how do i know when to let her go?

I ride a 81 SECA 750. Over the summer I had a gas tank problem. It made me realize my bike is old :cry: and parts are might to be hard to find. So how hard are parts, new or slightly used parts, to find? Also, with XJ's, when is it time to let them go?

 

The time to let it go is when your ready to let it go. You'll find, I'm sure you already have, that folks on this site are pretty fanatic about these bikes and will hold on to theirs as thay disintegrate around them.

Parts are getting somewhat harder to find but if you are resourceful you can find what you need.

Anyway, its a personal choice. When its time to move on.....its time.

 

Some parts are hard to find. Others, I have gotten directly from the dealer. Replaced my right and left controls brand new for about $137 for both of them. Yes, our bikes are old, but they'll be prying mine from my cold dead hands before I'll get rid of her. Even when the time comes I get a newer bike, my XJ stays right by my side man. How many cycle events do you go to and see an XJ maxim or seca? I can think of one time in two and a half years. Point is when you roll in on your XJ heads will turn and compliments will fly because people like to see the great stuff. Anyone can ride up on a harley, v-star, vtx, or whatever and see three there just like it. Not an XJ. Having an XJ is like having a GTO, everybody likes it and nobody has it. So, enjoy it and keep it going strong and ride safe man. I know some of what I just said was a bit corny, but it is what it is. Take care.

 

IMHO there are two times when you should let go:

1 - When you have something else and you're riding it so much the XJ gets neglected.

2 - When you face a repair that costs more than a replacement bike. If you are good with the wrenches this is only major engine or transmission issues. If you don't do your own wrenching it doesn't take much.

 

I had a GTO one time and I sure wish I had it now. With that being said I will never say that about my xj 750 Yamaha!

 

Same here. Norton is mine for life (original owner) and I have no intention of ever selling either Seca. My daughter has laid claim to the '81, and once the '83 is finished it will take over "daily rider" duties. Someday I will have a bigger garage, so there might be more additions, but SELL MY XJ(s)??? Never. Too big an investment in special tools and knowledge.

 

Thanks for all the comments!!!

So what should I be looking at to decide whether she is a long time love of just my first love I'll remember when I'm old!

 

A real great place for many parts, even frames with a title, is A&J Cycle Salvage in Philly. You email what you need and they usually have it. I have yet to be let down by them. :wink: :wink: :wink: :wink: