New rider checking out a XJ750, what should I look out for?

Saw this post just today, thought it would be a great chance to get into riding.

First question would actually be, would XJ750 be a good bike to start off on?

Second question is, I'm only 5'6" / 5'7" ish would this bike be too big?

Lastly, if I want to get it, what should I check when I go see the bike?

I greatly appreciate any suggestions from you bike veterans!
Big thanks!

 

Mike,

Welcome to the forum and what a nice looking bike! It looks like the owner has been really good to this bike.

As for you have you ever rode a bike before? Dirt bike or anything? IMHO these are good starter bikes as long as you learn good throttle control.

If you have a MSF basic rider class in your area and you have no riding experience please take the class. Learning all he little trick in the class and then riding their bikes on the closed track will allow you to get used to the friction of the clutch in relation to how much throttle to add. If you have rode before the class is still very good.

As for the bike, make sure it starts and runs, before you or the owner starts the bike, feel and make sure the engine is cool to the touch. If the owner needed to start it and get it warm before you showed up, well then the carbs might need work.

Check all the lights and controls to make sure they all work as they should, to include the horn. I don't know your riding exsperiance and if you will test drive it? If you are just make sure it shifts through all the gears. If you are not riding then put it on the center stand and do the same.

I would also pop the gas tank cover and look inside for any rust or what the gas looks like.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Big question??,$$$$
What is the asking price? Under $1000 grab it if it runs .
Over that what records of work done and by whom?

 

When the bike is running, look at the exhaust smoke. Compare the color to your car exhaust. Too blue/smoky means it might be burning oil. Do you have the tools and knowledge (and permission!) to do a compression test?
For more details, read this, or do a Google search on buying a used motorcycle.
https://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&sour...4Bf4QFgh0MAY&usg=AOvVaw0n9Vfq59VaomfXuQu6cxS6
I included that particular link for comedy purposes. There's a picture of an xj with the caption "Be sure the engine starts up and runs well", but I'm pretty sure that one won't...

 

first expect to put 5 to 8 hundred dollars into the bike..

check the date code on tires it is week and year of manufacture. wiggle rear wheel and front wheel with bike on center stand to check wheel bearings . sit on bike when on center stand front tire off ground move handle bars left and right feel for bump when turning this is to check headstock bearings.
29k miles is past replacment of wheel bearings. check swing are bearings see if it wiggles with tire off ground.
an XJ 750 is quite a powerful bike for a first bike. with your height a XJ550 would be a better bike still has quickness and speed.

 

See it on Chicago Craigslist asking price is reasonable. Need tires and probably rear brakes. Add about 300, recover seat 50, oil and filter 20, air filter 15 just for starters. Next, can you do the work or will you have to pay someone to do it?
Now it's winter does he want to keep it till spring? Is he flexible on price cause he needs money for Christmas?
Mention what bike needs and hit him hard on the price. He can say no or come back with a counter offer. $500 would be a good start, 600 would give you room to spend money on it without over paying . Don't forget it's not the only bike left on the planet.
And what @Timbox said take a riding course, best money you can ever spend.
It should be the law

 

^^+1 0n above and do not be afraid to make an an offer give him your name and number then walk away. lots of bikes out there and it is winter. bike prices will fall shortly then rise up in the spring

 

some reading for you

The Information Overload Hour

The Ultimate Relay, Switch, Sensor, and Diodes Guide

IN THE CHURCH OF CLEAN

THE SECRET LIFE OF CARBURETORS

Something New, Something Naked

TALKIN' TECH: Various thoughts on various issues


Bigfitz's AIRHEAD VALVE ADJUSTMENT with Pics - parts I & II


Choosing Oil for a Wet Clutch Motorcycle


SAFETY ALERT Drum rear brake bike owners please take a look


our forum supporting vendor plenty of parts and advice Chacal

XJ4Ever - Supporting Vendor

his web site
www.xj4ever.com

 

There are a ton of xj's for sale on Chicago Craigslist . If that 750 feels too big, check out these 2 xj550's. And there is an 83 xj750k with tour luggage and fairing, sell the tour stuff to finance all the things you need to buy. And it has new tires on it

 

Thanks for all the kind suggestions and replies! I greatly appreciate it!!
I was in car racing for awhile just thought it's time to try out bikes
Not looking to speed on the road, but do want a bike with power, so eventually I could move to sports bike for track.

 

I see Chicago as your location , I live over the border in Indiana and work in Downtown Chicago . The Photo bike looks really good you will find lots of help on this forum. On the upper right corner of the page you will see xj4ever almost all the parts are carried by Chacal , so this should not be an issue. I've owned several different bikes but the Seca/Maxim are excellent bikes the shaft drive is so much better than having to lube a chain . One item I will caution you on resist the temptation to rip out the stock airbox and put PODS on ...a well tuned bike is what you want. Since we live in same region you can IM message me if you need help if you buy the bike. Cheers

 

Any update as to what happened with the bike and or sale?

 

Well, Chen hasn't been around since Nov.6........the day after his initial post----

 

That is not cool, needs to come.back & update us.

 

maybe he took the advice to start with a smaller bike and did not buy a yamaha

 

Maybe read the Information Overload Hour and got... overloaded!