New guy 82 XJ650 Seca

Hey guys,

Love the forum, decided to join so I can post.

I just bought a 1982 XJ650(RJ) Seca off craigslist the other day, my very first bike, I know nothing about motorcycles only common sense. But I could not pass this bike up for only $300 It runs, its ridable, only thing is second gear is a little weak and slips out if I hit it too hard so I have to jump in to third pretty quick, other than that theres a few cosmetic issues as you can see from the pic, torn seat, the 2 engine covers are cracked because Im sure its been layed down a few times in its life, and the instrument panel doesnt work (indicator lights do work tho) so I dont know how many miles it has on it. She starts every time, and runs strong.

So let me know what you guys think, 300 bucks a good deal or what?

 

Pic didnt work lets try this...

 

Was this the bike on SF craigslist? If so, I was looking at the same bike.
Looks like a good deal.

 

Welcome Energi2er! From the looks of things, you've got a few projects to nail. Looks like a very good runner just the same. One step at a time and she'll shine like new before too long!

 

Nope seattle/tacoma craigslist. advertised for $350

 

Looks like a fun project. I hope you get it done before the rain sets up up there.

 

Looks like you have a little cleaning up to do. Several questions:

1) Are the covers really cracked or did they just scuff the protective coating on the aluminum? One could be expensive the other is cheap.

2) Any plans for the seat? A replacement cover is going to cost you about $70:

http://shorterlink.org/2786

3) Which part of the instruments don't work? Tach or speedo? Both are cables usually and aren't too hard to find.

4) Can you take some better pictures of the engine?


All in all I think you got an excellent deal! With some work and a few extra $ she'll be as good as new! You have quite a few options out there:

http://shorterlink.org/2787

But then I'm a little partial to that bike... ;-)

http://www.terminalcore.net/gallery/My_Seca_Pics

Oh and for the record I have NO idea what year my gauge cluster is - I had to replace the speedo on the one and it was easier to swap this one in place and black over the two gauges I wasn't using.

Oh and I have a pair of these on the way from E-Bay:

http://shorterlink.org/2788

Ooops! I think I rambled a bit...

 

well I'm not sure, the oil doesnt leak or nothin from that one, so Im sure thats just the protective aluminum, the other one (not sure what it is) Im not sure.

I see used good condition seats on ebay for $20 to $50 all the time, when I get to that part I'll get one unless I come across a deal.

Tach and spedo dont work, but the lights in the middle do: Oil, neutral, high beams, and both signals work.

Yes tomorrow I will when I go to my storage (where the bike is at).


I plan on fixing the second gear, and the minor things thats wrong. And definately a new paint job (I'm a painter for a living) midnight blue, and dark grey. and I'm painting the enging a chrome color and adding all the chrome upgrades that I can find.

 

ok, I posted pics of my engine in a new thread called engine pics, check it out.