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First Bike!

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by stephen colbert, Jul 4, 2015.

  1. stephen colbert

    stephen colbert New Member

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    Just got a XJ650 Maxim after taking the MSF class and getting my license last weekend! It's in decent working condition. I want to eventually turn it into a cafe racer after tune it up and get some miles in.

    I'm wondering what else I should do or check at first besides replace tires (dry rot) and battery (dead) and change the oil. I'm a total noob to this.
     
    stephen colbert, Jul 4, 2015
    #1
  2. k-moe

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

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    k-moe, Jul 4, 2015
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  3. stephen colbert

    stephen colbert New Member

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    stephen colbert, Jul 4, 2015
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  4. stephen colbert

    stephen colbert New Member

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    I had a problem where the engine would die after idling for a little while, even after it was warmed up. I searched around this forum and found out where the idle adjustment knob was and now I'm able to keep it idling indefinitely. That may not be the root cause but for now it will do.

    Also ordered some Shinko 712s and I'm definitely needing to overhaul the brakes. I'm going to pull both wheels off and while I'm working on that other stuff I'll give them a black plasti dip. Any threads on plasti dipping rims here?

    Loving the information overload. The title is no understatement!
     
    stephen colbert, Jul 5, 2015
    #4
  5. k-moe

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

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    Scrub the wheels with soap and water, mask off the hub and the drop center and beads. Wipe down teh wheels with denatured alcohol of laquer thinner. After that just follow the directions on the can. One thing to keep in mind is that the Plasti-Dip will peel off quite easily, so this will be a very temporary endeavour. You might get a year or two out of the job if you're careful with the prep work.
     
    k-moe, Jul 5, 2015
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  6. ecologito

    ecologito Well-Known Member

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    This most likely on the link by K-moe but since you asked... Have you checked the valve shims? If the engine dies after warming up this would be square one to try to troubleshoot it. You will not be able to have sync'ed reliable carbs until you check your valve shims.
     
    ecologito, Jul 9, 2015
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  7. stephen colbert

    stephen colbert New Member

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    ecologito, I have not checked them yet. Seems like a big deal for someone who knows nothing about motorcycles so I'm taking baby steps. Like I said before, adjusting the idle knob has allowed me to keep it running indefinitely.
     
    stephen colbert, Jul 9, 2015
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  8. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    Stay the course with checking your brakes.
    Then with proper instruction checking valve clearances it is not a big deal at all. Plus it gives you an opportunity to get more intimate with your machine and gain confidence in your abilities (as well as the information gleaned from this site).
    From one of the masters here at providing proper instructions, I present to you Bigfitz's Valve Adjustment Guide:
    http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/airhead-valve-adjustment-with-pics.14827/
     
    Stumplifter, Jul 10, 2015
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  9. MattiThundrrr

    MattiThundrrr Not a guru

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    THe best way to learn is to do. Go and learn, Grasshopper!
    PS I thought Colbert knew everything about everything, and never had confidence issues. Next time you feel fear, ask yourself, "What would Stephen do?"
     
    MattiThundrrr, Jul 10, 2015
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  10. k-moe

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

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    Indefinitely won't last very long if the valves aren't in spec. Get yourself familiar with the process. The consequences of mis-adjusted valves can be quite costly.
    http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/airhead-valve-adjustment-with-pics.14827/
     
    k-moe, Jul 10, 2015
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  11. stephen colbert

    stephen colbert New Member

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    I "borrowed" some feeler gauges from work and checked the valve clearances today. All are within spec and the process was actually extremely easy! I'm stripping and painting the cover while it's off and it looks like I'm going to need a new gasket...
     
    stephen colbert, Jul 11, 2015
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    Stumplifter likes this.
  12. k-moe

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

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    And new rubber doughnuts if you have the YICS engine.
     
    k-moe, Jul 11, 2015
    #12

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