Advice needed - looking at XJ650 this week...

Uh......it wasn't me.

Hey, if you want to take a trip to NY, I'll have a couple ready to go sometime this summer! Otherwise, there will be PLENTY of them around, just keep watching and it'll show up.

Dave Fox

 

Not that I would pay $1300 for it, but might be worth a look:

Muncie XJ550

 

Hey, look at that! A $1300.00 package tray with free bike attached!

Dave

 

:lol:

Don't think I'll be making it to NY... But yes there will be more and I'm excited to find them!!

What about this one just posted today? Other than the tears in the seat. I like the look of it too.

http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/mcy/2928074929.html

What did you mean about the package tray on the 550?


tskaz - not sure if that 550 will still be available, it was posted a while ago and people around here are bad about taking down their ads after they've sold. What speed will a xj550 cruise at comfortably?

 

Fitz rides his 550s in 80mph Detroit traffic every day.

 

package tray comment was a joke poke at the price of some rarer parts that we refer to as "unobtanium".

Dave

 

Can I forward one of you guys an email I just got? It's an 81 xj650 and looks a lot nicer than the one I was originally looking at. I just want opinions from the experts

 

Just POST the pertinent details so we can all have a go at it.

YES I DO. And they never break a sweat. Love 'em.

I'm pretty sure Yamaha geared their bikes of that time to run comfortably on California's freeways. The 550 was introduced here with a 46T rear sprocket which was quickly changed to a 45T rear.

Once a 550 is properly recommissioned and tuned correctly, it can cruise at 70~80mph all day without a care in the world. Cruising at 6K RPM (72~75mph) that motor is almost completely silent (assuming stock intake and exhaust.) And since at 6K it's just hitting the powerband, it's got plenty of "roll-on" from that speed. It's my favorite (6K) for smoothing down rural byways.

 

"i have a 1981 yamaha xj650 - runs good & looks good
garage kept all its life - selling bc i bought a new bike.
i have a new set of carbs that i got last year off a friend in case i would ever need them
it has new tires less than a yr old"

I asked him what he wanted for it and he said they were gonna start out asking $1500. I told him that KBB recommends 900 but I might go up a little bit cause it comes with an extra set of carbs.

He said he'd get back to me. He answered a bunch of WTB ads (mine included), so I'm sure he'll wanna see what other offers he gets.

How do I add a picture? He emailed 2 pics to me.

 

I should probably ask him if the brakes have been done and if he has the service receipts.

 

Honestly, you're gonna want to check them yourself even if you see a receipt. If I were you I'd just walk in assuming that it ALL needs to be done, and plan accordingly. The thing I'd be absolutely sure to check would be compression, most of the other stuff can be worked on pretty easy.

A well sorted XJ650 will have no trouble keeping up in traffic or the freeway. My speedo tops out at 85, but there's plenty of get up and go left in my bike after that.

 

hahahahaha

(Sorry.) Riiight. The brakes are original; the valves have never been touched and it looks vewwy nice, I'm sure.

How many MILES on this way overpriced gem?

Right up front, the bottom line, from somebody who's been doing this for over forty years:

The bike is worth MAYBE $800, because you're going to need to sink the aforementioned $600 (and a lot of work) into it. It doesn't matter what it LOOKS like; mechanically it will need the same amount of work as a $150 "runner."

"Garage kept all it's life" omits "and I haven't done a damned thing to it." The description gives it away; another neglected toy.

Don't be dazzled by a shiny bike; the brakes will still need to be rebuilt, the valves adjusted and the carbs serviced.

Truth.

 

I know I know.... I have learned from the past posts, believe it or not

I just got excited to see another. There aren't many (if any) other ones for sale around here.

I emailed him for some more information.


The sad thing is that some other sucker is gonna offer too much (probably way too much) for it and I'm gonna be bikeless still

But you are right, I don't wanna overpay and have major buyer's remorse later on.

 

But on a good note, I've seen bikes start out double their price and eventually knocked down to a reasonable level after they didn't sell for a couple weeks, so I'll be optimistic

 

Just remember that a knowledgeable enthusiast who's done all the important stuff won't be selling his bike that cheap. I'd be happy to sell you a fully recommissioned XJ550, wanna drop $4500?

For EVERYTHING else, keep that "$600~$800 to make it roadworthy" tag in mind, and you'll do fine. TRY to get a compression test on any bike you're serious about buying, and keep that price from doubling.

 

K. I went out and bought that compression tester that I mentioned in a previous post. I also bought a bike ramp for our truck So, I think I'm all set once the right bike comes on the market.... I just hope that'll be sooner rather than later. My friend who is taking the riding classes with me just got a bike last week and she doesn't even have her permit yet!!! Ugh.

 

OK, but what did she get? Did she buy into a disaster waiting to happen because she didn't know any better? Old brakes need rebuilding no matter what kind of bike it is if it's over more than about 6 years old. Is she going to find out the hard way what you've already learned?

