Thinking about an XJ900
Tim Bell
model. I currently have a 1993 ZZR250, and I had a 1992 GN250 before
that.
I have a couple of fairly general questions. First of all, what sort
of differences can I expect between the bikes I'm used to and a bike
ten years older? Off the top of my head, the main thing I can think of
is leaded petrol. Is there anything else which would affect how it
goes, how it feels, or the care and feeding it needs?
Secondly, I've seen a few reviews of the XJ900 Diversion, the revamp of
the bikes I'm looking at. So I can determine the possible relevance of
these reviews, can anyone tell me what were the major changes which
went into the Diversion?
Finally, does anyone with an XJ900 want to give me their impressions?
It will be used for daily commuting and some longer trips, sometimes
with pillion and/or luggage.
Oh, and I've looked at some of the previous posts on the XJ900, and
the following web sites, so I've got a bit of background already:
http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~t56blt/xj750.html
http://home.sol.no/~dybedahl/xj900.htm
Thanks,
Tim.
ZZR250 (but maybe not for much longer)
--
Tim Bell - bh...@cs.mu.oz.au - Dept of Comp Sci & SE - Uni of Melbourne, Aust.
Duncan E Farrow
>
> I'm thinking about getting a Yamaha XJ900, probably a 1983 or 1984
> model. I currently have a 1993 ZZR250, and I had a 1992 GN250 before
> that.
Hi Tim - I currently have an '83 XJ9. My previous bikes were all Vespas!
(Biggest a 150) So this is my first big bike and the first thing you
notice is the difference in weight. The next is that more of the
steering
is though the bars. On smaller, lighter bikes, you can use your body
weight more. Mine has the frame mounted half fairing.
>
> I have a couple of fairly general questions. First of all, what sort
> of differences can I expect between the bikes I'm used to and a bike
> ten years older? Off the top of my head, the main thing I can think of
> is leaded petrol. Is there anything else which would affect how it
> goes, how it feels, or the care and feeding it needs?
The leaded petrol is not a big deal. It's a bit more expensive but it's
available everywhere (at least it is here in Perth). Other things to
notice is that a bigger bike is more comfortable to ride, is less
affected
by windy conditions and you can take a pillion without allowing extra
time for the trip. The older bikes have less bells and whistles. You
can also expect a few things to be wearing out. Mine has a notch in the
steering so that it clicks as you go through straight ahead. Fairly
easy to fix but I haven't done it. The XJ's had a problem with the fuel
tank rusting out on the right hand side. Mine has been repaired. Look
out
for that on any secondhand bike - look for bubbling paint on the lower
right
rear of the tank. Another inovation that has been dropped in later
models
is an anti-dive mechanism on the front shock. I've disconnected mine.
>
> Secondly, I've seen a few reviews of the XJ900 Diversion, the revamp of
> the bikes I'm looking at. So I can determine the possible relevance of
> these reviews, can anyone tell me what were the major changes which
> went into the Diversion?
Not me
>
> Finally, does anyone with an XJ900 want to give me their impressions?
> It will be used for daily commuting and some longer trips, sometimes
> with pillion and/or luggage.
Then this sounds like the bike for you. The engine is close to
indestructable,
it's a shafty so no filthy chain worries. The description of your use
reflects mine and the bike is fine for it. Easy to service, easy to
start,
etc.
Cheers,
Duncan
--
======================= http://wwwmaths.murdoch.edu.au/~farrow
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Mathematics & Statistics
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Michael Bell
: >
: > I'm thinking about getting a Yamaha XJ900, probably a 1983 or 1984
: > model. I currently have a 1993 ZZR250, and I had a 1992 GN250 before
: > that.
I had a 1984 XJ900 for about five years; I sold it last year to get my current
bike (Ducati Darmah). I was very happy with it, and if I had more money I'd
still have it. It sounds like you would have the same use for it I did: it .
It was my sole means of transport around Perth, and was a comfortable tourer
on rallies and between Perth and Kalgoorlie after I moved.
I wish I still had it. It wasn't hugely sporty, but it was plenty for my
limits.
Michael.
