What forks and Brakes do I have?

I am actually working on an XS650 bike but found out that the previous owner has switched out the forks and rims from an XJ650. I have a few questions that I’m hoping you guys can help with.

1) How can I identify the year of my forks and rims?

2) Where are you buying your parts from? (I’m looking for the speedo drive unit, spacers for the front rim and some new brake pads.)

3) Are people upgrading their brakes or are these brakes pretty good? What upgrade should I consider?

4) My forks have an air valve on the top, how are these forks adjust/set and how much fork oil do they require?

 

That is the stock caliper fork system for the XJ650 Maxim models. Yes, it's kind of an odd little device..........and a funky shade of red!

Asssuming the forks and caliper were swapped as a unit, then the air valves indicate that the forks are from a 1982-83 XJ650 Maxim model (the earlier models did not have the air-assist feature).

We have all the parts that you need (including black paint!) for your brake and fork rebuilds.

 

nice bike mate

1) idk but im sure someone will have an answer soon

2) pads i bet you will find anywhere, but theres a supporting vendor on the site, member named chacal. pm him he is a great guy, or just click on the xj4ever logo on the top right

3) people rebuild their existing brake system, or they upgrade to a newer m/c mounted to the handlebar and/or put on ss brake lines. i went the extra mile and upgraded my rotors and calipers also.

4) search the site, you will find tons of info. cant remember the psi but its the tinyest pressure that goes in the forks. good to have a joining hose so you get the exact same pressure on both. or you can just go without the air. cant remember the fork oil amount either but i will look the numbers up if somebody dont get to it first

 

And to address #3, they also carry stainless steel lines.

The biggest single improvement you can make to these brakes is a switch to stainless steel lines. Even brand new, the stock rubber hoses are just too spongy. If they're original, they need to be replaced anyway (4-year lifespan) so sieze the opportunity to upgrade.

(Most of us get the lion's share of our parts from XJ4Ever, chacal's being modest again.)

 

quick search

 

That great, thanks guys.. I'll take a look at chacal's site and get what I need.

Does he have a website?

 

Top right corner, or the blue link a few replies up from this, or even an email as he already knows what you need, sometimes before you ask, he's not only THE place to go for parts, he's psychic too! :roll: