front forks on xj650

Hey guys im new to these old bikes any bikes for that matter. I think my fork seals are shot.they get oil on bottom and air on top.would it be easier to buy a set of used forks off of ebay or re build the ones I got. they have a few small pits on them. any help would be great.

 

If you get a set off ebay, you will want to rebuild them before putting them on the bike, anyway. Anytime you take the forks off the bike, you will want to at least replace the seals. (Unless you have very few miles on them) It is easier to replace them while it is apart, than to wait a couple more months for them to leak and have to take it all apart.

Same principle with car engines. Anytime you remove an engine from the car, replace the oil pump and cam chain/gears.

I would just rebuild the ones you have. It doesn't cost much. The pitting, if not too bad can be cleaned up with a brillo pad. If the pitting is too bad, pick up a set from ebay, rebuild them, then just swap out the forks. Less down time that way.

 

What year XJ650? Rebuild them!! They are easy enough, and you probably don't have the anti dive valves like the Seca 750’s (parts are so hard to find) Chances are the ones you get on eBay will need rebuilding anyway, chacal should have all the parts you need and he ships super-fast. Note!!! There is a white seal/slide on the top end of the inner front fork cylinder (part 7 & 30 on exploded view) DO NOT clean this off with more than solvent from a squirt bottle. If you wipe it with a rag you could catch the seam and break it. Good luck finding that part! Then you will be buying a set off eBay for spare parts.

 

If the pits are low enough the seal slides over them the inner tubes are shot.

Crap shoot with used ones if the tubes are good.

Chacal can get you brand spanking new tubes at a good price.