Just bought an 82 xj1100... help!

[Mbarna]

...My first bike ever (i know, i know, too big - what ever)... I've got some questions for you guys... Parts for these bikes aren't exactly easy to locate... Are there any xs models that are more common that i can take parts from? are the motors all the same? where can i get a set of crash bars for my bike? what kind of plug wires should i use and where do you guys get yours from? also, where can i obtain a service manual for my bike (yes, i saw the thread where they posted them for view, but for some reason, the only good looking one wouldn't view more than 12 pages or so for me)...

i used the hell out of the search function and wasn't able to find ANY type of tutorials on how to do the basic stuff like take the seat/gas tank off so that i might be able to do some basic maintenance and whatnot.

can anyone help me?

better yet, anyone in the New Jersey area (Middlesex County) who might want to take a ride over here and show me some things?

i'm a complete and utter n00b with these things, but i'm DEFINITELY in love.

thanks guys!

-Max

[Mbarna]

also, new jersey guys... who can work on these bikes? any mechanic recommendations?

[XJOK2PLAY]

Hey!!!

First off, welcome to Ch 11!!! Glad to have you here! Always great to have another fellow XJ owner!
One thing all the new guys are usually told that helps us here is for you to add in your signature what year and type your bike is and where you're from.
Next, depending on how much experience with previous bikes you have, a safety course is always recommended, as well as giving yourself plenty of time to get familiar w/ your XJ. You'll be glad you did.
I can't answer all your questions, but for the ones I miss, one of the other's will probably be able to for ya.
Engines & trannys are very similar, with just a few differences. XJ's have a YICS system that XS's don't. Ignition systems are a little different, and the XJ has a stouter charging system. Guages are different, the XJ uses a digital pilotbox, which is way cool, and gives extra warning indicators the others don't. Digital gas guage is kinda cool, too. Stock 85 speedo isn't... and there is a remedy for that. Gas tanks and petcocks are different. XJ's will kill the engine due to a switch if you have it in gear and put the kickstand down.
To remove the seat, there are two levers, one on each side, towards the back of the seat and on the bottom sides. Pull, and lift. Slides under the front, latches on each side towards the back. Tanks bolt from underneath.
Hope this'll get you started. Ride safe!
Regards,
Bob

[XJOK2PLAY]

Also...

If I remember right, one of our fellow members, Catatonicbug has got the manuals already setup for download through him. I know he does for an XS, can't remember about the XJ for sure. Might check w/ him.
Another weak spot to these great bikes are the glass type fuse blocks. Topcat (TC) sells great replacements to ATC types w/ the angle connectors for $9. See him.
Another improvement they made to the XJ was in bracing. XJ's have an extra cross brace in front of the engine, as well as the forks.

[XJOK2PLAY]

one more thing...

Something I've learned the hard way...

XJ's have 2 warning indicators in the pilotboxes about oil... a red flashing light, and the word "oil" comes up. This is an oil LEVEL indicator, they have no warning for low/no oil PRESSURE indication. (So you can lose your oil pump, and not get any warning indicator!) (How would I know this? )

Oil level is checked in the sight glass, on the lower RH side of the engine, (as you're sitting on the bike.)

Average MPG is from 30 to 38. Mine gets 30 to 32. Tank holds 5.1 gals. Most usually will need to switch to reserve around 125 miles or so.

If the bike has set for a long period of time, carbs are usually the next issue, and there are countless threads here for that to help ya, as well as lots of great, experienced Gurus.
Good luck!
Bob

[XJOK2PLAY]

Just saw this...

Fellow member Axel has provided a download link for the XJCD manuals. Main page, "Links".

The best mechanic will be you, in time, in most cases. Bike mechanics are not cheap. Plus, that's how we all do it. Learnin's part of the fun. Hopefully, there'll be someone close by that can show ya the ropes to get you started.
Just use these forums, and post your questions and problems.
Bob

[CatatonicBug]

I thought I heard my name being typed! I don't have a specific XJ manual, but a mentioned, many of the systems are VERY similar to the XS's. Feel free to download what I've got in my signature. The brake system in the XJ is identical to the '81 MNS (no other XS has the linked brakes that the XJ has). Axel had a thread recently talking about a CD available for a measly $10 IIRC, that was created my members of the XJbikes.com site. Just take it slow, ask lots of questions and read as many threads on this site as you possibly can. Oh, and take the MSF course!! These bikes are scary strong, and you need all the training you can get to keep yourself safe.

You will definitely be your best mechanic. It's almost impossible to find a good, reasonably priced mechanic that works on these old bikes. You'll end up learning a lot more about your bike, and actually liking yourself a lot more by doing your own work. Post some pictures via photobucket too. We all like to see pictures!

