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Hey! (new here)

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by thelogfather, Dec 27, 2013.

  1. thelogfather

    thelogfather New Member

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    Hey!

    I'm Nathan, 23 I got my first motorcycle few months ago. It's a XJ 650 1982...it's on its way to being a cafe racer, I don't have any prior experience with working on motorcycles so, I'm gonna need a TON of help with a lot of things :)Today I'm going to drain my gas tank, take it out, possibly sand and change the color. Also figure out the electrical (headlight, horn, turn signals aren't working) any advice or instructions are welcome... thanks
     
  2. Andyam6

    Andyam6 Member

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    Welcome, you're in the right place
     
  3. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Start with the mechanical and electrical before you spend any time on making it look the way you want. A pretty bike that doesn't run is worth less than an ugly bike that does.
     
  4. Xjrider92117

    Xjrider92117 Active Member

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    Good call K.
     
  5. Kilted_to_the_Max(im)

    Kilted_to_the_Max(im) Member

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    Welcome.

    There's a link in my .sig with good starter information. Remember that even with "the most scrupulously maintained bike" you have to assume that it hasn't been. Make sure the bike is solid and safe before any mods.
     
  6. RonWagner

    RonWagner Member

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    I have to agree with k-moe; get it running before you chop it or do cosmetic work. You may also find you want to keep it original once it is running. Good luck - this fourm is a great resource.
     
  7. OldBikerDude

    OldBikerDude Member

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    There are several things you need to do to this bike to make it safe to ride because it is so old. Checks valves, replace brake lines and brake shoes and pads is on the top of my list. Here is a list of everything I have done to my bike since I got it....
    http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=31614.html
    It is now better than when it first came out of the factory. :)
     
  8. z32800

    z32800 Member

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    Welcome Nathan; ask the Wizards! they know all the answers, and I'm with K-moe, get her running sweet first then worry about the cosmetics (that's the easy stuff)
     
  9. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Exactly. It's an old motorcycle; there are a lot more important things than the cosmetics.

    We've seen more than one new owner sink lots of time and money into building a cafe racer or bobber only to discover there's something horribly wrong with the motor.

    Further, if this is your first motorcycle, it will be a heck of a lot easier to learn to ride in its stock or near-stock configuration.

    Get it running correctly; then get it safe to ride (of which "reliable" is a large part.)

    Then learn to ride it.

    THEN worry about modifying it. You're coming at this backwards and could end up disappointed, discouraged or even hurt as a result.

    Brakes that work properly are a whole lot more important than what color it is.
     
  10. patmac6075

    patmac6075 Active Member

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    9 out of 10 XJbikes.com members agree...Listen to K-Moe...he's spot on. Just a bit of advice (before I fall off my high horse and break my neck), many have gone before you and many have failed. A small number have succeeded and some of them have stuck around to tell their tales...pay heed and learn.
    Things like, a compression test (so you'll know what you're working with), valve check/adjustment, date codes on tires and brake hoses (tires should be replaced if older than 8 years...same with hoses, regardless of how they look), Rear brake shoes are known to delaminate on these bikes (imagine if your rearend locks at highway speed?!)...and much more...It's an old bike, be prepared to dump $600 - $800 into it, just to make it safe.
     
  11. bmarzka

    bmarzka Active Member

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    +1 on K-moe's post. My bike ain't pretty. Hell, I painted it with Rust-oleum black semi-gloss. But I'll run it against anything on the road.
     
  12. Kilted_to_the_Max(im)

    Kilted_to_the_Max(im) Member

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    Rubber brake lines are actually only good for 4-5 years, they rupture internally very fast. Steel lines will give you a lot more time and improved stopping. Agree with changing tires @ 8 years, sooner if wear merits it.
     

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