1100 Maxim on Craigslist... Advice?

Ok, I was checking out bikes on CL (like I always do when I'm bored), and I saw this posting

So I called the guy and followed up today. He said that the only real issue that he knows of with it is that there is some kind of error that the computer gives about the brakes on start up. He said that it has passed inspection every year with no problem, and that there isn't any issues with pads or anything on it.

So my question is, does this seem like a decent deal if I could get it for 1200 or 1300 bucks, or what should I try and get the bike for? And also should I be concerned about this brake error?

My 550 doesn't have any computer like this one so I don't know anything about this. Anyone fixed this before? Is there something that I should check into and avoid if I see?

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Caleb

 

Caleb,

Was that on the Buffalo Craigslist? sounds familiar....

If I didn't already have a bike, I'd probably go for it.

Doug

 

And no matter what they say, check out the operation of 1st and 2nd gear under upshifts, downshifts, accel, de-cel, etc........

 

The brake error could be the fluid level switch in the master cylinder mine is missing the clip and gives the same error

 

Yes, as a matter of fact it was on the Buffalo CL... didn't think I'd have a stalker on here.

 

I'd get it if it was around here. Sounds like a killer deal compared to what I see around here.

 

Ha, I was checkin that bike out today too. I would be all over it if I didn;t already have one too! Check out my bobber project thread. Good luck!

 

... WHAT THE HELL? I am interested in a bike, and everyone's already seen it. I saw it last night and I left a message, but I'm scheduled to go over and take a look at it tomorrow.

The guy seems kinda attached to it... I guess 21 years will do that to you. I'm interested in giving it a good home, since I've got a 550 and I have too much highway back and forth to work to make it a good choice for that.

 

ok, i was being funny... but now that I reread this it sounds like i'm being an a$$, which was never my intention. I'm kinda excited to see some people from around me too, sorry for any hurt feelings

 

Like chacal said ride it and check for gear slippage on 1 & 2nd, before i owned XJ700 I was to buy a 1982 XJ1100, 2 were in the market and one owner mentioned he went straight to 2nd instead of 1st as it used to slip.
Those machines had issues i believe...again it all depends how they took care of it..i guess.

 

Don't buy it unless you do the Due Diligence.

If it won't run ... knock off Big Bucks.

Check the Compression even if you have top bring your own Battery and Cables.

On the 1100 ...
Get the Seller to write on the Bill of Sale:
"No known Latent Defects."

If he won't add that to the Bill of Sale ... walk!

 

My understanding is that the bike is currently running. It's inspected and on the road. With that understanding I will be taking it for a test ride tonight, and make sure to look for the gearing issues.

 

Oh, and apparently it also needs a rear tire... figure $140

 

Ok, so I went over and checked out the bike. Took it for a ride and... hated it. I dunno, it just feels way different than my 550 and it doesn't seem like it wants to be maneuverable like it should. It's probably just the model of the bike, but I guess it's not for me. I just didn't feel comfortable with it.

If it had felt like my 550 but with more power and a bigger gas tank I was gonna take it home.

 

A bigger heavier bike will feel very different and can take some getting used to. That said you are right on track - if you are not comfortable on it it's not for you.

 

Ok, well good things come to those who wait, and wouldn't you know that just a day later I end up seeing a Maxim 750 for sale, go out and take a look at it and get it for $750 and rode it the 90 miles home.

Ok, yeah it's got some issues, like no lights in the speedometer, a headlight that works off a switch, and no right cover, but it feels right.

 

Cool good things do come by...