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xj650 sat in my father's garage for roughly 20 years. Should I even bother?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by DarrenH, May 2, 2016.

  1. DarrenH

    DarrenH Member

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    My father has a xj650 with 7000 miles on the odometer. He told me he rode it back then but then one day it didn't start. He was too busy working back then to get it back running so it sat for the next 20 years or so. I've never seen it been moved from that corner of our garage in my life. Now I've recently fixed up my 150cc scooter I had and I feel I can take on bigger bike. I've looked into starting old engines and I feel I may be biting off more than I can chew. I want to get the bike from my parents house and bring it home 40 minutes away. I'm worried I won't be able to follow through fixing it because of some underlying condition with the engine.
     
  2. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    YES!

    Ask questions here on the proper way to recommission a bike that has been sitting so long.
    Don't do anything until the Wizards chime in. Fluids that have been sitting along time need to be dealt with appropriately, don't want to slosh it around trying to crank the bike over.
     
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  3. Jetfixer

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

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    Yes change engine oil, pull spark plugs put a little Marvel Mystery oil or 2 cycle down each cylinder let it soak 20 min or more (leave plugs out for now) Put a fully charged battery in . Disconnect TCI plug try to crank over engine ( oil will come out spark plug holes put rags over holes) engine should spin over easily . Put plugs back in reconnect TCI , now open fuel tank cap is it full of rust or stale gas? You will most likely need to pull and clean out, You will also have to pull carbs pull float bowls , old fuel will gum up jets and leave nasty stuff in bowls. ( notice I did not tell you to see if it will start? it might but you will need to go to The Church of Clean ( xj4 ever
    thread) Rebuilding carbs is not that hard a few seals and gaskets and needle and seat replaced , do not give up these bikes are a lot of fun to work on and more fun to ride. Great people on here K-Moe, Big Fitz , Pollock and many others will guide you though , Start an IM message with xj4ever (Chacal (Len) will have all the correct parts great service you will think you have a "Buddy" in him from your first order. Good Luck
     
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  4. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    I would put some marvel mystery oil in the cylinders wait a few days before trying to turn it over by hand.

    change oil first and filter.
    ohm out the ignition system.
    then cleaning of carbs is next take it step by step 1 system at a time
    ignition , fuel, electrical,
    well worth the time dad probaly had a bad battery
    your going to spend some money but not as much as a high milage bike.
    when you get the motor running you can work on the brake system full rebuild and replacment.
    and tires
     
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  5. joeperezis

    joeperezis Member

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    Once you put a new battery in it, replace the old glass-style fuses with blade-type fuses (contact Chacal on this website). The fuse holder terminals have a tendency to crack at the bottom of the terminal and present as a no start situation. That's what was wrong with my father in law's bike that sat 19 years in his garage. Almost exact same story..."one day it just wouldn't start...".

    Go slow, take pictures and keep a notebook to document your process. There s/b plenty of life in that 7,000 mile power plant!

    This website has loads of info and the members are very knowledgeable. The only stupid questions are the ones you don't ask.
     
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  6. Jetfixer

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

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    You will also need new tires regardless if the "look new" and brake hoses (probably originals) , pull rear wheel and check rear shoes see Big Fitz write up at first thread. This should be done first off as you want to be safe , expect you will spend 300 to 400 to get it going . Still cheaper than a new bike and having a payment every month. I paid 850 for my Xj70 Seca , put new tires ,front brake pads, rear shoes, upgraded fuse block, carb overhaul kit , upgrade to spin on oil filter (Thanks to xj4ever) Adjusted valves , I still need to replace my brake hoses , but I have about 500$ in parts so far . This might give you an idea of what to expect sounds bad , but once you get it running :) you will have a smile on your face.
     
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  7. k-moe

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

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    I've started and ran engines that have sat for far longer. Worth it? Yes. Guaranteed no-fuss? No.
     
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  8. DarrenH

    DarrenH Member

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    Alright. The cost of the project is also another factor but a few hundred doesn't sound too bad. I have limited resources living on my own but I think I can make it work.
     
