83-XJ750

Afternoon all

There is an 83 xj750 for sale here. Only thing missing is the side covers from what I can tell or they are saying. I have not saw the bike in person. It has just over 50,000km on it.

Are there any gotchas in these bikes? It’s cheap only 400.00 and I might be able to get him down a bit. They have not had it running. Says the starter sounds rough.

Thanks all for any input.

 

If it hasn't fired over in front of you assume it won't run. It will probably need a top-end rebuild so drop the price down.

 

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Good point. I’d have to take a battery with me for sure see if she will roll over.

 

If it's run recently it should still have fresh fuel fumes in the tank so take a sniff. If the tank is completely dry I would expect to have to replace most of the rubber seals and components on it, especially if it's got rust on it. You can tell by the gas cap seal and the carb boots if it's sat in a garage or outside.

 

Sometimes paying $2000 for a ready to ride bike is cheaper.
There are no particular ‘gotcha’ issues with the XJs but when you add up everything needed to make it reliable and safe it may not be a deal at any price, unless you consider parting it out.
What condition are the cosmetics in.

 

Who's word do you trust on a bike that it's "safe and ready to ride" though? I'd rather rebuild it and know it's right. Personal preference I guess?

 

Recent date code on tires, clear fluid in the mc, SS lines, shiny chrome and paint, no missing fasteners, all these things tell me if a bike has been maintained. None of this is usually found on a $400 bike.

 

I’m more concerned about the motor and the drive train.

 

I agree. I’d rather do it myself than take someone’s word it was done. You need to go through it.

I’m just not familiar with the shaft drives.

 

Here are a couple pictures from the add.

 

Buy it. $400 is cheap, and you can get all of that back from just selling the engine and fuel tank.
Odds are that $600 in parts and a few weekends of your time will make her a daily rider.