thinking about buying a xj650

How reliable are the xj650?

Any rust i should look for? Or areas of rust on the frame?

anything else i should look for? or look out for...

Thinking about buying this bike, Can anyone tell me if the motor was painted or if it came like that? http://postimage.org/image/b4it5mk4d/

 

-very, after all of the neglected maintenance has been reversed. But you'll have some work to do to get it there.

-rust is the least of your worries.

-somebody rattle-can painted the motor. <red flag>

-do a COMPRESSION TEST. This will cover anything you "need to look for" as far as the motor is concerned. DON'T BUY IT if you don't.

-plan to spend between $600~$800 to get the bike safe and reliable. That number assumes you'll be doing all your own work, and that the compression test revealed a solid motor.

 

How do compression test? what kind of compression should i see?

 

Somewhere around 130 - 150 would be great. Make sure to unhook the TCI , remove all plugs, hold throttle wide open when you make the test.

MN

 

what thread are the spark plug holes?

 

Should be 14mm for 650 and 750 engines and 12mm for 550 engines. NAPA has compression testers with both adapters.

MN

 

Gonna call, How much should i offer? $600? less? what should i ask?

He asking 900

 

Does it run?

Don't offer anything if it doesn't run until you do a compression test.

If it runs, you can make a tentative offer, but still get a compression test. Many XJs have been known to run seemingly fine with 3 good cylinders and one ragged one.

Keep the $600~$800 that you're going to need to spend in mind when contemplating your offer.

 

called, Guy was a moron.. said it came like that from the factory, Might skip this one

 

Might trade car for this, Guy said he is taking the motor out and rewiring the bike. http://postimage.org/image/frwayno15/

Unknown miles 1981 550