Should I get a new bike.

Hi Folks,

Just thought I'd throw a question your way, but first a little background. I bought my first bike a few years back, an '81 Maxim 550, and have put a little bit of work into it. Frankly, I don't know a damn thing about motorcycles but I've got the manual and I try to do my own work whenever possible with the limited tools I have. And, each year I've had to do some basic repairs and replacements as one would expect from a 30 year old bike. This year the major replacements will be the rear shock springs and the exhaust system.

The problem is that I've began to question whether it's a better idea to replace the bike entirely or to do the repairs. Basically, it boils down to the fact that I love the bike and these repairs will probably last me for the rest of the bike's life but the bike is waayyy too small for me. It's got more than enough power and speed for me but physically I look kind of ridiculous on it. I've already made adjustments to improve the comfort of the bike but I'm wondering what you guys think. Should I maintain the smaller bike or trade up for something bigger?

Thanks in advance.

 

If you feel that you have out grown your bike I say go for it. Its not only about the bike its also about the ride. What you feel is you.

However, you could post a picture of yourself on the bike and set up a pole. Whatever you decide I wish you the best of luck with it.

 

If you like the speed, handling and appreciate the light weight, fuel economy and snappy performance of the 550, why not consider a 550 Seca?

I really love the 550s, but there's no way I could squeeze 6'5" me onto a 550 Max.

 

You said waayyy and ridiculous...so you need a bigger bike, no doubt about it. But you love the 550...so keep her around for a while (to avoid separation anxiety) and get a bigger bike.

My vote would be to stick with an XJ, skip the 650 and get a 750 or supersize it to the 900.

 

Well its not really about looks is it? I would say it is more about comfort.
If it has enough power and handling for you, if it is a comfortable bike, I say keep it. I went from a 650 to a 1000. But I still hold onto the 650, and am currently working on restoring it. When it comes down to bikes and cars, whenever someone sells the one thing they always say is how much they regret it. You must think hard before you part with it!

 

I'm just a little guy-5'6" 175lbs and still feel my xj 700n
is to small. It's fast and comfortable but when it comes down
to what I feel MOST comforable and happy with I'll definatly move
back up to a xs100 or similar bike.
Small bikes are what they are,you have to deside if it provides all
the enjoyment you are looking for.
I like the power of a large displacement when riding two up, and
I prefer to have power that go's beyond whats needed for daily riding
and road trips.
I just don't like a bike that has some aspect I'm less then thrilled with.
Just a bit of 2cts on my part.

 

It's all about you. I keep kicking around and looking at other bikes. I keep coming back to the Seca 750. It's old and worn, the speedo doesn't work and is not overly pretty or shiny. But it runs great and does what I want it to do. Agile enough in the city and can cruise on the highway with a passenger. And it's paid for.

 

Wow... what a fantastic response. I really appreciate your thoughts... I tried to attach a picture but had no luck. I thought the Seca used the same frame but you say it's bigger, bigfitz52.

 

chop it, stretch it, and put some forward controls on it for more legroom I say keep it... a new exhaust and shocks are no big deal. Look at tcbros.com for a hardtail kit though.

 

You have to shrink the pic to less Than 500 to upload on here.

 

thats up to you it doesnt matter what other people think. if you love the bike keep it . if you think you want another bike then get it dont go by other peoples opinions do what you think you will be most happy with.

 

General wrenching & maintainance is all good, but when it comes to the replacement of parts & major capital outlay, you have to have a serious think, Koolaid said these parts are no big deal, I disagree, shocks, mufflers & headers = $$$$$$ & when you have replaced these parts you still don't have the bike you want. I say clean it up best you can & cash it, then buy what you really want. (what is that, by the way?) Wiz

 

^^^^ listen to him. He knows WAY more than I do

 

im a pack rat. i bought a new c50 suzuki a few years back but kept my yamaha. i dunno. hah. i say do both, get a new one, and keep this one for later. the kids, a buddy to ride, or for old times
good luck with a heavy decision

 

i'm with the gang who says keep it...and get another one that fits you better.
realistically, a 550 max isn't worth a whole heck of a lot, but who knows when you'll have a friend who wants to be a riding partner who can "borrow" and insure your bike and ride with you...
also, it's nice to switch over to other bikes every now and then.

i bought mine pretty cheap and i have a little garage space, so i'm gonna get another bike in a year or two and keep my max (my boy will be about the right age by then...hehe, riding partner).

just my .02

 

i'm with the gang who says keep it...and get another one that fits you better.
realistically, a 550 max isn't worth a whole heck of a lot, but who knows when you'll have a friend who wants to be a riding partner who can "borrow" and insure your bike and ride with you...
also, it's nice to switch over to other bikes every now and then.

i bought mine pretty cheap and i have a little garage space, so i'm gonna get another bike in a year or two and keep my max (my boy will be about the right age by then...hehe, riding partner).

just my .02

 

Let's trade. My 650 is probably too big for me. I'm a 5'7" 125 lb lady. hahaha...

 

I would love to trade... but Portland's a long ride off. Still, my bike would Probably fit you like a glove I did put on a new set of handlebars which fit a whole lot better and are adjustable. I couldn't figure out why my wrists kept hurting until I actually looked at the position the stock handlebars put them in.

I had really hoped to pass this bike on to my nephew or my kids but I don't have a garage so I didn't think it would be viable to keep a second bike. I actually do all of my repairs out at the curb.

As far as what I really want, I haven't the foggiest. I've only ever ridden the one bike and I couldn't imagine better. I know I want a cruiser style that handles sporty and is simple and cheap to maintain. So far, the Maxim seems to be the bike but a bigger size might be the way to go. Not sure how the frame sizes increase as the engine size increases. Anyone have a side by side comparison?

 

that, myfriend, looks like a niceeee eassyy rideee

 

need some forwards on there though, so you can stretch out a bit.

 

Actually, if I need to I stretch back... for long rides, or if I just need the visibility I hop up onto the passenger seat and ride from there. The forward controls sound like a fun project though since I opted to remove the nearly useless highway pegs.

 

doesnt matter wat you ride you would look rediculas on it lol only kidding i figured you were 6ft 10 400 lbs when you said that its a little small but not to bad your right it will never make it if you parked it outside and didnt ride it that would be a horrible death for it

 

I got mine from TCBros.com They are great guys....great customer service from Troy.

 

Sadly, until I get my new exhaust... backordered until the 15th, it is just sitting outside unridden. Every time I wake up and before I go to bed I peek out my window to make sure it's ok.

 

i agree with others who recommended keeping it, my first bike was a 550 maxim and was too small for me too but to this day it's the only bike i regret selling. since the 550s are chain driven they can be easily chopped and stretched (to the horror of some, i know ) or kept around for a riding companion.

cheers,

Trev

 

Well, I'm glad most people are agreeing with me... I've got the new suspension installed and it's good to ride.