Help/advice needed reg XJ600S camchain

[howdamnhard]

Going to pick up bike from Hamilton tomorrow.On trademe seller said no upcoming work reqd.After speaking to him on phone said I would check out bike and take for test ride before parting with cash.He mentioned it had a slight rattle when cold which went away as it warmed up,possibly the camchain.Also said people said it could go on indefinitely before needing sorting.Looked at manual(ta T.W.R.) and it has a automatic camchain tensioner which means either the camchain is worn to it's limit or the tensioner is sticking.Spoke to bike mechanic ,he said expensive to replace.Starting to worry,anybody got an XJ600 who could give me advice what to do? I like the bike but haven't got extra cashfor costly repairs.:(

[Ixion]

PM Mr Frosty he's somewhat of a guru on those XJ things. My impression is that they're not merely bullet proof but 15 inch shell proof and even tactical nuclear bomb proof. But I guess everything wears out sooner or later.

EDIT: Oh, and obligatory pointing out that PROPER bikes don't have all those silly cams and camchains and valves and other unnecessary complications.

[FJRider]

Most of the cam tensioners on bikes do rattle when cold (all the oil is at the bottom of the motor) and panic shouldn't set in yet. Take the BIKE to a mechanic when you get it. Find a workshop manual for your model, and with a little (online) advice, do it yourself. On the test ride, visit the bike mechanic. (warn him you are coming...)

[howdamnhard]

PM Mr Frosty he's somewhat of a guru on those XJ things. My impression is that they're not merely bullet proof but 15 inch shell proof and even tactical nuclear bomb proof. But I guess everything wears out sooner or later.

EDIT: Oh, and obligatory pointing out that PROPER bikes don't have all those silly cams and camchains and valves and other unnecessary complications.
Thanks I'll PM Frosty

[howdamnhard]

Most of the cam tensioners on bikes do rattle when cold (all the oil is at the bottom of the motor) and panic shouldn't set in yet. Take the BIKE to a mechanic when you get it. Find a workshop manual for your model, and with a little (online) advice, do it yourself. On the test ride, visit the bike mechanic. (warn him you are coming...)

It's going to be kinda hard to find a bike mechanic in an unknown town (Hamilton) on a Sunday afternoon.

[FJRider]

If the rattle is still bad... or has not improved, after 15 minutes of riding, walk away.

[howdamnhard]

If the rattle is still bad... or has not improved, after 15 minutes of riding, walk away.
Thanks for the advice FJ:2thumbsup

[howdamnhard]

Can't get hold of FROSTY for some reason:crybaby:,any other XJ owners out their with anymore info on what to look for,Cheers.

[FROSTY]

message sent to your e mail.
call me to discuss --8375005

[Kickaha]

Have a look here
http://xjbikes.com/

If you do a search there are quite a few threads on cam chain adjustment and replacement

How many Km has the bike done?

The XJ motors are pretty bulletproof and do high km if they are maintained properly

[howdamnhard]

Hi guys ,thanks for all the help.Well today was one big waste of time.After dragging the poor wife and kids down to Hamilton with the intention of riding back I discovered upon inspection said bike in " excellent condition for age,requiring no fixing or repair ,having no leaks" :The camchain was niosey even when engine hot,the engine leaks oil,the rear brake disc and pads are munted,the front disc not far behind.The left front fork seal starting to leak.The front cooling fins snapped off from drops on both sides,the fairing cracked and the list go on.I suggested seller should not be so economical with the truth and take better photos .
Dreams of riding off in the sunset up in smoke and a beautiful day wasted/ruined for all.Damn stuck with the GN for a bit longer.
Lessons learned,as with any vehical must inspect and test ride first.People can't be trusted and if it sounds to good to be true then it probably is'nt.

[FJRider]

Hi guys ,thanks for all the help.Well today was one big waste of time.After dragging the poor wife and kids down to Hamilton with the intention of riding back I discovered upon inspection said bike in " excellent condition for age,requiring no fixing or repair ,having no leaks" :The camchain was niosey even when engine hot,the engine leaks oil,the rear brake disc and pads are munted,the front disc not far behind.The left front fork seal starting to leak.The front cooling fins snapped off from drops on both sides,the fairing cracked and the list go on.I suggested seller should not be so economical with the truth and take better photos .
Dreams of riding off in the sunset up in smoke and a beautiful day wasted/ruined for all.Damn stuck with the GN for a bit longer.
Lessons learned,as with any vehical must inspect and test ride first.People can't be trusted and if it sounds to good to be true then it probably is'nt.

The day wasn't wasted,time with family is never wasted...next (???) time find someone on this site to have a look at it FIRST.
Welcome to the real world... look after the GN and it will look after YOU...

[howdamnhard]

The day wasn't wasted,time with family is never wasted...next (???) time find someone on this site to have a look at it FIRST.
Welcome to the real world... look after the GN and it will look after YOU...

True ,true.Lesson learned.