Hello Everyone!!

Hey all!

I'm new to the site, new to being a bike owner and bike rider! I joines this forum because I will be purchasing my first bike in the next couple days and figured this would be an excellent place for tips help and some good conversation!

My first bike is a 1986 XJ700 Maxim. Its had one owner, only has 3xxx miles on it and has beem garaged stored it's whole life. The owner took it out every few weeks for a drive to keep the fluids running through the system and made sure to keep stabilizer fluid in the engine since he wasn't driving it near enough. Its in beautiful condition, some light rusting but looks and sounds flawless! 3xxx miles, this clean and beautiful and well taken care of for only $1100! I couldn't beat this opportunity! =)

Heres some pics for those interested:

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r74 ... 2ca311.jpg

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r74 ... dedad7.jpg

http://i1365.photobucket.com/albums/r74 ... 8c5e9d.jpg

I know that the first thing that needs to be done is to replace the tires, replace the spark plugs and plug wires, do an engine clean (probably going to run sea foam through the oil and gas tank), flush and refill transmission fluid and change the brake fluid. Anything I'm missing or you gus deem important to take care of before I take her for her first ride?

Thanks in advance for any helpful tips! Looking forward to talking with you all!

Jersey

 

Forget about the fact that the bike has 3xxx miles on it and consider that it's 27 years old. Anything that's rubber is going to need replaced (i.e. brake lines. tires. carb O-rings.) Pull the back wheel and check the brake for delamination. You have a beautiful looking bike. Now to make it as safe and reliable as possible.

And by the way, welcome.

 

Outstanding! Yep, I'd say 1100 is a great price for such a beauty.

Check the back brakes, as mentioned, as the pad comes free from the brake shoe, which is not good. Taking the rear wheel off isn't hard. pretty much self explanatory, so replace those to be sure.

Check the airbox for mice nests / etc.

Have fun, and be the bunny.

 

Wow. That is the most factory, clean, unmolested, 86 that I've ever seen. Don't just "replace the plug wires" the wires aren't really replacable on those factory coils. I would replace the coils with Dyna Coils. Len (chacal) has a good price on the Dyna's and are a HUGE upgrade.

 

I forgot to mention that I was also going to have the carb taken apart and cleaned. Ill make sure to replace any rubbers in there.

So upgrade the list to include:
Replace the brakes, and any rubber parts (I.E. carb O-rings, any rubber hoses and gaskets)
Replace the spark coils with Dynacoils (Any specific reason this certain brand?)

I was looking at putting iridium spark plugs because I've read some great things about them. There was some mixed user reviews and arguments about them on a few different forums, but iridium seemed to win out a majority. Do any of you guys have any input for or against iridium plugs? Also what are the best tires for me to place on this bike?

 

Tires: Dunlop 404 are on mine and I like them much.

Plugs: I heard good stuff about iridium too, but I'm probably gonna go with e3 next.

Coils: I've read good about dyna and -accell so I' think either or. They provide fat spark, better than OEM so many people put them on as a perf boost as well as mpg boost.

Enjoy that gem.

 

Please don't put Seafoam in your oil. Seafoam is basically a solvent and will dilute your oil and reduce it's lubricating properties. If you really think the crankcase needs to be flushed, which I doubt considering the low miles, just do a couple of 'short' oil changes. Like every 500 miles or so between changes. But defiantly change the oil.

Also be sure to use motorcycle specific oil and I would steer clear of synthetics as the starter clutches in these bike don't always like it.

As you will read and be told there's a bit of work ahead of you to make this gem truly safe and reliable. Remember it is 27 years old.

It's also due for it's first and arguably it's most important valve check too. Please don't put this off.

You really found a nice bike there!

 

When I ever I do the SeaFoam treatments on my cars I let it sit for about 20 minutes and than I change the oil. If I plan on doing an oil change immediately after, would you still not recommend doing the sea foam?

I'll make sure to avoid the synthetics thanks for the tip! I'll go with the Dyna coils because ive seen 2 of you recommend them so far, I'll message Chacal and see what he can do!

Anything else you guys can think of? I appreciate all the helps and tips!

 

Any one have more information on the sea foam?

 

Here you go. Search for 'seafoam engine':

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=3 ... ngine.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=3 ... ngine.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2 ... ngine.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2 ... ngine.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2 ... ngine.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... ngine.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... ngine.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... ngine.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=5 ... ngine.html

 

I have d404 tires on my bike now. the rear tire is staring to wear badly with only 3000 miles. Idk if anyone here has tried them but i hear shinko tires are cheap and good.

 

I have shinkos, but sometimes hear complaints about wear. I don't notice any, but I only had them for 2k miles and they look good to me. Another cheap alternatives are Kenda (Challengers, I think).

 

Castrol 4t 20w50

Stock NGK plugs

Continental Conti GO! tires

 

Thanks guys.
So excited. I start my motorcycle classes Saturday, get my bike Saturday, having it workes on and Monday I take my written exam so hopefully Monday night I take my first ride on my new baby!

 

Enjoy the ride; and be safe!