The motorcycle sat from 1989 until 2003, outside most of that time, with a tarp covering it with a 2 bungee cords and a brick to hold it on. This was in north-east Indiana, subject to hard winters, etc. The only things done before putting it up was drain the carbs and pull the battery. Since getting it back - the front brakes were frozen, mice were living in the air box, and the carbs were, well, a tad gross. Mufflers rotted out.
Seating position is still comfortable - even after 20 years.
Ball type steering bearings are a bad idea.
Bike will still spin the back tire with ease.
Still gets over 50 mpg.
Feels tiny in comparison to my GSX1100G.
Amazing how fun the lightweight (or seemingly light weight) bikes are to ride!
Surprisingly, all it needed was the carbs cleaned, fresh plugs, fresh oil and a battery - and it was running. Repaired the frozen front brake calipers, used liquid steel on the exhaust holes, put in a new air filter - and lubed the clutch cable. Runs like a champion horse - but the head gasket does pass out a little oil.
Could try to torque the heads since most OEM services required a head gasket at about 8-10k miles, and yours was probably bought in '86 as a leftover '82 model (my dad bought one in '87). There is a good XJ owners list for these bikes at micapeak.
Re-torquing bolts DID solve the problem. Now - if I could just find an exhaust system I LIKE to replace stock. I still want 4 into 2, heck, I would prefer NOS mufflers, which I have priced from Germany, but, that would be a tad unrealistic when it comes to price.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed 
is available.