New rider, "new" bike

I am new to motorcycling and just bought a 1981 XJ650 Maxim. I bought it from the original owner, who took great care of it. It has about 42k miles on it, but it still fires right up and runs strong. You know the owner cared for the bike when he apologizes for the chrome not being polished this year. The only issues are a bent kick stand and a scuff on the muffler from a recent drop. I got the impression that the drop was the last straw that told him his health wouldn't allow him to keep riding. I think I got a pretty good deal for $1000.

Aside from ebay and craigslist, what is a good place to get parts for this bike? I may put a windscreen on it in the future and I am sure I will need maintenance parts eventually.

I have only had it out a few times (about 70 miles), but it has been a blast! I still need lots of practice on making things more instinctual instead of thinking about every step of starting and stopping.

 

Welcome. There are several "universal" windscreens. For maintenance parts Chacal on the forums has great prices and fast response.

There is also a good thread on here about safe riding. I personally recommend Gear - Helmet, riding jacket, gloves, boots and at least jeans...

Enjoy your new bike!

 

Are universal windscreens truly universal? If I want to as Chacal about parts, is a PM the best approach?

I will look into that thread on safe riding. I took the MSF course a few weeks ago, so that is a start at least. I have a very large vacant parking lot near me and I spent a few hours there on Sunday. I hope to get back there in the next few days or this weekend at the latest. As for gear, I have a Shoei helmet and a Tourmaster jacket. My Alpinestar gloves and boots are scheduled for delivery tomorrow. I haven't decided on pants yet, but it will either be kevlar jeans with armor in the knees or some more heavy duty over pants.

 

Chacal's part list here on the forum
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2584.html

Chacal's email<best way> is:
info@xj4ever.com

or PM can work too, just takes more time
good guy, good price, great service. I give 3 thumbs up to Len/Chacal.

 

I was able to find several wind screens that would fit. Memphis shades makes a couple as does slipstream. They clamp to the handle bars and sometimes the forks too.

 

Universal windscreens aren't truly universal. I've got a National Cycle N2561-01 that a customer bought for his Shadow. Will not look right on the shadow because of the smaller headlight and risers on the handlebars. It would be an excellent screen for an XJ Maxim however.

I have a Road Krome on my Maxim. it has a 2 point handlebar mount which lets it vibrate. For my money I'd get a 4 point mount like National cycle uses.

You can send Chacal an emal info @ xj4ever.com.