I've been lurking for a while now, getting some advice here and there. I've decided to finally introduce myself
I'm 20 and I currently live in Lisbon, Portugal. I'm going to give some backstory on my Yammy.
I got my A1 license (125cc for those outside the EU) in 2013 and got my first motorcycle in 2014: a cheap naked Sym XS125. Ran like shit, huge fun and had my fair share of accidents and falls. Currently restoring it so I can sell it on the cheap.
I got my A2 license 3 days after my 18th birthday, September 2016.
I've been interested in the XJ600 (naked mostly) ever since I tried a gorgeous red one a couple of years ago.
However, it's hard to find a 25kw on-paper XJ600 that I can ride with my A2 motorcycle license, especially in Portugal.
I purchased and rode a 97' Honda CB500 from December 2014 up until January 2016. Eventually it was totalled in a t-bone (which I left without a scratch from) and I decided I'd switch it up, and found an A2 legal XJ600.
I bought my current 1997 XJ600N (single disc up front) in April of this year with the insurance money.
Full 45kw/60hp, the 25kw is just on paper.
It has a metal chain protector, aftermarket rear shock, reduced foam seat and an aftermarket 4-2 slip-on, from a local portuguese company, which isn't sealing right on the collector, since there's no gasket nor clamp.
No pictures yet since I'm working on it.
Pros for me:
- Sounds great, especially with its 4-2 but it does need to be sealed.
- Predictable, smooth and handles twisty roads perfectly.
- Muscley naked four-banger which is something most 19-20 year olds dream of.
- Center-stand
.- Fuel economy is great when I ride it right.
Cons:
- Heavy. I weigh 55kg/121lbs and I'm 170cm/5'7 on a good day, whereas the bike weighs over 200kg/440lbs wet. I feel it when I'm in traffic and at low speeds. Can't push it backwards uphill at a 5º angle basically.
- Lackluster front brake.
- It was pretty well taken care of by the previous owner, but still has some issues:
- Already replaced the battery.
- Had to change pads (EBC HH), though I messed up the bleeding. Took it to the shop and had front piston/o-rings replaced.
- Front tire must have fist-sized hole. Loses 28psi in 2 days or less.
- Rear tire is a crap thai brand (Vee Rubber).
- Starter motor is most likely dying (solenoid clicks, need to rock it back and forth in gear sometimes to get it to turn).
- Rust here and there, AT LEAST 2 stuck allen bolts on my right rear pillion grab handle.
- Brake light not working. Most likely I let some penetrating spray touch the cable. Running light works fine.
I'm always short on cash and I'll have to spend 200€ on tires + swap, 40€ (at least) on the starter motor. I won't do brushes because getting just the grease and consumables shipped to me is probably half the motor's cost.
Also, blinker swap (with just cheap LED's and a relay hopefully) is going to cost a few more as well.
I hope to help and be helped by everyone in here.
Have a good one!