Looking for XJ900 F parts? Buy XJ 900 spares on Amazon…
Yamaha XJ900F specs…..
The Yamaha
The original XJ900, released in 1983 with the 31A model code, had a small fairing mounted to the handle bars which affected the bikes handling and caused a ‘weave’ at higher speeds. After this, Yamaha fitted, to the XJ900F, a larger frame mounted fairing and a few other modifications which improved the handling.
Due to the ease of servicing and maintenance, as well as the shaft drive, the XJ900 F proved a reliable and popular bike for Yamaha and the XJ900 was produced till 1994 when it was replaced by the XJ900S Diversion.
Side view of a 1994 (‘L’ reg) Yamaha XJ900 F
A little bit about the Yamaha XJ 900 (pre diversion)…..
Basic model info… |
|
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Yamaha |
| Model: | XJ900F |
| CC: | 891cc |
| Engine type: | Inline 4 cylinder (4 stroke) |
| Years in production: | 1985 to 1994 |
| Style of bike: | Half faired sports tourer (later models had a belly pan as well as a top fairing) |
| Insurance: | Group 12 (of 17 – Estimated) – Need an insurance quote before you buy one? Try Confused.com |
| Preceded by: | XJ900 (31A) |
| Succeeded by: | XJ900S Diversion |
Rear view of a 1994 XJ900 F (4BB, pre diversion model)
Models and years (in the UK)
| XJ900F (Feb 1985 to Dec 1986)….. | |
| Model code: | 58L |
| Frame number started: | 58L–000101—- |
| Description: | Sports tourer with an 891cc air cooled 4 cylinder engine and a 5 speed gearbox. It had twin front and single rear disc brakes, twin rear shocks, 18 inch cast wheels, 4 into 2 chrome exhaust, half fairing with square headlamp, belly pan and alloy pillion grab rail. |
| Available colours: | Black and red or white and blue |
| Cost new: | |
| XJ900F (Jan 1987 to Dec 1990)….. | |
| Model code: | 58L |
| Frame number started: | 58L–020101—- |
| Description: | Same as above model but with slotted front disc brakes (instead of ventilated) and ‘Yamaha’ logo on the petrol tank. |
| Available colours: | Black or white |
| Cost new: | |
| XJ900F (Jan 1991 to Dec 1991)….. | |
| Model code: | 4BB1 |
| Frame number started: | 4BB1–000101—- |
| Description: | Same as above models with a few minor changes. |
| Available colours: | Black or white |
| Cost new: | £4899 |
| XJ900F (Jan 1992 to Dec 1994)….. | |
| Model code: | 4BB2 |
| Frame number started: | |
| Description: | Same as above models. |
| Available colours: | Blue and white or black and grey |
| Cost new: | £4899 for a ‘J’ reg £4724 for a 1992 ‘K’ reg £4869 for a 1993 ‘K’ reg £5099 for a 1993 ‘L’ reg £5629 for a 1994 ‘L’ or ‘M’ reg £5699 for a 1995 ‘M’ reg |
XJ900 891cc engine
Engine and gearbox stuff…..
| Displacement: | 891 cc |
| Engine type: | Inline 4 cylinder (4 stroke) |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Cylinder firing order: | 1 – 2 – 4 – 3 |
| Valves: | 8 valves (2 valves per cylinder) |
| Bore and stroke: | 68.5mm x 60.5mm |
| Compression: | 9.6:1 |
| Cam shaft configuration: | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Cooling system: | Air cooled |
| Clutch: | Wet multi plate clutch – EBC part no: CK2255 for the clutch and CSK017 for the springs (don’t forget a clutch tool to hold it! |
| Piston to bore clearance: | New: 0.03 to 0.05mm – Maximum: 0.1mm |
| Valve clearance (inlet): | 0.11 to 0.15mm (when cold) |
| Valve clearance (exhaust): | 0.16 to 0.2mm (when cold) |
| Gearbox: | 5 Speed, manual clutch (1st gear down, 2nd to 5th gear up. Neutral between 1st and 2nd gears) |
| Gearbox oil: | From engine (doesn’t need a separate gearbox oil) |
| Power: | 98 bhp |
| Torque: | 81 nm |
| Top speed (estimated): | 134 mph |
| Final drive: | Drive shaft |
XJ 900 F (4BB2) carbs
Carb, fuel and oil stuff…..
| Fuel system: | Carburetor |
| Carb type: | 4 x BS36 Mikuni carbs |
| Idle speed: | 1000 to 1100 rpm |
| Pilot screw opening: | 2.5 turns |
| Fuel type: | Unleaded petrol |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 22 litres |
| Miles per gallon (approx!!): | 44 mpg |
| Lubrication: | Wet sump |
| Engine oil type: | 10w40 Motorcycle oil |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.8 litres |
| Oil filter: | Hiflo HF144 / Filtrex OIF016 |
| Air filter: | Hiflo part no: HFA4901 |
XJ900F battery – YB14L-A2
Electric stuff…..
| Ignition type: | Electric CDI |
| Starter: | Electric start |
| Electrical system voltage: | 12 volts |
| Electrical system capacity: | 14 amps |
| Regulated voltage (with engine running): | 14.2 to 14.8 volts |
| Spark plug: | 4 x NGK BPR8ES |
| Spark plug gap: | 0.7 to 0.8mm |
| Spark plug torque: | 20nm |
| Spark plug ignition: | 2 x Coils |
| Battery: | YB14L-A2 / CB14L-A2
|
XJ900F Hagon rear shock absorbers (not standard ones!)
