CraigDayna

Without a lot of trial and error this isn't straight forward. Easiest route is to put slightly fatter rubber on (20mm max) and of not such a low profile tyre if possible. However this probably will affect your handling and you need to measure the distance between your existing tyre and chain to make sure there's room for something bigger. 130/70-18 is standard I think so a 140/70 could work and a 150/70 might. Ask a tyre fitter if in doubt. Do be aware that your rims weren't designed to take these larger sizes though so you may get problems. If you do this you need to tell your insurance so you don't get caught out. Good luck.

Hi Pete, Could be fine rust from the tank that is slowing the fuel supply to the carbs at top end. I got a similar issue. Try swilling the tank out which can help. Next step is a carb strip. Let me know how you get on. Craig

Thanks for that Mr Old Git. :0) I think I'll get the dyno centre to do the balance and check. Will be cheaper than buying a set for myself I think. I just didn't want to start fiddling with cam shims and all that malarky. The bike has a Micron 4:1 which looks like it's off a different bike as the brackets are a bodge. It doesn't leak and sounds nice, but could that have messed with carburation if it's not matched to the right engine? Am I right? Cheers, Craig

Hi Guys, Now that I've got a bit more used to newly aquired XJ600 after my 20 years retirement, I've been giving her a bit more jip round the windy bends. I've noticed I get a tingly vibe around the 5-6000k mark and the performance drops off if I go much higher. In real terms it's not a drag 'cos that still gives me a healthy 80-90mph on the straight and plenty to of pulling power under this to play with. But there's no real power-band as such. (Yes, I know it's an XJ, they weren't built with one. Old joke still very funny). I'm reluctant to set about a carb strip and valve check while the weather is so good, but if I take it to a rolling road dyno centre will it give me an indication as to which of these two problems it could be? I'll set about the work on a rainy weekend. Cheers for any help. (PS Also a tricky starter sometimes) Craig

Hi Steve, Welcome to the 'Old XJ Club!' Yeah those old alloy bits are a dog. I've tried everything from chrome cleaner, wet n dry to toothpaste. I think I might get mine chromed as the foot peg hangers and grab rail just shout out for it. Clutch has just started slipping a bit, I think screaming from the lights like a loon has reached payback time. Craig

Great Thanks! I'll be there, just look for the old XJ600 that doesn't have a fairing - Grey and White. All hope and no substance! Craig

Last year I bumped into a couple of bike events at pubs around North Gloucestershire - Tewkesbury, Cleeve etc by chance. They were really good with an excellent turnout. Are the dates for these published anywhere? I'd rather ride the bike to them but don't know who promotes them? Any help? Craig

Hi Steve, Shouldn't have any real problems. I bought my dog-eared one off ebay and it wasn't long before it was back on the road. At 20k your engine should be cool as a cucumber and there doesn't seem to be much else I've heard wearing out bar the usual fork seals etc. Mines done 55k and still sounds sweet. The tank can leak along the bottom edge if its showing signs of any rust inside, I got a mint replacement off ebay for £25. Coils sometimes give up, but it's an easy fix. I took the fairing off mine to give it a naked front end courtesy of an RD350 headlight swap. Looks well but you pay for it at high speed with more buffeting. I'd like the option to adjust the bars myself, being lanky as the course adjustment only gives two options at best and I can't crouch much. Handling's good, mpg's good and generally its a bit of a good hoot. Seat feels a bit high by today's road bike standards and the skinny 18" tyres do that twitchy thing on white lines at speed. You'll have a laugh. It feels a bit 'late 80s' but it's a good all rounder and still cuts the mustard at the lights. Have fun. Craig

Hi Joshman, I'm no techie but I had a similar problem on my XJ. If there's no sign of a bang it could be coils or the wiring to them. They're open to a lot of winter crap under there. Work back from the plugs (keeping your battery charged up). Pull connectors apart and reconnect them once or twice as a start then check the coils with a multimeter. The electronic stuff is quite robust I'm told so you shouldn't panic on that count. Hope this helps. Craig

My XJ600 is blasting around the Cotswolds very nicely so I thought I'd give Tim at Motorvation in Leckhampton (near Cheltenham) a big thank you for his help. The bike was a bit of a basket when I brought it to him over Christmas and he got everything spinning nicely for a very reasonable price - and he didn't laugh at it once! If you're in the area you wont go wrong here. His business park is half way up Leckhampton Hill on the right. Check him out, nice chap, great workshop. Off for a blast about. Cheers! CRG.

Well done Foamy, Great lil' bike. Mine's spinning round the Cotswoldds now (thanks for the battery info Drewpy). I took the front fairing off to get some bugs in me teeth, I laugh as I zoom about. Need some better rubber on it as it skitters on these delightful roads at the mo. Reminds me of my RD200 handling when I was a teenager, hold on tight!

Thanks, I'll try that. Bit of a bugger isn't it. Cheers for the pic. I'd upload a pic but it doesn't seem to work for some reason??? Craig

I have the pre Div XJ600. The bars are uncomfortable for my lanky frame but they are the 'clip-on' type that bolt through the top yoke with little adjustment. Is there an after market 'riser' or 'adapter' available so I can fit Renthal bars instead? I've junked the fairing and given the bike a naked front end which would allow me to fit whatever. Anyone help? Craig

Good luck. Can sympathise with this. I often start with good intentions of doing things carefully then end up with a club hammer and a foul temper. looking forward to the final result. C.

Cheers drewpy, I'll give that a go. Tried some new plugs today and the spark seems a bit happier but the battery does loose charge quickly. Just seen a kink in the fuel pipe that will probably be starving it. getting there! Thanks for your help.