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  9. Lightcs1776

    Lightcs1776 Active Member

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    Think safety first, then looks. Others have suggested making a list as you inspect the bike, starting with things that are needed to be safe, then the "nice to have" items.
     
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  10. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    given the mileage your initial costs should be low, wheel bearings should be good may just need to be regreased typicaly good for 20K miles
    expect the front caliper to be stuck
    budget your self around 600 to 700$ do not be in a hurry there are lots of things to be looked at that are only labor
    caliper rebuild kit, mc rebuild kit brake hoses will cost around 175$ depending what you do
    battery 40 to 70 $
    oil change 20$
    brake shoes around 40$
    pads 20$.
    petcock rebuild 30$

    bright side is your bike is worth around 1500$ when running depending on where you live.
     
  11. a100man

    a100man Well-Known Member

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    That's the spirit...
     
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  12. JB24

    JB24 New Member

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    Big Fitz made a great write up on clutch plate replacement. These bikes have a wet clutch that sits half in and half out of the engine's oil. After 20 years of sitting, that clutch will not last very long once you get her moving. Clutch replacement sounds hard but it's a pretty easy fix with the write up that big Fitz has provided. Replacing the clutch plates was my first real repair on anything and it's totally doable. Good luck and don't give up.

    JB
     
  13. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    Welcome aboard. Maxim or Seca? The Maxim has a tear drop tank while the Seca has knee indents in the tank. Unless you have one of the rare birds your bike is common here so there's plenty of help and info. We also have a member guru/parts supplier. A compression test will tell you the status of the engine. Once we help you sort any stuck rings and get the valves in spec it should be good (fingers crossed).As others have stated we'll help you make it properly run then you can work on the aesthetics.The standard here is between $600 - $800 (not all at once) to re-commission one to road worthy status.

    Gary H.
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2016
  14. DarrenH

    DarrenH Member

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    Well, here I go. Judging by the license plates, I was a tad bit off from when it was last ran. If it is correct, it hasn't ran for 26 years. I pulled most of the gas out of the gas tank and it just looked like a gallon of stale piss with a moderate mixture of rust. It's definitely a Maxim, but I'm not sure what year. I want to say 83 but it could also be an 82.
    20160502_181403-1.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2016
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  15. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    There's been ones in way worse condition brought back and saved from the scrap yard including mine. You'll be fine.

    Gary H.
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2016
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  16. a100man

    a100man Well-Known Member

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    Reminds me when some guy was renting barn space of my brother to do up a Mini. He eventually got bored, got a girlfriend or both and abandoned the project
    along with various tools etc. & also a small 5 litre petrol can - we soon realised that this was indeed full of his stale piss and he didn't do the decent thing and step outside to pee up the wall... The smell was let's say 'unusual'.
     
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  17. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    People do some wierd stuff. How to piss outside is one of the first things boys learn to master including writing our name...it's in our handbook.:)

    Gary H.
     
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  18. Yardawg

    Yardawg Active Member

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    It's not an 82 from looking at the lights and gauges.
     
  19. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    Lights, gauges and YICS say it's a possible late '81 but definite '82 or '83.

    Gary H.
     
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  20. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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    Yup.

    Great looking bike! Yes it's totally worth fixing up, will be a great experience for you. There's plenty of help on here and almost all parts are easily found for that bike. I'm restoring an 82 from the ground up at the moment. Careful with your exhaust, it looks great in the pics. I've been looking for nice pieces for a year.
     
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  21. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    mmmmmm, factory airbox. :)
     
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  22. Jetfixer

    Jetfixer Well-Known Member

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    What Stumplifter said...by all means keep the stock airbox . Bike looks nice !!!
     
  23. DRFeelgood

    DRFeelgood New Member

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    I rescued an 81 mid nite maxim that had sat for 26 yrs. it had 8600 miles . Definitely worth The time and effort! I spent about a grand refurbishing which included a custom upholstered seat and 1/4 fairing. Love the power and comfort of the bike! Take your time - follow the advice from very knowlegable people on this forum- you won't regret it.
     
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  24. skiprrdog

    skiprrdog Active Member

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    No, it is not worth it...send it to me immediately :)
     
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  25. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    +1. It's one of the rare birds.

    Gary H.
     
