Welcome to Chez`s first Yamaha XJ900F Page

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Picture of Chez`s second XJ900

This is the first of my two Yamaha XJ900F`s,
which I bought in 1991.


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new paragraphSome details about this bike...new paragraph
new paragraphI have two Yamaha XJ900F motorcycles, this one and anewer (1994 vintage) XJ900F.This XJ, is blue and white coloured and is now just over 8.5 years old. This one has managed to survive me for 73000 miles!

new paragraphMost of those miles have been fairly untroubled, except for minor problems with the brake callipers and disks. The problem was that the callipers would get dirty (mainly due to the bad weather here in the Uk) and as the brake operates, the hydraulic piston becomes clogged and doesnt return properly. This holds the brake pads onto the discs and overheats them, and in my case, causing the discs to crack >:*(
Ive had both of the front discs crack at different times, but both were exchanged free of charge by Yamaha. Well done Yamaha >:*)
That was a few years ago, and I`ve since devised a way of servicing the callipers which meant that the pistons didnt suffer from atmospheric attack like they used to. I havent experienced any problems since anyway!

new paragraphElectrically, I have also replaced a faulty ignition unit, (this time under the warranty), and also had to replace the rectifier unit due to general wear and tear. Because it is sited under one of the side panels, it is prone to getting dirty and wet from splashes from the rear wheel, which in turn corroded one of the connections. >:*(
Also, now the bike is getting older (and after being used in all weathers) Ive found some of the connections corroding on various parts of the wiring loom, especially behind the headlamp lens.

new paragraphOne thing I have learnt about the XJ, is that the front suspension on this model is too bouncy and so I have upgraded the fork springs for touring strength springs. This model of the XJ wasnt fitted with an anti-dive mechanism, (like earlier models), and it tends to nose dive under normal braking >:*(

new paragraphLike the newer XJ900F, I have fitted engine crash bars, Fiamm snail horns (very loud!), extra spot lights, Givi pannier luggage brackets and an alarm.
Usual wear and tear items I`ve had to replace are of course tyres (I tend to use Avon Super Venoms when I can get them), and also fitted my second Jama 4:2 exhaust. The first Jama at least lasted longer than the original Yamaha fitted one!

new paragraphOther little problems I have also found are with rear wheel bearings and front fork seals, and in 1997, I had to replace the two fork stantions due to wear at 53500 miles.
During May 1998, I also had to replace the fuel tank as it had sprung yet another leak, but was lucky enough to find a second hand replacement rather than buying a new tank. It is really difficult finding second hand parts but I think its all due to the fact that these bikes rarely break down and so none have ever been scrapped!

new paragraphI understand the the problems Ive encountered are common faults, but they should not put you off getting an XJ900F. They are really good bikes and more importantly, really cheap to run and maintain.
Heres an example :- many years ago, before my XJ`s I used to own one of the first CBR600`s by Honda and wasnt really all it was made out to be. It was very expensive to run and (apart from the usual tyres), chains too were often replaced and I guess Id spent around £200Uk over the three years on chains and sprockets alone. All that for only 22000 miles.
Now, take my old XJ which is shaft driven. Its done 73000 miles and Ive only spent around £120Uk for looking after the shaft drive. Doesnt sound to bad does it? But thats not the whole story, because of the rear wheel bearings playing up, they also had an effect on the main shaft bearing which needed replacing at a cost of £80Uk. So that leaves just £40Uk for looking after the shaft for 8 years use. Much more economical. >:*)

new paragraphThe newer XJ900, is now 5.5 years old, but only been used for around 3800 miles! Originally, I didnt like the look of Yamaha`s newer version of the XJ, the Diversion, so I managed to get hold of another XJ900F model. At least Ive got lots of spares now!!!
Having said that, my brother Philip eventually bought the Diversion 900, and to be honest, it wasnt half as bad as I expected :)

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This version of the site was created during December 1998 and last updated on 1 January 2000.
© 1996-2000 Chez / Bad Arsed Biker Productions.
Paul@chez.demon.co.uk