To buy or not to Buy

So I have a chance to pick up 650 Turbo pretty darn cheap. It doesn't run and doesn't have a title. According to the PO he had it running with some quick start and he things the carbs are gummed up "again" and implied that he had cracked them open. Is there anything special about working on the turbo carbs compared to the non turbo carbs?

He thinks the main issue is the fuel pump. Is there anything special about the turbo fuel pump? The original died and he currently has some aftermarket automotive fuel pump on it.

My main question is what is the market like for Turbo parts? The body is in decent shape and I pretty sure all the components will work with some tinkering. Do you think I could make a few hundred back by parting it out if I can't get her running.

Also I really like the mufflers. Would the fit on non turbo 650 seca with out rejetting?

Thanks in advance for some answers.

 

The principles for the carbs are the same but everything is different. The fuel pump would concern me as I can almost bet he installed an electric pump for a carb'd car which puts out about 5 psi. The turbo fuel pump puts out around 57 psi I believe. The exhaust will not work on a non turbo xj. The left muffler is fed by the turbo so in order to use it you'd have to cut and weld a new pipe onto it. The right muffler isnt really a muffler at all but a pretty decoration. The only time exhaust moves through it is when the wastegate is open on the turbo which is not very often at all. In fact quite a few seca turbo owners plug the wastegate and remove that pipe all together as they have a habit of collecting water in them and rusting out.

The only parts worth money on the turbo bikes are the fuel pump, turbo, and front suspension. The engines sell for peanuts on ebay which is funny cause they are the strongest of the xj engines. The carbs arent worth crap unless they are rebuilt and shiny, and nothing else is really worth much. If the rear air shocks are in really good shape sometimes they can fetch some money but usually they are rusted and the seals are blown.

If you do get the bike and decide to part it, I call dibs on the turbo.

 

it will cost a bit to get it right no doubt. Probably on the order of 1000-1500 not all at once but they nickel and dime ya. It depends on if you are going to ride it or try to sell it. I bought my bike for 900 running and you could ride it if you wanted to. After just doing basic stuff, tires, carbs, brakes, plugs, oil, I did have ti painted, and added some things but I am over 1500 bucks into it. To me it was and is worth it as it is my daily driver to and from work most all spring and summer right until the snow flies again. If I were doing it to resell I would be lucky to break even. I myself enough fixing stuff and would love to find an old turbo seca to fiddle with. Even tho I know it would never bring me any profit.

 

what good is a bike without a title? some states purge thier DMV systems of inactive registrations , here in wisconsin its 7 years. you may get lucky if you try.

but as a parts bike it could bring in much needed cash to put in the bike you have running. or as a fund for the bike yuo really want.

haven't quite decided what I am gonna do with mine, I want a little bigger bike , maybe a 850/1100

 

I sold my turbo back in December and made a few $ off it as well . It also had an aftermarket fuel pump on it, a bosch I believe. Fuel problems I encountered were with the fuel line check valve(hard to find), someone pulled the spring out of it. I also had to replace the carb boots which were rotted due to age and heat. Once carbs were cleaned and synced, it ran great. Just be sure the turbo oil line check valves are clean and working or you will have problems with the turbo and leaking or smoking.

That said, I found the right exhaust pipe very hard to find as well as a good straight seat and the lower front fairings and chin spoiler in good condition. Also that pesky fuel line check valve...

If the bike is legal, getting a title through International Title Service wont be a problem. You might even get lucky and find the owner of record and get them to get you the title.

If you bite the bullet and are going to keep it and ride it, I'd definetely upgrade the front brake lines to stainless steel. they make all the difference trying to stop it once you wind it up!

 

I think I am going to let it pass by. He only wanted $200 but I also need the time to put into it. I think if my kids were in Highschool as opposed to not even being in preschool yet I would jump on it. If anyone in the Wichita area is looking for a project turbo there is one out there for cheap. I can give you the contact info if you want it.

 

If you have the time, you should take advantage of it for $200 and part it out man. Everybody could use a couple extra bucks right now.

 

Time was what factored into the final decision. I barely have time to work on one bike let alone a second bike that needs a lot of time.