring I would look to a larger bike for sure...

 

Dian,
I was so close many times. I dreamt about to throw her into a big hole flush some petrol on her then set a good fire ... but finally she's ready. Almost. The right hand shock is just blown 2 days ago. New set is on the way

I started to think about what did I change or touch on her then I realized it's easier in the opposite way. I didn't separated the crank case halves and didn't disassembled the shaft drive and the swingarm. Everything else was touched somehow, sometimes. Forks, 3 times. Brakes (front and back), 3 times. Cylinder head at least 5 times. Cylinders, barrels, 3 times. Replaced a lot of seals, removed the carbs countless times, installed different jets, pods, exhaust (3 different). Played a lot with the fork springs, oils, amount of oils. All the pieces and parts.

It started to work with her 1 and a half years ago. I bought her for $500 and spent a good $3000 in parts and tools. But money was cheap. The time I spent in my garage that was the expensive thing. I was in the garage at almost every evening and night. And that garage was cold and windy. There wasn't good lightning just a 40W light bulb. I haven't seen anything properly. I cut myself many times. I spent countless hours, tears, sweet and blood (literally) on this bike.

And right now I've got a bike which is my taste. And a bike I understand. Every piece. A bike I've got trust in. On top of this, I customized her to fill all my needs. She's strong. She's light. She's agile. You can compare to today's bikes. She handles pretty well. If I'm pushing really hard I can leave the guys on superbikes in the dust. And after all, on a motorcycle rally that's the bike which collects most of the attention. She's 29 now.

If I'm looking back without any emotional connections I would say it's way too pricey. But I don't care. After all, I've got a bike which is fun to ride, I love all the pieces and all the seconds I'm spending in the seat. I would say, this by is like me. Looks like a neglected old piece of rusty metal but she runs like hell.

So, after all, don't stop. You're are in the middle of the road which will never end But if you stop you will loose that feeling which money can't buy. Keep going!

 

She does draw quite a bit of attention... And, Ztolsk, the fire wouldn't work... she's fire proof. My 650 even got a nickname in my small little village... "The Flaming Chopper." Affectionately named by the bar goers that were onlooking when she erupted into that 7 foot fire ball last year... And I'm known as the best (see: only) river dancer around after my "Holy S%$*, I'm on fire" dance.

Actually though, the fireman that showed up has stopped by a few times to see the progress, as has a small engine mechanic known to everyone around as "lawn mower joe." Did I mention I live in a small village? Hah.

And I do look forward to the point where the tuning pays off and she'll break the sound barrier at the crack of the throttle. (Maybe not, but that's my goal)

Best thing about owning an XJ has got to be this community though, I doubt you could find such a finely honed forum for most any other bike...

 

hmmm... small village in central Illinois... How far below Springfield? My grandma lived in Virden.

 

I'm about 45 minutes south... Actually, I work in Springfield as the site supervisor for the old rest area on I-55.

 

Hows it going now DianCecht?
I got my cases apart rebuilding from ground up, one step at a time m8.

I live and work to see the day i ride this beast. That keeps me going.

 

Is that where the 'Simpsons" live?

 

Sounds like where i grew up, everyone knows your business and you know who they are, funny to hear the U.S still has small towns like that, nice..

 

Everything has been so dang hectic lately... Last the XJ and I met, I discovered that my exhaust was free flowing beneath the collection box... I knew it was rusted, but damn. I also came to the conclusion that my exhaust was originally welded together, stock for the 80 maxim, but that the PO had cut it at the mufflers to slip on others. The slip ons that came with the thing had no baffles, jerk. Anyway, I just received a 4-2 MAC exhaust in the mail yesterday, after looking every day for a month, I found a brand new set for 170$ to get it to my door... still in the original box. Nice find. Anyway, I'm waiting on some gaskets, and then i will fire her back up to see what the hell the deal is.

I'm getting antsy again... i seen myself burning out on the thing, so I stepped back for a bit to regain some of my love for the maxim. The shiny new exhaust in the mail is a big help. Run Righteous... then figure out why it wouldn't move.

 

Oh, and I think Springfield, IL i really bitter over the Simpsons thing... There was a contest when the movie was released to theaters to see which Springfield would get the premiere. They lost, and I still hear people whine.

 

Know what u mean by burning out, and i have yet to get a ride out of my XJ to see if it's worth it.
Restoring can be a pain too, just the promise of riding it keeps me going, lol.
Have a post at http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=17156.html which im about to post some photos.
About to put the motor together now that i found Len and parts all sorted.
Been great to find this community and the wealth of knowledge to help me.

 

This place is amazing... Definitely the best part of owning an XJ is having this place at your fingertips. I'd never heard of an XJ before I got one, stumbled on here, and I owe a great amount of knowledge to this place... Not to mention the local parts dealer, Len. I'd almost be afraid to ride something else, I might feel a touch lost without this place.

 

AS some one said "Preaching to the XJ choir." Stick with it buddy, it will be worth it in the end.

I paid a grand for my bike and it didn't even run properly, I've put about $500 into it and many hours trolling motorcycle salvages, it still needs more work, but now it's running.

My boyfriend constantly tells me I should just give up and 'get a real bike'... I don't want what he deems a 'real bike' I love my little Seca and I won't give it up for anything!

 

Don't give up, it's worth it. I don't know about you, but I haven't found a modern bike yet that's as comfortable as the 550 and 650 Secas.

 

I was frustrated but I reminded myself that I bought the bike to "restore" it. I'll tell you this much, once they are running and in the proper hands, they are hard to kill. It will be rewarding in the end, you replace the things you need to replace and you'll know what else is left. In other words, make it yours.