Now that I own an 82 XJ650

Yesterday morning I bought my Maxim with 29,000 miles on the clock. I just sold my 71 R/75 and wanted sort of an in-between bike until I get something dual sporty next spring. This came along at an unbeatable price so I thought I'd give it a try. Over the course of 50 years of riding I've owned tons of bikes and still love motorcycling. I do most of my own wrenching and enjoy learning about and working on each bike I've owned.
This bike has been reasonably well maintained and runs OK but sat for over a year so I'm dealing with a few problems related to that but have already run most of a can of Sea Foam through the carbs and installed new plugs. I marveled at the engine design allowing for easy access to all four.
I immediately noticed how unstable the forks feel. It seems like a design issue though I'll let the forks work in for a few days. I'll be shopping for a fork brace though. I live minutes away from some of the best riding roads on the planet and want to be able to make the most of them.

 

It's not a design problem.

You bought a neglected classic motorcycle (riding less than 1,000 per-year is neglect in my mind). Safoam ain't gonna make it work line new.

Read:
The Information Overload Hour
Do all of the things (inspection mostly if the PO was honest about his work).
No more riding until you do. The forks already have a stout brace built into the fender. Any instability is down to lack of maintenance (likely worn or mal-adjusted headstock bearings, but it could also be forks that need to be rebuilt), or maybe tires that are a bad match for the bike.

 

Welcome aboard and what k-moe said.

Gary H.

 

Thanks for the good thought.