Just got my first bike this week a 1983 XJ750 Midnight Maxim. The bike run very well and strong but needs some work in the cosmetics department. I am already going to get a new Classic chrome 4 into 1 chrome muffler for $314 or I may opt for the black for $259 from http://www.motorcyclemart.com/model/yamaha/yamaha750xj.htm and get rid of the rusted Exhausts that is on the bike right now. But now to the real question at hand, paint. How much would it cost to have someone paint this bike? And where should I look? I live in the Philadelphia area if that is any help?
http://www.motorcyclemart.com/model/yamaha/yamaha750xj.htm

As a benchmark I paid $340 Cdn to do the tank (which had some dents) and two side panels on my 83 XJ650 Maxim. This included expensive paint at $58 a pint, in a base coat/clear coat system.
Getting the paint job totally transformed the bike; I love it. Not an original colour, but suits me.
Jim

Thanks Jim, 340 does not seen to bad at all. I'll have to find a someone to paint it this up coming winter.

Do it yourself and save a bunch of money. All the tin is easy to remove. I did mine for less than 50 bucks and that included a cheapo $12 buffer from wallyworld.

I just repainted my tank, too. Looks great, but it probably cost more like $100 in supplies (exclusive of the airbrush kit) and took forever. If you don't have a few days to dedicate to it, a dust-free work place, and a very steady hand, hiring someone to paint your tank is definitely the way to go.

From what I've seen, $350 is a good price for a professional looking job. You can spend a lot more, especially if you want graphics, a serious mirror shine, or some other special treatment. You have a Midnight, which is swanky, so you might want to put some dollars into a repaint.

If you go pro, spend some time shopping around for the right place/person. Visit shops and get up close and personal with their work. And, whatever it costs, make sure you get a warranty.

this paint job cost around 150 dollars in supplys,did it myself.

Paint jobs are done many ways. I would talk to a hot rod car club and NOT a motorcycle shop about who can and will paint your tank and skins. I paid $214.68 for my tank plus an additional 15 for the side covers. My buddy who is president of a local car club lead me to a painter who would paint it for himself, i.e. cash in hand. I paid him $150 to prep and paint the black basecoat then I let an airbrush artist at the mall do the lightning. Then I took it back to the painter for clearcoat. My local bikeshop told me the paint scheme I had would cost about $900.00 I gave up on the idea until I met the airbrush artist at the mall who did t-shirts for my daughter's cheerleading squad. Here is how it came out.

http://www.slygrin.net/xjpics/html/jeffrey_covington.html

Thanks for the replies. Your bikes look real sharp. Here what I think i am going to do. I saw a used 1981 maxim gas tank for $45 bucks on the internet that i am going to buy. then take it to a few different paint shops in the philly area and see if any can do the paint job for 350 or less.

Here the link for the gas tank http://www.vtcycle.com/yam/1981_xj750_gas.php