Newbie Bike owner

Hello All! I am going to be a new owner of a 1986 XJ700 Maxim and I am soooo excited! I get to pick it up on Tuesday and this will be my first bike so I will need a lot of advice. Thank God I found this site. I am posting some pics that the previous owner sent me. I know that I have my work cut out for me, but that's where all the fun is. I also wanted to make sure that it is in fact the 86 XJ700 so that I can get the correct manual for it.

Thanks!

 

Yes, that appears to be a 1986 XJ700-X model, looks to be all there, congrats!

 

Thanks Chacal! I heard that you were the one to talk to about parts. How do I get ahold of you if I am looking for certain parts?

 

Hi Maximlady, just send us a PM (private message) or an e-mail......use the little oval buttons at the bottom of this message:

 

Congrats on the bike and welcome to the site! I'm a newbie myself, but sure am glad to commune with other XJ lovers.

 

Thanks Andrew, I am just glad I am not the only newbie LOL

 

Welcome to the site, first bike and you get an X, I'm jealous.

 

Welcome aboard.

Before you even ride the bike, you need to check the rear brake shoes for signs of delamination: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

This is a very common occurance on these old bikes, and can prove to be quite dangerous. Do it right away, this is serious.

 

Welcome and Congratz! Looks like you got a great project there. You have definitely found the right place for help and advice. And parts. You're off to a good start!

 

Hopefully it starts/run for you so!
If it has been sitting, definately need to drain fuel and clean/sync carbs etc.

Mine wasn't sitting but I definately want to do the carbs once its not 90+ and like 90% humidity... So probably fall or winter

 

Thanks all! I have been reading a lot of the advice that has been given to other newbies when they first get a bike and I will definitely be taking all the advice that I can get. I will check the brakes and carbs. I will be asking a lot of questions and be looking through the archives. I did a lot of research before buying my first bike and found that the XJs are one of the best bikes to own. I came across this site and was ECSTATIC to find everything I need to know in one site.

Thanks everyone and I will post pics with progress.

 

Im rebuilding my first bike now and loving it. This site is the only one that i could find that had good info on it. Enjoy all the insight and mistakes that the others have had the pleasure of experiencing before us...lol..

 

I hope all you need to do is wash it and pump-up that front tire.

I hope it hasn't been sitting too long.
The longer a Bike sits ... the more there is to do.

Welcome.

 

Welcome aboard.

WOW>> It still has the chrome 5-valve carb cover and airbox covers (or at least the left ones)
The first thing you have to do is take them off and send the to me. They restrict performance and don't let you see the working parts of the carb.

(kidding of course) but they are almost impossible to find in good shape so don't break them or add any scratches! A good set can go for more than a complete engine!
The exhaust looks to be in nice shape too. It just needs a nice bath and some resurrection work.

Good luck.
Most important, you found this forum with everything you could possibly need to know.
Here's another good site dedicated to X specific issues and information.
http://www.maxim-x.com/

 

The bike has been sitting for a little while and the PO had it on a trailer going down the highway and it fell over and put a hole in the oil pan. I hope it isn't too hard to fix.
Mike it still has the covers on both sides LOL. I will definitely try not to screw those up, no promises j/k.
So let's hope too much doesn't go wrong with it.

 

Great looking bike! Have fun.

 

Thanks Seca!

 

I saw an oil pan for sale on ebay,but it was for a 700n so don't know if it would fit.

 

Hmmmm...i have no idea if it would fit or not. If anyone else knows let me know! Thanks orange!!

 

The oils pans are the same for all XJ700 model (air or water-cooled engines)!

 

Awesome!! Thanks for that Chacal. I am going to go check ebay!