Sprockets: '82 XJ650 turbo? Uhhh...: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Aug. 21, 2008 2:54 p.m. SlickDizzy SuperDork

As noted previously, I'm growing on my CL350 and would like to upgrade to something with disc brakes and a little more power. Came across this today.

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/804529049.html

Pretty ridiculous bike...uber-80's fairings? Turbo? I'm tempted to offer the guy $600 and see if he balks. However, I can't help but wonder if something like this would be a bit too much bike or a bit challenging of a project. Opinions? Parts seem to be reasonably available for them and it would be a very different bike.
Aug. 21, 2008 3:11 p.m. stroker New Reader

My brother was working at a Yamaha dealership when they first came out. The tech bulletin was that the turbo was NOT TO BE TOUCHED by any mechanic and sent directly back to the factory for replacement. Given it's 20 years later you'd better pray the turbo doesn't crap out (or the seals don't need to be replaced, etc.).

They didn't sell because they only offered greater complexity and no improvement on performance of the contemporary big bikes. I don't see them commanding big prices as collectibles, either. I'd pass on it if I were you.
Aug. 21, 2008 3:43 p.m. grtechguy SuperDork

hmmm....my neighboy has an XJ650. but his is a cruiser style. but does have 2 spare engines.

very interesting to know they can be turbo'd
Aug. 21, 2008 3:47 p.m. CrackMonkey Reader

In my mind, the turbo bikes are kind of like RX-7s. Fun for those crazy enough to enjoy them. But most sane people would be better served by a more mainstream project.
Aug. 21, 2008 4:03 p.m. 16vCorey Dork

I'd rock the E36 M3 out of it. Paint it dark blue, put the Cobra logo on it as well as the "Caution: Hot Exhaust" and other types of decals that were on all the old toys. Bad ass.
Aug. 21, 2008 4:40 p.m. Xceler8x Reader

I can't remember the particulars on that size and design 4 cyl from yamaha. But keep this in mind..off boost that thing is going to run like a low compression 650 from 1982. I'd also hate to see what it would be like to ride a peaky turbo motor when you're in a turn and get on the throttle to come out. Peaky and controllable often aren't used in the same sentence for good reason.

I'd look for a well used Honda Nighthawk 750. Great bike and with decent power to get you away from the CL 350. Course, just about anything now has more power than an older CL350. Kawasaki Ninja Ex500?
Aug. 21, 2008 6:26 p.m. stuart in mn Dork

Classic Motorsports magazine recently featured that bike in an article: http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/Motorcyle-Reviews/July-August-2008/Turbo-Wars-Ka... Any of the factory turbo bikes from the early-mid 1980s are pretty collectible these days. Since they were rare even when new, parts may not be easy to find.
Aug. 21, 2008 7:24 p.m. Josh Reader

This seems like the sort of bike that would be REALLY cool to have kicking around the garage as a restoration project, just for the sheer ridiculousness of it. But I doubt I'd actually want to ride it when I got done with it. At least after it scared the crap out of me coming on boost mid-corner a couple times.

The more I ride my 650 Nighthawk the more respect I have for just how good a bike it is. More power than I know what to do with, easy to handle, way overbuilt. I'd imagine a later 750 would be even better, except for the chain. And a Nighthawk 700, with more power/sportier handling than mine, still shaft drive, and that quintessential '80s chamfered angular styling and great color schemes would really kick ass.
Aug. 21, 2008 7:25 p.m. ManofFewWords New Reader

That bike is cool
Aug. 22, 2008 8:33 a.m. stroker New Reader

stuart in mn wrote:

Classic Motorsports magazine recently featured that bike in an article: http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/Motorcyle-Reviews/July-August-2008/Turbo-Wars-Ka... Any of the factory turbo bikes from the early-mid 1980s are pretty collectible these days. Since they were rare even when new, parts may not be easy to find.

"collectible" and "valuable" are not necessarily the same thing. There was a pristine Suzuki turbo for sale in IA recently and they were practically giving it away.
Aug. 22, 2008 12:17 p.m. stuart in mn Dork

stroker wrote:

stuart in mn wrote:

Classic Motorsports magazine recently featured that bike in an article: http://www.motorcycleclassics.com/Motorcyle-Reviews/July-August-2008/Turbo-Wars-Ka... Any of the factory turbo bikes from the early-mid 1980s are pretty collectible these days. Since they were rare even when new, parts may not be easy to find.

"collectible" and "valuable" are not necessarily the same thing. There was a pristine Suzuki turbo for sale in IA recently and they were practically giving it away.

I never said they were...that's the great thing about bikes of that era, they don't cost that much. I have ten motorcycles, almost all Suzukis from the 1970s and early 1980s; people always ask me when I'm going to buy a new Harley; I tell them that if I added up the purchase price every bike I own it still woudn't add up to the cost of the Harley.

Wish I would have known about that Suzuki in Iowa, that's one bike I'd like to add to the collection.
Aug. 22, 2008 7:25 p.m. Lugnut Reader

My first bike was that one's exact twin. For all I know, that one could actually BE my old one!

I loved it. Off-boost it was tame and docile like any sport-toury 650 should be, but about 4500rpm and WHACK! The boost came on like being hit the face with a brick. It was wicked.

You have to have to HAVE TO remember to shut the fuel petcock just before you switch off the engine or it will leak fuel and some seal underneath the carb that holds the boost in gets all cracked and that's no fun. I had to replace that sucker twice.

Between that bike and my old Biturbo, I have learned that carbs + turbochargers != good idea.

But still it was soooo much fun.

And, yeah, wow, same color, striping and everything. Stored for 22 years, though. Probably not mine. :) Anyway, for $800, go for it! If you pass, let me know. For $800, maybe I'll go for it myself!
Aug. 23, 2008 12:57 p.m. integraguy Reader

Yamaha built 2 or 3 models called XJ650: This Turbo, a similar bike WITHOUT the turbo, and I guess the cruiser (called the 650 Maxim) was an XJ, too. I owned a non-turbo XJ650, a very good bike for long distance (or even short) riding.

You do find these Turbos, occasionally, though for some reason the non-turbo almost never, on E-Bay....and in better condition. Almost always they are listed as having low mileage but are ALWAYS in better condition than this one, and that is reflected in the price. I agree with those who point out rare does NOT always equal valuable and if you really want a bike in this price range, there must be better candidates. Want something different and fast? Then MAYBE, buy this, but it will take time and money to get roadworthy.