  26. DarrenH

    DarrenH Member

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    So where would I be able to find the VIN? The search results aren't leading my anywhere. I still have to get use to this website.
     
  27. Lightcs1776

    Lightcs1776 Active Member

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    There should be a shorty Vin on the engine, and the full Vin on the top of the forks. I can't recall which side though. Chacal (Len) has a thread under Tech Topic called Model ID and VIN's that can give you more information about what the numbers mean.
     
  28. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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    Not the forks, but on the steering stem portion of the frame. Turn the bars to the left and you should see the white sticker on the right side of the frame. If missing/illegible, turn the bars to the right and the VIN is stamped into the left side of the stem holder.
     
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  29. smeagol21b

    smeagol21b Active Member

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    I also have an xj 650 seca, a friend of mine has been helping me with the work , I've stretched it out over 2 years due limited resources,a place to work on it, and limited income....working on getting it started now and a small issue with the brake light....but should be riding soon! Dont give up on it! but if you decide to get ride of it hit me up! ;)
     
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  30. Chance

    Chance Member

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    Don't give up your bike is a definite runner in my opinion, my bike (82 550 maxim) sat 25 years outside under a tarp, snow covered in winter and all. I replaced brakes, tires, MC, seat, and cleaned and rebuilt the carbs using parts from another identical set I had, and oil change. It is my only transportation at the moment.(until I can find work again). Yours was stored in a garage take the time to clean it proper and you will have no problems. listen to these guys they know there stuff.
     
  31. DrewUth

    DrewUth Active Member

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    That bike is super clean! Definitely worth the effort to bring it back.
     
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  32. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

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    Great looking bike. Definitely worth some maintenance and love, and even a bit of money...
     
  33. DarrenH

    DarrenH Member

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    You didn't have any problems with the engine seizing? That's one of the things that is worrying me. I'm going to start working on it today and testing to see if the engine turns is my first course of action.
     
  34. DRFeelgood

    DRFeelgood New Member

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    Rocs-I am a "rare bird" oh! You meant my 81 midnite maxim.
     
  35. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    Lol. I hope wrenching and riding on old bikes doesn't become a thing of the past and make us all "rare birds".

    Gary H.
     
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  36. jmilliken

    jmilliken Well-Known Member

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  37. Chance

    Chance Member

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    Nope no seizing got lucky there. yours should be good to turn you won't know till you try.
     
  38. DarrenH

    DarrenH Member

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    Where does Chacal get all these parts? Wouldn't he run out?
     
  39. k-moe

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

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    Most all parts for the XJ series are still being made, either by OEM suppliers or aftermarket suppliers. Chacal not only knows what's what, he is responsible for some of those parts not becoming NLA.
     
  40. DarrenH

    DarrenH Member

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    So would I replace the friction discs, drive plates, or both?
     
  41. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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    You only replace plates if burnt or warped. You won't know until you pull them. If you do get it running and the clutch slips under load, you'll burn the plates pretty quickly.
     
  42. bullheimer

    bullheimer Member

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    i'm going to be the first to seriously say Sell it. wish i'd have. $ pit and nobody makes new intake boots. not like i need them since the bike is at a shop that knows what they are doing. but they are hard as rocks. i paid $500 for the bike, it had new tires already, thrown at least $600 more at it, and i know my bill from this shop is going to be at least another $500+. I think i'm going to be in it for $2000. and i haven't even touched, other to look at, the back brake, which it needs. I have spent much more time working on it that i have ridden. I am NOT a bike mechanic, and have NO desire to be one. that is why my view is different than the other posts. These guys really know their sht. If you want to learn to turn wrenchs, fine, if not, who needs this crap? but my bikes tank/carbs were FULL of rust. you are lucky that yours wasn't. Check Chacals parts supply for your bike. If he doesn't have everything you think you'll need, it's a very long shot you'll ever see any used good rubber on ebay or anywhere else and that would be a big reason to sell this bike to maybe somebody on here that said keep it. I know i'm going to have a heart attack when i see this shop's bill. That's really gonna take a LOT of the joy out of owning this pig. (85 maxim btw). And oh yeah, the best part is NO factory dealer around here will work on "Vintage" bikes at all right now. Only one says they work on them but only during the winter, so they were'nt even an option. So more than likely you will have to fix everything yourself. btw Chactal, i emailed you that i could get aftermarket carb to engine boots, because the dealer told me i could, but he was mistaken.
     
