I got a new old bike!

Hi guys. I think I got pretty lucky and scored a like new XR650R! For various reasons I can only imagine this bike only got 250 or so miles put on by the previous owners. I ended up with my big XR because WA state allows dirt bikes to be plated. I did this to my CRF250X and it changed my whole outlook on dirt bike riding for the better! But I soon learned that my 250x was less then ideal as an ADV type or exploration bike. So I picked up an 87 XL600R. Fun bike but seriously lacking off road. Then the head dropped a valve seat and I found out it can be hard to find parts for the old XL. So I started looking at other Honda's to replace my old XL. I looked at lots of XRL models since the electric start would not suck. But the weight, lack of off road performance and the fact that it was just a slightly updated version of my air cooled XL engine had me worried. So I started looking at 650R's. I'm a lil guy at 145-150lbs and wondered if I could even start a 650R, but a little research and a few watched you tube vids had me convinced it was possible, and actually much easier to start then my XL! so I started looking for a 650R. What I found out is that the big XR's are WAY more valuable then I could afford in my area. A quick search on Craigslist shows they go for 4-5000$+ for a nice one! So I gave up on that and got a head for my XL. It turned out to be cracked too and my machinist took so long to get to it I could not return it. Then I tried to get the old one fixed but it was not possible so I keep checking Craigslist for something I would enjoy but I am a die hard Honda guy since 1974! I considered a 450x but I own a 450r and didn't think an x would really like extended hi speed running much either. I have hundreds of miles of gravel roads and single track behind my house I want to explore. Then it happened! After 4 months of looking I find it. The perfect 650R for me! The add says the first owner put 80 miles on it and parked it for 16 years. Then the next owner put on about 170 it said. As well as fully uncorking the bike, he put on a new FMF exhaust system, new tires, Renthal twin wall bars, hand guards, Baja designs dual sport kit, and a big 4.6 Gallon IMS tank plus a full graphics set I am not super fond of. But the very best part is he wanted to trade it for a Honda 450r!!! Mine was a 2004 and very nice but 450s around here go for much less so I figured it was too good to be true but I jumped in the truck and drove 3 hours to another state to check it out. He really liked my 450 so I came home with my new pig!! And she's a beauty!! Besides the test ride I have been on small ride in my backyard then took it apart and started checking everything out. And doing lots of reading here! I have a bunch of stuff to learn and do. I may be a asking a bunch of questions soon.

Welcome...sounds like a good bike pop some pictures up and let us see her

Sounds like you scored a good one.

Used but parked for 16 years, no, wait, SIXTEEN YEARS ? ? ?
Congrats bru, this IS an awesome bike.... but I'd take it apart to the last bits except for the engine, forks included!
Definitely the swingarm out, indeed also the chain-adjuster bolts, headstock, and as said the forks must come apart - because google "whale snot", it is what you'll find inside, perhaps rust (yes, rust!) also.
Regarding the engine I'd drain all oil, renew, start (after disassembling, cleaning & reassembling the carb, airfilter ditto) it, ride around the block and drain again, to put new, and synthetic, oil in - which you'll keep for 2000Km max, you knew?

Doing all this will give you a nigh-on new bike.... you lucky, lucky git!
Enjoy

Thanks guys, BuRP, that kind of info is why I joined here! Thank you. I usually go over a used bike pretty good before I feel I can trust it. But there are always issues with each model one needs to be aware of like the things you mentioned. I read that I need an updated clutch bushing too if it has not been done yet. How can I tell? And I did read about the chain adjusters but what other issues does the swingarm have? And any other info you may have for a new 650R owner I would really appreciate! Here are some pics of my new ride.

