thinking about getting an xj600

I need any advice on getting an xj600. He wants about 1900 for it and it has 5500 miles on it. Looks to be in great shape. Any mechanical thinks to look out for? The price about right?

My xj550 maxim is driving me nuts.

 

Depending on what model it is...!
I guess you are talking about the "SecaII" xj600 as the early xj600 was called an FJ in the US.

In Europe the SecaII is called a diversion and is sold as a commuter bike whereas the early xj600 was sold as a sport/tourer. The later bike was in a softer state of tune, with 60 bhp on tap, down from the previous bikes claimed 72bhp.

They are considered reliable if not exciting. They are prone to expensive exhaust system replacements. Also, they dont like short journeys as the don't heat up thoroughly.

Later models (With twin front discs) are up on power and a better bike to go for.

Hope this helps

 

Yes It is the Seca II with the full fairing. i will look for exhaust problems when i go to check out the bike on Tuesday. It just had 900 of carb wok at a Yamaha shop.

How is it different then my xj550 maxim. Besides my bikes annoying high idle issue.

 

The most noticable difference is the engine is leaning forwards at a greater angle and the carbs point downwards to the inlets. I dont think the exhaust system is particularly flawed - just expensive to fit a genuine replacement.

The engines are similar in design though.

$900 is an awful lot of money to spend on carb work!

 

So the seller spent/wasted $900 at a dealer for carb "work".
I'm predicting you'll be cleaning/syncing it your self.

Sounds like a lot but I have no idea what these older models are really worth to non-collectors.

 

After reading his invoice it was about 600-700 rebuilding/cleaning carbs. He had the tank reconditioned for the rest of it.

 

A low mileage bike...in great shape... w work recently done at the dealer. I'd say the price is right. It would be difficult to find a better bike for under 2k. I'd offer $1,500 and go from there...understanding the asking price is somewhat firm becasue of the money recently spent. Get this bike for $1,800 and you'll be very happy.

 

should be a great bike go a long time without any problems

 

I got the bike for 1650 plus a free helmet. Runs really good. Shifting is a little different then the Maxim. I stalled it twice shifting by habit.

Horn doesn't work though. But idles and runs great.

 

Pics?

 

Here's the new bike. Got gas for the first time today 60mpg!!!!!!!! The best the maxim 550 would get was 40.

 

Thank you guys for all your help with the old 550. It is going to my younger brother as his first bike. I couldn't of kept the thing going without this forum's help. I got another xj bike because i like the help the forum gave.

Matt

 

take that helmet and throw it in the trash. get a new helmet that hasn't been beat up/sweat in/worn down for years.

 

Do YOU personally have ANY knowledge of how many times that helmet has been DOWN, thrown, crashed, dropped on the floor, etc..... doesn't matter how nice it looks. Get a new one. NO risks that way.

Dave