Back on the Road

Another XJ is back on the road.

This 1982 XJ650RJ Seca was a holdover purchased in 1985 from A&A Cycles in Oklahoma City with a 1980 Maxim in trade. Never could get comfortable on the Maxim even with flatter bars so I looked for more of a sport bike.

Thanks to all who contribute to this forum and Len (Chacal) for a single source of parts and advice. Rebuilt carbs, new bearings, fluids and tires have brought this XJ back after about 15 years of rest. Now the reward of riding!

 

You did do the brakes too right? (especially the rear shoes, but also the front hoses & seals)

Looks nice, enjoy it & try to keep it that way

 

Front brakes all rebuilt with SS lines and new caliper and MC seals. I read your post on the rear shoes but did not see any indication that I should be concerned. Should I replace them regardless of visual inspection?

 

Good good, you went for black sheaths on the front then (that's what made me worry, thought I saw original hoses! I sliced the old hoses & put them over the braided ones for a truly anally original look haha).

For how much a set of shoes costs I'd personally replace them if the history is unknown since they're what, $30ish? And I just think, well if I didn't replace them and they did happen to fail, wouldn't I just be kicking my own ass on the way "downstairs" :?

The link in my signature is courtesy of BigFitz by the way, he's the guy who discovered this scary issue and first shared it on here

 

Yup - the black SS lines from Len. Braking is better than new, good solid feel with new lines, caliper and MC seals.

Good point on the replacement shoes, I'm adding that to the clutch friction plates as things to replace list.

I still have to synch the carbs and get some miles on this bike to become truly comfortable with it again. The BMW K75 with ABS is my commuter mule but I like to ride them all.

What tires are most folks using? I opted for Michelin Pro Activ like on my '78 because the sizes are available for a good price. Handling feels quick and I like the quick accelleration of that straight four!

 

Looks great man, nicely done!

 

Very nice indeed!

 

Thanks all, it's a 20-footer with the scars of setting outside during my earlier riding years and eBay mufflers but I'll be riding not showing.

 

20 feet is my favorite distance to look at a bike!

Yours looks fine to me!

 

looks awesome , here is a 30 footer . picked it up cheap this month . Been in a barn going on 20 years with 6000 miles . Hope i can make it look as good as yours when i am done . Got to love finding these old bikes complete .Now i have a red one to ride and black one to restore !!

 

oops pic did not atatch on my barn find