23rd Mar 2011, 17:52

To: 18 Mar Tim in BC... First check the VIN info on the frame near the headlight to verify the bike's info.

1) The battery may just be old or not charging. The bike should be charging it at approx. 14 volts. The bike might also have short somewhere.?..

2) Brakes should be hard, NOT soft. Bleed/check fluid and pads/shoes...

3) Carb work can get expensive if needed. Just running the bike and checking the plugs will tell if they're off. You should get approx 45 mpg also...

4) The choke should be totally off once the bike is warmed up. Adjust the idle screw when warm to 1050 RPM...

And yes, $1500 is too much for a bike with issues. Wouldn't give him more than a grand, if that... You'd be better off maybe getting an out of state, good running dealer bike with repairs already made...

I bought my 650 on line 7 yrs ago, and drove it 1500 miles from MN back home in 3 days, BUT it had no issues. GREAT bikes when you get a runner... Wish you luck. :)

23rd Mar 2011, 20:34

Hey Tim, I just bought a XJ650 last week; runs great, looks great, and only has 22k miles on it. And I only paid $800 for it, fires right up, you should be able to haggle with him. Try and get him down to $1000. Jeff.

8th Jun 2011, 00:08

Those "holes " in your muffler may be factory drilled holes. My Maxim has one on each side on the bottom of the exhaust pipes. These allow water vapour that condenses in the exhaust system to drain out. Ever been in traffic on a cold day, and noticed water dribbling out of the exhaust pipe of the car ahead of you?