[XJOK2PLAY]

Cbug...

I do believe you got "dog ears" when it comes to typin'.... LOL
Thanks for throwin' the brakes in...
(guess I needed to leave something out for someone else to get a word in edgewise, huh?? )

[CatatonicBug]

Thanks for throwin' the brakes in...
(guess I needed to leave something out for someone else to get a word in edgewise, huh?? )

I can't help it... I spent what seems like forever trying to figure out the braking system on my bike. I ended up replacing the stock Rear MC on my MNS with a MC from an XJ at the local bike wrecker. The XJ MC has a wire on it that connects to one of those warning lights on the dash, telling about low brake fluid. None of the XS's had that warning light either.

[latexeses]

Mbarna,

Welcome!

Member trbig had a pdf.copy of an XJ1100 manual and was good enough to send a copy to me.
If you would like to PM me an e-mail address, I will forward the file. That should get you started...

Rodger

[XJOK2PLAY]

Mbarna...

The "linked brakes" that Cbug is refering to means that when you pull the brake lever, it works the 2 discs on the front. When you step on the pedal, it applies the rear, but one front disc as well. Thus, the "linked" system. I had just remembered to add that, but Cbug already had! He's quick! (And knowledgable!)
Don't forget to check your middle & final drive oils too.
I'll shut up now and go to bed.... LOL
Good luck!
Bob

[Mbarna]

wow.. i did NOT expect this many responses to this thread lol. thanks a bunch guys.

also, i've got some small concerns - my brake warning light is blinking, yet my fluid seems fine.. is there something i'm missing?

also, my neutral light does not turn off, even if the bike is in gear...

these two issues have me going crazy..

[Mbarna]

also, questions unaddressed:

- Crash Bars.. where can i get them?!

New questions:

- Spark plug wires - where can i get them/which ones work best?
- How can i run a compression test? I got the bike home and ran it apparently with little to no oil in the bike... there's no tapping (thank god), everything seems in order, but i'd like to get a compression test to be safe...

[Mbarna]

also, for those of you curious about why i got such a large bike... the thing was, my dad got it for me.. he's ridden his entire life and also wanted a bike that he, too, could enjoy.. i'm a smaller guy, though.. i'm 5'8 165. this bike is huge on me lol. so yes, motorcycle safety school is definitely in the works.. however, the nearest school/class i can take around here isn't until july 31st.. i really don't want to wait that long to get my license.

my dad took the bike for a ride before we bought it (YES, WITHOUT KNOWING THAT THERE WAS NO OIL IN IT) and said the gears shifted fine and everything was in order.. when we DID fill it, it was allegedly only short about a quart or so (again, according to dad.. however, i don't think there was any in there).. it's a confusing situation, but i have also learned the hard way what a lack of motor oil can do to a motor (via my 8 cylinder mustang)... and as i said, there are no audible valve issues so i'm assuming the bike is alright.. but again, a compression test will put all doubts to rest.

the only things that concern me, like i mentioned above, are the neutral light that stays on even when i'm in gear, and the mysterious flashing brake light warning.

edit: just in case anyone was wondering, the oil level warning light never flashed - the diagnostic computer thing did not alert us that it was short... so again, i may have just been paranoid.

[CatatonicBug]

The "linked brakes" that Cbug is refering to means that when you pull the brake lever, it works the 2 discs on the front.

Actually, the hand brake works ONLY the right front brake. The left front and rear are BOTH activated by the pedal.

Crash bars can be found on ebay now and again. Not available as a new product from any dealer at this point.

Be sure you flush the oil before doing any riding. All 3 oil fills (engine, middle and final drive) should be checked. Since you have no guarantee what kind of maintenance has been done recently, that is one thing to check, amongst many. Lots of opinion on what kind of engine oil to use, but the general concensus is to use regular non-synthetic car oil of your favorite brand. Synthetic 90w Hypoid gear oil in the middle and final drives.

Plug wires can be bought from MikesXS.com, I believe. He sells stuff specifically for the XS650, so you have to be sure you get the right stuff, and they tend to get a bit upset if you ask them about compatibility with any other bike. Just ask here if you have questions. Try a search on plug wires, and you'll find something with more details.

Compression testing should be covered in the manual. I've never done it, but many here have, so you might get more info from someone else.

As for the warning lights, they may be linked to other things, but it may also mean that the sensors are stuck. The neutral sensor on the XS is located on the underside of the engine, just inboard of the left exhaust pipe, just in front of the shifter. It's a phillips screw head with a wire on it. If you pull it out, it will drain the oil, so do that while you change the oil. The Master cylinder may need to be pulled and opened up to see if the float sensor is stuck. You may want to flush the whole brake system anyway, so that might be a good thing to do.