'New' XJ--needs work

Hi all-- I'm a first time bike owner; just bought a 1981 XJ750 Seca off eBay. Unfortunately, it turns out that the bike has more problems than I was led to believe in the sale posting. The bike is missing its ignition switch (which I knew) and starts fine if wire started. Unfortunately, it is missing the key: and that key also opens the gas tank and seat, both of which are permanently unlocked. I've looked around online and found an ignition switch, but haven't found a replacement gas cap. Also, the front brakes are not working and the bike shows a few spots of rust (including a 1/2 dollar sized spot on the outside of the gas tank).

At any rate, it is a done deal and I have a project in my lap now. Any advice or thoughts are appreciated. I figure that if the engine and frame are solid, fixing the brakes and replacing the ignition are my first priorities. This bike has not been on the road in at least 8 years, and I'm not sure what else to look for as far as immediate repairs.

Thanks, all.

-Ted

 

I wonder if there's a way to re-key those locks. Apparently a new gas cap goes for around $60 - yeowch - http://www.yamahaaccy.com/parts.aspx

What do you mean by "the front brakes are not working." The lever is spongy and there's no stopping action? The lever is solid, but there's still no stopping action? The brakes are locked? ???

I'd stop the rust as soon as you can, but leave it to someone else to suggest how.

You might want to check/change the oil right away.

It's nice that the bike starts right up. Carbs seem to be the first things to have problems on these babies. If those are good, you can likely work with the rest. The only other suggestion I have right now is that for the first test rides, make sure they're short, close to home, and you're well-protected. A bike sitting that long (hell, even a well -maintained bike) can house a lot of gremlins that don't wake up until you hit 60MPH. Not to scare you - just be cautious.

Good luck, I'm in a similar situation in that I'm trying to revive my '81 Seca after about 5 years of my own negelct (yes, I'm kicking myself). If nothing else, you have company in your misery

 

The front brake cable is disconnected; it may be as simple as reconnecting it--I'm actually getting the bike this weekend, and I'll know more then.

Does anyone have suggestions for removing rust? Eventually the whole tank needs to be stripped and repainted, but until then (until budget allows) would a wire brush followed by a little spraypaint stop the rust from getting worse?
-Ted

 

That's what I did around a dent in my tank when I got it 11 years ago. A little Rust-o-leum and it's been ugly but rust-free since. If appearances are no issue, that'll get you by. I was just going to hold off for more elegent suggestions.

BTW, is yours red or black?

 

Hey Ted I believe that the gas cap and seat can be opened with any XJ Key. But anyways there is a XJ750 Ignition Switch with keys for sale on ebay right now. Check out the link below. I would recommend buying it and see if the keys will open the gas tank.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1982-Yam ... 8823QQrdZ1

 

Actually, it is silver/grey:

 

Are the ignition switches for Secas and Maxims interchangable? If so, I'll try to get that one off eBay...

 

I didn't know they were grey that year. Lookin' good.

 

Take a mirror and record the number off of the bottom of the ignition switch, or pull it off of the bike if you can (may require some disassembly). Go to nearest Yamaha dealer and get them to cut you a new one. This key should fit all locks on the bike. You should probably bring the bill of sale with you to prove you own the bike, as some may suspect an imminent bike theft if you don't. BikeBandit lists the switch available for $92 US. When I bought my 900 a few years ago, it had no keys or documentation. I brought the bill of sale with me to the Yamaha dealer to prove I was buying a key for a bike I owned. I did get the number for the key off of the bottom of the ignaition switch also.

 

The key from any other bike cannot open any other XJ CT, they are "keyed". The locksmith here in town wants $45 to rekey my gas tank and seat from an existing ignition cylinder (provided I pull the cap/tumblers out myself and bring them in). Dog, your best bet is for a new one, which can be had from a few sources online and there is a direct fit at JC Whitney for about $28, cheap and new. I took the expensive route and bought a complete set off flea-bay for about $100 used. In hind sight, I should have purchased a new ignition switch and had the existing tumblers keyed locally, I'd have been far better off. As for rust, Permatex makes a chemical conversion primer spray called Extends that converts rust to a paintable primer base (sanding or wirewheeling is a good idea). I've used this on just about everything and it is great. Spray on corrosion, watch it turn black (indicating the chemical conversion process, if no black, no corrosion was present), let it dry 24 hours and paint. About $8 a can at most hardware stores (Home Depot carries it). There are a few of these types of paints out there so shop around an follow the directions for best results. As for your brakes, as with all new purchases of used vehicles, flush and bleed all hydraulics straight off. That will be your first indicator as to what is going on inside of your brake system. The 81 has a remote reservoir located next to the steering head. It is a royal pain to access and is best acheived using a hyperdermic syringe with about 6" of 6mm clear vinyl tubing (the type you use to bleed brakes with) attached to the end. Siphon out as much of the old yechy brake fluid as possible and then refill using the clean syringe. Bleed out 'till the fluid is clear and you should be ok. Change the oil, clean the airfilter, put in new plugs (NGK BP7ES's gapped at 0.032 should be a good point to start), fresh fuel with some Seafoam fuel system additive or 1/4 can of Berrymann's B-12 fuel treatment (that's the system I use), and you should be good to go. Good luck to you and welcome to bike ownership, I hope this is the start of something great for you!!

 

Try this link for your key problems
http://www.motorcyclekeys.com/