Betcha; unless it's a new bike.

 

Nah, she has a bigger budget and a bike enthusiast for a husband. He bought her a sportster 883 hugger.

 

How OLD? Harleys aren't immune.

(Plus take heart in the fact that the 883 is one of the vibrating-est motorcycles on the road.) You ain't missing anything.

 

Yeah, I'm not very interested in Harleys. Although, now I guess everybody I'll be riding with has a Harley. Including my husband. LOL.
I don't remember the year of that bike. It was a lot newer than the bikes I'm looking at. They took it into the local harley store to have it serviced and get new tires.
I prefer the look of the older bikes, like the XJ. I'm looking at other bikes as they come along too. But I guess the XJ is just kinda what I had pictured in my head as my first bike, even before I had seen one.
I've been waiting for a Honda CB750 to come up for sale locally. I figured that's probably what I'd end up getting because I always see them around and up for sale. We'll see.
There was also a VF700 Magna that was posted today. But they guy said it needed a fuel pressure regulator. I couldn't find a good resource for that bike (too bad they don't have an awesome forum like XJ), and wouldn't know how to do something like that on my own without a good source of info.

 

IMHO the '81 650 (prior to YICS) is a great bike.... Very capable and easily upgraded in many ways if you wish... (I thoroughly rebuilt mine this past winter - a low mileage 1981 650 when I tore it apart). I really enjoy it.

The miles are the key and, just btw, I doubt he bought the extra carbies "just in case"...

Good luck with this one I hope all the pieces fall into place... Like many, I am following your Quest... Patience pays

 

Now THERE'S a surprise. Every Harley rider I know takes his bike in for everything including oil changes. Everything except drilling out the pipes. That one they've managed to figure out.

Even an XJ550 will smoke every Harley ever made; so buy what you like. Remember that old Hondas, like XJs also need a lot of work at first. But when it comes to the CB's, especially the 750, I think you'll find a forum nearly as experienced as this one, just not as warm and fuzzy.

The only thing about Hondas compared to Yamahas is that Honda seems to need to use four parts where one or two will work. A Yamaha might have say, four screws or so mounting its airbox; the comparable Honda will have at least eight screws, four nuts, plus another couple of oddly shaped proprietary bits. That exchange with NO OTHER Honda. Don't get me started on front brakes. I do love Yamaha's "parts room engineering." Motor-wise, Hondas are just as bulletproof as the XJ's, somewhat easier to maintain in some respects but WAY more complicated as soon as you tear in very far. I always found their styling to be rather appliance-like, whereas the Yamahas had "swoop."

You should read this: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=24010.html and think about it.

It applies to everything from Yamahas and Hondas to Triumphs, Nortons, Aermacchi's and everything in between. You could even substitute "motorcycle" and "bike" for "old British (or Italian) car" and it would still apply.

 

I came across that last post week when I was browsing through the forums. Well written.

I understand there is a fair deal of work and maintenance ahead. My husband is eager and willing to help and teach. And there will probably a great deal of me getting in his way

As long as I have a source of information and help, I'll be okay. That's what you guys are for, right? :lol:

Also, I'm trying to attach a couple pics of the bike in question... Hope it works...

 

4 into 1 exhaust? Can't quite tell. Looks like he removed the center stand too (necessary to get the AM pipes on?)... LOOks clean.

 

Well, he didn't email me back...

so, he's either gone to bed

or, he is looking for a buyer that doesn't ask so many questions :roll:

:lol: i'm sure there are a million other possibilities why he hasn't checked his email

 

Looks good except for the pipes. Probably needs jets tweaked just a bit.

 

http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/mcd/2927867966.html
http://muncie.craigslist.org/mcy/2871658942.html
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/2904663920.html
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/2934400211.html
http://fortwayne.craigslist.org/mcy/2879757504.html
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/2935611967.html
http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/2931819375.html

 

Thanks dmccoach. I've looked at a lot of those. Some aren't for sale anymore. Some are out of my price range.

If I wait another month, I can probably knock my budget up a little bit.

I appreciate the help. We'll be out of town next week. Hopefully when I get back, there will be a few bikes to look at.

 

From the '81 XJ650 owner
"you are fine - im not in a hurry - have a new bike & with good weather & gas prices im not rushing
the mileage is 9,408
iwas taken 2 mounds motorsports a little over a yr ago for a tune up & new tires
Phil said brakes were in great shape
it has 4 in2 1 tailpipes & carbs were sync 2 that
we have about $1200 total in this bike"
"my wife and i are talking about it - whats your offer?"

 

"said" the brakes were in great shape.

Someone else "said" it, not the seller himself.

"Taken to" well of course he's got a bunch of money into it, he's TAKING IT IN. And it ain't even a you-know-what.

I'll bet at 9400 miles, the valves haven't been touched, because "it runs fine."

Don't kid yourself; that bike will need as much work as any other thirty year old bike.

