Beschreibung
Yamaha XJ650 sports tourer, 1989, Genuine UK spec bike PRE DIVERSION. One owner until last year, 17000 miles only.
Long MOT to October and a decent registration plate too.
If you wish for a photo album link please request it.
This machine is a lovely bike having evidently been cared for by the one owner until last year when he had to downsize due to advancing years. It came to me having had a short layup and doing only one mile since the last MOT, this due to the new owner finding the slightly sporting riding position uncomfortable on a long standing hand injury. He was clearly disappointed having spent time and money on things it needed.
It rides beautifully with a really smooth power delivery, as with any 30 year old machine you should be aware it should be looked after and maintained continuously but it has no obvious needs.
Mechanics:-
Decent Bridgestone Battlax tyres which handle well and a really quiet sounding engine. It starts, idles and performs very well. The clutch is smooth and the gearbox slick. It stops well and it has that feel of a low mile machine that has not had a hard life, not a clapped out 30 year old!
It does not smoke and the engine feels and sounds good with fresh and very clean oil.
The previous owner treated it to four new Carb intake rubbers (near £400!) along with a full clutch and new genuine indicators all round. I have checked it over and replaced the cush drive rubbers with a better set due to them being poor.
The only modification from standard is the Motad exhaust which is in good order.
Cosmetics:-
This machine is in its original colours and decals, the colour suiting it well and the metallic really pops in the sun. It is virtually unmarked and absolutely gleams. No damage, dents or marks of any note other than one crack on the very underside of the belly pan the previous owner had repaired with gaffer tape! I have done it strongly with grp and it barely shows, if it were flatted on the outside and refinished it would now be invisible.
The wheels look original and not damaged in any way and all lights etc are good too.
The black frame is sound but is original paint, it is not quite up to the rest of the bike although very smart. The silver mono shock swing arm is also lightly rusted in places but not rotted. I personally am not a fan of the powder coated frames because it is thick and loses definition and also when it chips it does not touch up well, so it would be easy to effect localised improved painting if desired.
The bike gleams well and causes a lot of interest.
The tank is clean inside.
The shiny bits are all good but not new, it shines and gleams but does on scrutiny have slight speckling here and there.
The engine is clean, tidy and with no leaks I have seen and the main side casings have no large scratches. The cooling fins too are in good order.
Summary:-
At the offered price I believe it is great value, the XJ600 in its original form (before the diversion) is a cracking sports tourer which had plenty of praise in the press. It also causes a lot more attention than many other machines of the same era because of its rarity and good looks. It offers a lot of bike for the money as compared to what needs spending on typical imported, not running restoration machines or scruffy multi owner bikes with high miles.
Revival motors is a part time business which deals in classic cars and motorcycles…………. turning a hobby into a part time vocation I actually enjoy. I am always happy to discuss my vehicles which often I have used and will always point out any known faults, issues or areas that could be improved.
