How does this XJ650 engine sound and look?

Hi all,

First post.

I'm considering making a move on this one. I am new to driving and buying motorbikes by all means but not afraid of learning plus I'm quite interested in engines but never really pursued before now.

Anyway. I'm aware it has been modded some. It allegedly recently had a pro fixup including complete rewire of the electronics and it is ready to go. It looks as if some of the rubber sealing is quite fresh too around the carb, however there is some noticable pitting/rust going on with some of the screws etc as can be seen. Not sure the criticality of it.

I have a question for you guys if you are up for it: How does this one sound and look from a technical/shape point of view? Anything that should make my alarms go at this point?

Uploaded video:

 

Bit hard to tell. Audio always sounds awful.
But... It runs, so that's a start.
Questions would be.
How easy does it start
How well does it ride
How well does it stop

Maintenance is a given no matter what condition you buy it in.

 

Thanks for dialing in.

Yeah I guess I was considering whether it might be possible to hear problems already by sound/visuals for the enlightened person.

The bike actually started up pretty decently with choker engaged. This video is filmed after it got warm after a small drive around.

Breaks and drive was surprisingly easy going.

Things I noted was:

The choker was able to spin up the engine pretty high if enabled too mucj. Unsure if that is normal.

The throttle required a bit more force than I would say it should but the engine reacted and reved down again without issues. Maybe you can tell by the video clip.

The breaks worked and felt good.

 

Choke is not really a conventional choke on these carbs. It's called the enrichment circuit.
It actually supplies more fuel rather than choking air.
So the high revving goes with that.
Also leave it on too long and you foul the plugs without a decent ride to clear them up.

Throttle cable is, more than likely, taking a tortuous route or needs lubrication to make it flick back.
Generally that tight/sluggish feeling isn't coming from the carbs.

 

I have an engine that makes me cringe because of the rattling and clacking and I need to work on the head as this is the cause but...
It goes like a powerhouse.

These bikes are pretty rattly but hard to kill.

 

The rubber on the twistgrip on my bike was rubbing against the bar end weights check that too. Might free up the twistgrip?

 

No water jacket to reduce the rattles.