You need to get over the idea that because somebody "took it in" it was done right, or thoroughly. That's usually NOT the case. Usually they just got their wallet slimmed is all.

 

If accurate, those are low miles... that is good. Hopefully, it hasn't been stored outside, if not, that's another positive...

 

Garage kept. He sent me a pic of the odo showing the mileage (assuming it is correct).

I emailed him to see if I could come look at it tomorrow. So far, I've only been emailing back and forth with him.

 

....waiting for the next chapter......

 

Ok.....Here's a simple question......:

When he showed you the odometer, could you SEE the WHOLE rest of the gauge faces? Why I ask----Are the faces showing nice deep red, or are they faded to pink or even to all white at the 'redline"?

If good deep red, then yeah, probably garaged. If faded AT ALL, then it's spent some time in the sun/elements.. THAT doesn't affect the running, but the exposure sure can. Just looking for more 'clues'.

I agree with Fitz......so far, there's no physical PROOF of the work. I can tell you that I have a couple engines sitting on my floor that are perfect and ready to go, low mi, etc...... but reality is I know NOTHING about the internals other than the fact that I took them out of mile bikes according to the odometer. Period.

Price is way high.....unless in really good shape and you have proof positive of all the work done up to date.

dave F

 

Looks a bit dusty, but not too faded

 

Assuming all the work mentioned has been done and it's in great shape. what would you guys think is a good price? Does the 4 into 1 exhaust add value? I don't really need a sissy bar/back rest either. so I may be able to get rid of that? sell it?

 

I think we all want to help but what it's worth to you is ultimately your decision... I'd like to see you pay less than what he's asking by atleast $300 but I don't live in your market and I'm not living with your desire ... IMHO 4 into 1 and not stock reduces value...

Does it have a center stand?

 

IDK about the center stand. I'll check when we go look at it tonight. Either way, I'll let you guys know!!!! If i get it, I'll probably retire from this thread and start a bunch of tech threads. LOL.

 

My hubby does all his maintenance and upgrades on his Harley. Don't stereotype them all...

But yes, my friend's husband is the stereotypical Harley owner. :lol: Hence - them taking it to the shop to get serviced.

 

Let's see if this works...

Notice anything different about my signature?????? :wink:

 

Congrats.

Now you have a dilemma, Hubby has to work on the bike, and you will be impatiently waiting to ride! LOL

Welcome to the club.

 

So you got one? congrats. Now just go through it properly before you take off on it!

 

Uh-oh.....now you went and done it.

Next thing you know, you're gonna have 15 bikes listed at the bottom.

Dave Fox

 

:lol: Not anytime soon....

Already got an order going to chacal for the manual and some other tidbits.
The PO had 2 extra seats (will need recovered) that he threw in, some crappy saddle bags :lol: , a small tank bag, the extra set of carbs (previously mentioned), and some other parts he replaced (he held onto the old ones).

I already took the sissy bar off, it didn't have a back rest/pad like I thought (the helmet was on it in the picture). Is it still considered a sissy bar if it doesn't have a padded backrest?

The bike needs a good wash. The exhaust is a bit more rusty than I could tell in the pictures. I believe it's just cosmetic though. Tires have great tread, 1 year old. The tank doesn't have dents, but I think I'll need a paint job. Isn't there a member on this forum that does paint jobs?

No center stand. The PO says the 4 into 1 wouldn't fit with the center stand.

Don't hate on me for this, but Ben did ride it home (without having looked at the rear brakes). He didn't like the fit of the bike for him. I think he's used to his ape hangers :roll: and forward foot controls. But he liked the way it rode and sounded. I think it feels great when I sit on it, perfect size!!! That's all that matters, since it IS my bike and not his.

I'll get some pictures --- after I've given it a bath.

 

Question -

There are some little rubber blocks/spacers?? between the fins on both sides in multiple places. What are these? IDK

 

Nevermind. Think I found my answer with a search.

Are these the rubber dampers that suppress the harmonic frequency?

I'd never seen them before.

 

hey it looks like youre already getting the hang of this! thats exactly what they are. they just dampen noise. congratulations on your new toy!!! I cant say im thrilled to hear that your husband rode home, but i am very glad to hear both he and the bike made it safely. please do check the brakes ASAP though... just because he made it doesnt necessarily mean it was safe! Welcome to the family and your new home for all things xj related.

 

good onya, do what needs doing, maintain it and it may be good for another 30 years,good luck

 

When I got mine it had both a center stand and a 4 into 1. Different exhausts maybe different.

If the mounts are still there you could add one back and see if it hits the pipe or not.

 

For what little bit of paint you need to use:

Find a body shop and see if they have a color you like left over from a spray job on a cage.

Sometimes you can get them to spray the color for cheap if you do the prep work and all they have to do is spray color.

You get a nice color job, the owner gets a little extra pocket money and gets some clutter out of his shop. Win/Win.