Shocks, brakes and wheels stuff…..
| Front wheel type: | 3 Spoke cast wheel |
| Front tyre size: | 100/90-18 (tubeless) |
| Front tyre pressure: | Solo: 32psi / With pillion: 36psi |
| Rear wheel type: | 3 Spoke cast wheel |
| Rear tyre size: | 120/90-18 (tubeless) |
| Rear tyre pressure: | Solo: 36psi / With pillion: 42psi |
| Front brake: | Dual disc brake with caliper |
| Front brake disc (Feb 1985 to Dec 1986): | Disc brake MD2069 (EBC) x 2 (1 for each side) |
| Front brake disc (Jan 1987 onwards): | Disc brake MD2011 (EBC) x 2 (1 for each side) |
| Front brake pad (all years): | EBC FA088 (x 2 sets) |
| Rear brake: | Single disc brake with caliper |
| Rear brake disc: | Disc brake MD2069 (EBC) |
| Rear brake pad: | EBC FA088 (x 1 set) |
| Front Suspension: | Standard (not upside down) telescopic forks |
| Stanchion diameter: | 37mm |
| Fork seal size: | 37x49x8 |
| Rear Suspension: | Twin shock absorbers |
XJ900 F front wheel with 100/90-18 tyre
Weights, measures ‘n stuff…..
| Length (wheelbase): | 1480mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2260mm |
| Seat height: | 780mm |
| Dry weight (no oils, fluids etc): | 218kg |
| Wet weight (with oils, fluids etc): | 244kg |
| Ground clearance: | 145mm |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 22 litres |
1994 Yamaha XJ900F clocks
Service stuff…..
Servicing your bike? You’ll need a XJ900 Workshop Manual
| Engine oil | |
| Engine oil change frequency: | Every 6000km (3728 miles) or 6 months |
| Engine oil type: | 10w40 Motorcycle oil |
| Engine oil capacity: | 2.8 litres |
| Oil filter: | Hiflo HF144 / Filtrex OIF016 |
| Drive shaft | |
| Check oil: | Every 6000km (3728 miles) |
| Change oil: | Every 24000km (14913 miles) or 24 months |
| Drive shaft oil: | 75w90 |
| Drive shaft oil (volume): | 0.2 litres |
| Hydraulic brake system (front and rear) | |
| Brake fluid check oil: | Every 6 months |
| Brake fluid change frequency: | Every 24000km (14913 miles) or 24 months |
| Brake fluid: | DOT 4 motorbike brake fluid |
| Fork oil | |
| Front fork oil check: | Check every 6000km (3728 miles) |
| Front fork oil change frequency: | Change every 12000km (7456 miles) or 12 months |
| Front fork oil capacity: | 276ml per fork |
| Front fork oil: | 5w (light weight) motorbike fork oil |
Torque settings….. |
|
|---|---|
| Cam cover: | 10nm |
| Camshaft sprocket: | 20nm |
| Clutch hub: | 70nm |
| Spark plugs: | 20nm |
| Rear wheel spindle torque: | 105nm |
| Rear wheel spindle clamp bolt torque: | 6nm |
| Front wheel spindle torque: | 78nm |
| Front wheel spindle clamp bolt torque: | 20nm |
Yamaha XJ900F engine oil (10w40)
Frame number location…..
The frame number is usually stamped onto the right side of the headstock (the front part of the frame just below the handle bars).
Yamaha XJ900F 4 into 2 chrome exhaust system
Useless stuff…..
Launched in the UK in 1985, the XJ900 F was an improved version of the previous XJ900 (31A model). The 1985 model had a decent frame mounted fairing, instead of the handlebar mounted fairing, an 891cc engine instead of the 853cc engine found in the previous model and 1mm bigger carbs (36mm instead of 35mm).
The XJ900F remained mostly unchanged during it’s 9 year production lifespan, although post 1987 models had better front brake discs and a few minor mods.
XJ900F front brake caliper
Buying advice…..
Firstly, if your thinking of buying one always HPI check it!
The XJ900F was a fairly good and solid bike and has a fairly loyal following. But, as the youngest of these beasties will be 24 years old now they can have a few problems.
