new from Buffalo NY

got my license on Monday and I've been riding my 1981 Maxim 650 since Wednesday. She's a little beat up but she rides great and I couldn't be happier with my first bike. (Though I still look like an idiot getting on and off.)

The forum looks great and I understand there are a bunch more XJ owners in WNY.

I'll be searching around for answers to my questions, but I'd appreciate if anyone can speed up the search and point me to info on:

-good tires and windshield for winter riding
-quality lightweight armored jacket (preferably waterproof) that I can wear under a winter coat
-how to clean light rust specks on bike parts-- will 00 steel wool hurt the chrome?
-source for luggage rack type add ons-- no saddlebags... the neighborhood kids already cut off my cheap bags last night.

Thanks!

 

Welcome, You couldn'y find a better group of folks...

Ride safe

 

Welcome,
Was just up in your neck of the woods a couple of weeks ago. I have an uncle in the albany area.
Anyway, there are lots of good folks to help you out.
I have an old Vetter fairing on my 650 and love it. You can find them here from time to time and always on flea bay.
I also have 20mm ammocan cases on my bike attached to the luggage rack frame using u-bolts. The kids can't mess with them with the locks on.
These old bikes are great machines but sometimes you have to be creative with your mods. Do a search of the forum to see many ideas for any need.

Enjoy the community
The Buff

 

Thanks for the welcome.

Buff-- I saw the pictures of your setup and it looks great. I'll be keeping an eye out for vetter fairings. The ammocan idea is awesome. I don't have a luggage rack so I might go for a lighter rig using a pair of these guys:

http://www.preparedness.com/larutsupbox.html

but I will be planning a trip to the local army-navy store to see what they have as well.