Blue Specks in my Black Paint?

I finally found some time to cleanup my “new” XJ650J. When I was polishing the tank, I noticed that there were blue specks in the black paint. They were very hard to see unless you really looked close at the paint but they really did brighten up the color. There were no obvious signs of a repaint and the second owner from whom I purchased the bike claimed it was all-original. Could the paint have come that way from the factory?

On the topic of cosmetic, I’m missing one of the top round fork caps that covers the air valve. Could someone recommend where I can find a replacement? I did a few searches and called a few bone yards but I can’t seem to find them.

Cheers!

 

either the paint wasnt mixed well or the spray gun and hopp was dirty with the last paint job.

 

nah i think it came that way... my xj550 has them, this guys XJ down the street has them... and an XJ550 tank i saw on e-bay had them as well and that guy thought it was also original...

not to say its actually an original thing, it just seems that way from what i have seen.

 

OEM paint has the flake. My 81 650 Max has the red flakes. Yamaha doesn't sell it anymore. If you wish to touch up, a good paint shop can mix it, but it isn't a common mix so you might have to shop it.

 

Yep, it's the original. Mine had it till I repainted my tank. I think it's called Black and blue

 

I have some of those caps if you need them from my multiple fork rebuilds. PM me if you do.

Nachoman

 

Here is a picture of the top of my fork where the missing cap should go....

Thanks to all for their help!

Cheers!

 

81 was a red fleck as mentioned
82 was a blue fleck as you observed

Pop quiz: What were the other years? Were there other years of the fleck?

 

The parts you need are still available from Yamaha. Part # is 4X7-23168-00-00. Ron Ayers has them listed online for 5.64 each. I would try your local Yamaha shop, or order them online from one of the sites that offer oem parts.

Nachoman