One of the biggest problems the XJ900’s suffered from was rot on the fuel tanks, the tanks had areas where water used to gather which led to the tank rotting (these are almost impossible to source now, and if you do find a good one, it’s unlikely to be cheap!).
Also, the CDI’s are known to fail and again, good 2nd hand ones can be hard to come by.
Apart from the 2 bits above, there’s not many other problems, but due to age and the often higher mileage on these bikes (as they were good for touring), forks and exhausts may need work.
Thanks to 🙂
Rock Oil for the service info
Motorcycle Specs
XJ900 Owners Club (NL)
If you’ve got any questions or useful comments or suggestions please feel free to leave them below 🙂
Disclaimer: The information on this page is correct to the best of our knowledge. But the info should NOT be taken as 100% accurate as we can, occasionally make mistakes!
Very informative write ups from WhiteDogBikes.
Hi
Ive just found a xj900 pre diversion but it has a nasty rattle below 2000 rpm. Could be timing chain, or do they have known rattle problems. Have I made sense.
Regards
How many miles has the bike got on it and does it still make the noise with the clutch lever pulled in?
Could be cam chain or cam chain tensioner (or both) in need of replacing.
If anything it would be the primary Chain which the motor would have to be stripped down to fix it if you go to YouTube you should be able to find Mezzmo Engineering he has just fully restore an XJ650 pre-diversion, I hope this helps you, I’m in the middle of restoring an 85, XJ 900 F, and I’m doing a ground up resto.
I need a new 4-2 exhaust, and my bike is converted for sidecar use with small wheels, Earles front-fork and frame-reinforcements, so I can’t use the 4-in-1 I bought. Up to which year can I use the original 58L exhaust, as these are very hard to come by, but later is much easier. The Diversion won’t fit – engine is different, but can I use the EBB1 and EBB2 exhaust?
I think the exhaust is the same for the 1985 to 1990 models (can’t say for certain though!). Alternatively, could you get your exhaust modified to fit by a smaller metal working/fabrication shop?
I have made some investigation, and been incontact with Yamaha Nwetherlands (European importer) large Yamaha shops in the UK, Netherlands, France and Germany. Situation is that it is possible to find the original combo-box, aftermarket mufflers, seals, rings e.t.c.
The down-pipes are impossible to get as new, and very hard to find in usable condition as used. Marvin in Italy has a 4-1 system which fits any pre-Diversion model. I had the extreme luck to find four down-pipes in surprisingly good condition in Germany, the chrome has very little surface rust. I’ll use these for the summer, and when season ends late October they will be re-chromed together with the ones I scrapped. The replacement situation changed their status from “rusty” to “rechromeable”. Yamaha quality is good, after all they lasted 28 years.
I still haven’t figured out how they make a double-walled pipe, bent in all directions.
Update. I managed to find a stainless combo-box in Germany , which at a time was offered as a replacement for the original one. The company went bust – I think they only sold one to each customer 🙂 One set of downpipes were re-chromed by a company specializing in this, and it was not cheap. Now they look like new – ready for another 28 years of service. I bought new Marvin exhausts – 2 sets, and with the 4-in-1 on the shelf, the exhaust problem should be solved for many years to come. If I need to fit the 4-in-1 on the sidecar outfit, I will change the frame-reinforcement. The bike has now 200.000 km /160.000 miles) on the clock, and the engine has never been opened. Compression readings are as new, it uses 250cc oil pr 2000 kms, no leaking. Indestructible.
I also have a 1986 58LN in red/black in original solo-trim. This has developed a curious CDI box problem, but that is another story. I think it is the side-stand switch blocking it .- anybody knows anything about that?
hi all can someone please assist me with a wiring diagram for a xj900
Try here: http://www.classiccycles.org/media//DIR_1653304/DIR_1792956/7b4ebf4db60cffe5ffff81f1ffffe417.pdf
I have a 1983 xj900 with 40,000 miles on it. The bike runs really good for its age and mileage. I noticed the oil doesn’t seem to be pumping through the engine right. I can take off the oil fill plug and when I give it gas I should see oil going all over the parts, but I don’t. I took it to a shop and the guy said I’m crazy. I had other bikes and worked on plenty and when I take off the fill plug while running the oil would be going everywhere. Tell me what you think? Please and thank you.
You should check the pressure using a gauge, there is a bolt on side of crankcase that blanks off an oil way, refer to manual. Looking through the filler hole will just show the clutch hub throwing oil around, no indication of pressure
I’ve had my XJ900 28 yrs , on 2nd engine
I have a 1986 XJ900F (58L model) and am finding it hard to source a mounting rack for a Givi top box. Any ideas of where I can get one and the cheaper the better?
Cheers.
I just bought a 1992 XJ900
It came to me with a lot of spare parts.
One of the most useful information I’ve come across for a long time. Thanks. Mark
I noticed someone was looking a rack for a back box I have one, I will sell it, Iain
Does anyone know where I can get new cam chain tensioners for a 1989 xj900f