Kalgoorlie, WA.
Damian Carvolth
>
>I'm thinking about getting a Yamaha XJ900, probably a 1983 or 1984
>model. I currently have a 1993 ZZR250, and I had a 1992 GN250 before
>that.
The biggest problem with those is finding a good one. They are old now by jap
bike standards and I lot of the people I kow who've bought them had major
repairs to do afterwards.
But they were an excellant bike in their day, and sexy too to my mind....:)
--
Damian Carvolth
"I'm just a startled bunny in the headlights of life", L.J. Young
dam...@dem.csiro.au
http://www.brb.dem.csiro.au/unrestricted/people/CarvolthDamian/
http://dove.mtx.net.au/~bryanb/members.htm#Damian Carvolth
Mac Lemon
was off the road. It would have been an early 80's twin shock model.
It had a sqillion k's on the clock but to this day I remember being very
impressed by what a great all round motorcycle it was. Steered nicely -
didn't give the impression of being a large motorcycle, good turn of
performance, no snatch from the shaft drive. In fact - I've often
contemplated that if I had to have a cheap tourer in the shed - an XJ might
just have to be it.
Skinny rear rim means comparatively narrow rear tyre - but it got around the
corners OK. The hectic weekend thrash left the newly fitted rear looking
rather ragged.
When commenting to the hire shop man about the general qualities of this
comparatively old cycle - he indicated that he loved them as a hire job
because they were comparatively bullet proof - running for millions of miles
without needing a spanner on them. He remarked that the competition for the
good used models with with the courier boys - after which which I began to
notice how many couriers were riding them.
I wouldn't hesitate.
Mac
Tim Bell wrote in message <7b1u1j$1fm$1...@mulga.cs.mu.OZ.AU>...
Clem Doherty
Tim Bell wrote
.
>I'm thinking about getting a Yamaha XJ900, probably a 1983 or 1984
>model.
First UJM [and first shaftie] I ever owned and (to date) only bike I've ever
bought a second one of!!
I cannot recommend them (and the whole XJ series) enough.
The back of the petrol-tank rusts out though.
(dunno 'bout the diversions but if someone want's to swap my Trump for
one....)
clem
Deevo
>that.
An excellent choice, if you can find a good one. The later models in the
early series (like the early 80s) were a full 900cc and very capable (the
first ones were actually an 850 but were still a good ride). The only
problems you may have are finding one as most owners tend to hang on to them
for many years.
>
>I have a couple of fairly general questions. First of all, what sort
>of differences can I expect between the bikes I'm used to and a bike
>ten years older? Off the top of my head, the main thing I can think of
>is leaded petrol. Is there anything else which would affect how it
>goes, how it feels, or the care and feeding it needs?
>
In good mechanical order they should run fine on ULP. Given that I still
favour using super for the hogher octane though. The first thing you'll
notice compared to later models is the stability. This means that they
require more than the usual steering input than more recent bikes but on the
plus side they are rarely prone to tankslap.
>Secondly, I've seen a few reviews of the XJ900 Diversion, the revamp of
>the bikes I'm looking at. So I can determine the possible relevance of
>these reviews, can anyone tell me what were the major changes which
>went into the Diversion?
>
Wish I could but I havn't had a good look at the new ones.
The only thing I can tell you is to check that the alternator chain is in
good nick (coming from an ex XJ750 owner) as, unlike the cam chain they
require the splitting of the cases to replace. Oh and the carbies are a
real prick to balance without the special port tool. Otherwise a solid
sturdy (some say boring) bike that is a genuine jack of all trades.
----
Deevo
1982 GT750 Kwak
http://www.midwest.com.au/~mckenzie/p165.htm
Eric Berry
(Michael Bell) had this to say:
|: Tim Bell wrote:
|: >
|: > I'm thinking about getting a Yamaha XJ900, probably a 1983 or 1984
|: > model. I currently have a 1993 ZZR250, and I had a 1992 GN250 before
|: > that.
|
|I had a 1984 XJ900 for about five years; I sold it last year to get my current
|bike (Ducati Darmah). I was very happy with it, and if I had more money I'd
|still have it.