  43. Nuch

    Nuch Well-Known Member

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    Bullheimer, sorry you've had such a terrible experience with it. I too wanted to ride a motorcycle, not necessarily work on one. The reality was that an old one was the only way I could get one for the initial outlay of money I had. I am by no means a mechanic and ended up with my XJ because it happened to be the one my friend wanted to get rid of... $800 purchase price. He was good enough to accept $200 a month over 4 months... heh...

    Since then, it has not been cheap... I stopped doing the math once I hit 1K in additional expenses, but it was a heck of alot easier spending little bits here and there over time (rather then purchasing something newer and spending it up front)... Regardless, all money went into parts as I completed all labor myself through the help of the good people here. It has been an extremely satisfying process as I was able to take it from a leaky, non-running 30 year old motorcycle to something that people say... "What is that?" as it is not something you see everyday zipping down the road.

    If you have it in you, don't give up on it!
     
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  44. bullheimer

    bullheimer Member

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    too much invested now, thats is for sure, esp when i get the bill for the carbs . hopefully it will scream, but they said i also have compression of 110, 100, 100 and 90. 90 they said is too low, and could be a number of things, like hopefully carbon stuck on a valve seat, or else valve adjustment, or worse from there. i will NOT be doing any further work on this thing other than top oil treatment.
     
  45. Cyfer

    Cyfer Member

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    I think your mistake was buying a 500$ 35 year old motorcycle thinking you would not be spending a bunch of money/time into it. I knew nothing about motorcycles when I bought my bike for 500$ but at that price I was fully aware it would be a project.. I was willing to learn and saw this as a great oppurtunity to tear into it over the winter. If I were to buy a 40 year old car in running shape; I'm sure it would be the same.. these things aren't turn key operations.

    This answer pertains to the OP as well. It will for sure be a lot of work and more money than you imagined. If you like projects, it's great, if you think you'll put some seafoam in the tank and drive it away problem free: sell it.
     
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  46. k-moe

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

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    Intake boots can be repaired to work like new, and the repair will last almost forever (none of the intake booots used to be available new, but as demand increased they started being made again). The X is a desirable machine; demand for parts will increase as more people start needing them. Do not take old bikes to shops. If you aren't able to do the work yourself, then classic bikes are not for you unless you are lucky enough to live near one of the few classic bike shops that know Japanese bikes. Even new motorcycles are maintainance intensive compared to cars. Part of the motorcycling hobby is (and should be) how involved the machine requires the operator to be in order to get the most enjoyment.
    You spent $2000. How many new bikes can you get for $2000? How many used ( even as little as s10-year-old) bikes that don't need work? Exactly none of either.
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2016
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  47. bullheimer

    bullheimer Member

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    i thought my bike only sat for 2 years, but it must have been 3. My son in law was riding it at that time. I figured How bad could it be? Well i looked into the gas tank and saw how bad. Worst rust I have ever seen anywhere. So I took the carbs out to be cleaned. They supposedly were, new parts were paid for, ran ok for the summer then no start at 60 degrees. Should have just taken it to where it is now back then, but back then if I could go back in time I would do a LOT of things! wouldn't all of us. Was not planning on buying a project bike. My wife got it as a present. She does do that kind of thing. Was just based on us not knowing how bad todays alcohol laden gas destroys everything it touches when left stagnant. Over last winter I stored it with non-ethanol gas in it. It did start up when it was 70 out, but i took it in anyway so I could sell it with a good conscience. The only good thing about a bike sitting for 20 or 30 years is it did NOT have todays crappy gas in the tank! That's a great thing.
     
  48. wgul

    wgul Active Member

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    What a beauty
     
  49. Paul Howells

    Paul Howells Active Member

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    Just reading this thread for the first time. I love how it starts.

    Reminds me of a T-shirt I saw that says, If I say I'm going to fix it I'll fix it! You don't have to keep reminding me every 6 months!
     

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