Right foot peg bolt needs upgrading to high tensile
Make sure swinging arm pivot bolt turns...if yes pop it out and grease it up.
Clutch bush needs to be latest design it has extra oil holes.
Chain adjusters seize...I replaced mine with stainless steel.
Headstock bearings might need a re-grease...?
Your chain looks a budget version !!!! get a decent chain D.I.D ZVM-X best you can buy....if chain breaks your casing will bust and very hard to get over here in UK.
And other stuff mentioned by the guys above of course

Ataboy Mauser,

Allow me to add:
- use water-resistant/waterproof grease (normal grease is NOT)
- use Coppaslip/Copper-compound/whatevathelocalnameis (anti seize compound containing copper) for the chain adjusters ( a LOT! ) as well as everywhere a connection between steel & aluminium is (like your HT-coil for instance, just a thin smear) or on the back of your brake-pads (don't spill here, part of the compound is oil!)
- whilst you got the stanchions apart (or have this done?) best is to spring it for your use, like tank-size, your weight (fatso? ), luggage, trips, terrain etc - for reason this will make a MAJOR difference!
- you may want to consider doing ditto for the shock, dunno your funds
- re-read mauser's "clutch bushing" - DO this! The 'right' bush has oil pockets in it, the wrong one has a smooth bore
- the seal behind the CS has been undated too.... you may want to renew it to save you potential hassles
- do NOT install/use/consider a 'universal' harness (like the US-brand I now cannot remember the name of) - as these are shit, WILL look ugly and WILL give you problems - make (or have it made) your own if you need to change at all
- read wherever you can, this forum a good start: lotsa info available
- sure your bike is fully de-corked? Intake-plugs removed, jets changed, intake-manifild (the rubber) replaced, exhaust opened up (or changed)..... because if not then you'll be disappointed with this cracker-of-a-bike!
- change the radcap to a higher-pressure one, and do change (asnd renew regularly) the coolant - coolant yeah, not fricking water, and using the Toyota Coolant (reddish) is good as well as cheap-enough
- you may want to buy XRsOnly (google!) 's thermostat which opens a fraction sooner (cooler) so as to give you piece of mind regarding cooling of this bike. I am of the opinion that this bike is potentially cooling-compromised, it needs to move to cool.... and during struggling somewhere it runs hot very quick, know it
- do NOT powdercoat anything: it will crack (due to flexing) and it insulates / prevents heat shedding of the engine

That's enough homework for you for now, I may add later what I forget now

(Edited laters) do NOT, like in NEVER, use a cliplink in your chain - for NOTHING you own, lawnmower included! Swage the link (get the DID chaintool), there IS no better!

The bad news is, Mike, that I hate you..... that's an awesome bike, new!
You lucky git you!

Hey Mike -

That scooter looks pretty clean - I'm jealous!
Good luck with it.

Eric

Thank you so much guys! This is fantastic! Learning so much here. I made a list, actually 2. One for stuff to buy and one for stuff to do! And I will do everything you guys mentioned. I'm working hard and am getting closer to going for a ride. Yesterday I got the carb sorted out. Somebody had this thing so far out of whack I can't believe it ran at all. It flat refused to start hot. I went from a 120 main to a 170, removed the choke springy flap thingy, plugged the ACJV passage with a piece of round gasket material in place of the o ring, reset the float level, moved the needle clip and tuned the low speed screw. It ran and started so much better.  It was like a whole different bike!  I ordered a 68s pilot and the B53E needle which should help. I have a 65s pilot now. The chain is an RK KZO it says. Good or bad? The PO did say the countershaft seal has been changed, I hope the shop that did the work updated the clutch bushing too but I will open it up and check to be sure. I changed the oil and adjusted the valves. Today I plan to sort out the dual sport wiring. Baja designs kit. Pretty good install by the last guy but can be improved. I don't like that I can't turn off the headlight/taillight without killing the bike. I would like a separate switch that can turn off my lights on the trail to save batteries. Untill I rewind my stator. I am sure I will have a few questions when I get to that point. I want big bright lights for night riding. At that time I will be updating the wiring harness too and that should bring up more questions I bet. Suspension is on the list too for sure. I don't plan to powder coat any parts but you may see lots of bits get anodized red! That's one of my many hobbies! Thanks again for the info! Keep it coming!

I knew I forgot something:

Adjusting valves: take LH (stator) cover off, plug out, valvecovers off, and ONLY rotate the cranck forward (anti-clockwise I think that is)! This engine has an auto-decomp system that WILL kick in the second a less-than-a-second angle is rotated back.... it will start lifting an exhaust valve! So, exclusively forward turning, and if you 'miss' the point then just continue, never-ever turn back!
This many have done wrong, best not to repeat