My XJ900 (1984 model) has over 120,000 on the clock and hardly uses a
drop of oil. Only major work has been some new rear shocks and a drive
shaft. On the drawing board is a look into the front suspension just
to get it a little firmer.
Where do I start to relate just what a versatile bike the XJ900 is. As
a commuter bike they're pretty good, with loads of torque and good
manouverability. As a tourer there are, in my opinion, few bikes that
are as comfortable to ride for long distances. Not just for your bum,
which is well looked after by a slightly-wider-than-average seat, but
the sitting position too, especially with the adjustable 'bars. You
tend to sit fairly upright, but not as much as most other tourers.
I've toured two-up with a loaded gearsack and soft panniers and the
bike is very forgiving and still well balanced. Even with a pillion
and weekend's worth of gear, you're never short on power on the right
wrist.
If you decide that you want to go for a fang, you can. WyleE will fang
as hard as I am game to try. A couple of times I've touched the
exhaust down around bends with no real feeling of danger. Again
there's plenty of power on tap. Ground clearance is generally good.
The best thing I like about the XJ is the engine. Like I said mine is
not new, but the motor seems to be bullet proof. It will still rev to
8,000+ rpm if I want to - although the motor has so much grunt
available that I scarcely need to use the top half of the rev range.
Changing up at about 3,000rpm is a pretty smooth shift.
Tyres aren't too much of a problem. I had Michelins on it before but I
scalloped them a bit too much. Now I'm running the Metzler ME33/ME55
and there's still plenty of grip, despite the narrow tyres (100/90 and
120/90).
Looks are pretty ageless. I removed the little lower fairing and I
think it looks better without it. Yes, it's an old design, but it
doesn't look like a wank-bike. Even if I do decide to buy a new bike,
the XJ is going to remain in the garage. Ask anyone who has owned one,
or who still has one, and they will tell you what a great bike they
are.
Hope this helps, and if you want any more one-eyed and completely
biased info about the XJ, don't hesitate to e-mail me.
Some info and pics of it are on-line at
http://www.fukngruvn.org/kg5/bike1.html
Cheers,
Eric
.
Ne Cede Malis
=============================================
Eric J Berry JP
Justice of the Peace, Firefighter,
and Motorcycle Rider (Yamaha XJ900 - WyleE)
=============================================
http://www.fukngruvn.org/kg5/
remove extremely to e-mail
hopki...@xtra.co.nz
>I'm thinking about getting a Yamaha XJ900, probably a 1983 or 1984
>It will be used for daily commuting and some longer trips, sometimes
>--Tim Bell - bh...@cs.mu.oz.au - Dept of Comp Sci & SE - Uni of Melbourne, Aust.
Tim my son has raced motorcycles and had a lot of different bikes and
so have I anyhow he talked me into getting a 1982 XJ650 he has a 1984
XJ900 and I hav,nt regretted it.
They are one of the most under rated bikes around well balanced very
strongly built and bullet proof, most of my recent bikes have been
sport bikes like GSXR 750, CB honda 750, VFR 400 R etc and went well.
With the XJ it can scratch tour or just plain old commute and does
every thing well it handles gravel roads better than my sport bikes
ever could so if you want a good allrounder go for a XJ.
Just one word of advice and this applies to any bike shop around and
get a good one its worth the extra effort to make sure that its in
good condition and my one had 67000km on the clock and the compression
checks came up within spec every thing else looked good and it goes
great. So find a good one and have fun......
Regards Barry XJ650 .......
Ross Slade
Duncan E Farrow wrote:
>
> can also expect a few things to be wearing out. Mine has a notch in the
> steering so that it clicks as you go through straight ahead. Fairly
For what it's worth, rather that just replacing the steering head bearings
you'll most likely find a tapered roller bearing kit for an RZ will fit right
in and make a big difference (double check first though...).
Yamaha are pretty good that way (i.e. using 'standard' size parts), the above
kit fitted my XJ Turbo, an FZR1000 front disk bolts straight onto a RD250 hub,
said hub bolts into an SRX600 with only minor spacer changes etc.
-Ross
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