First motorcycle, is it a good deal?

Hey all,

Just started on this forum and also checking craigslist out regularly for a motorcycle. Found this 1983 Yamaha Maxim XJ 750 in my area.

http://monterey.craigslist.org/mcy/2703273700.html

Do you think it is a good price for what it is? Also, any tips for what I should check out with whichever bike I end up seeing in person. I am pretty mechanically inclined as far as cars go, but have no experience with motorcycles. I could probably do a little fixing up if necessary.

Thanks!

 

I wouldn't go more than $800, and that's if it passes a compression test with flying colors. A must do when buying any older motorcycle. Numbers for all foour cylinders should be above 120, 140-150 is good, and all four within 15psi from high to low.

Before you ride it very far (around block to check shifting, etc. at slower speed would be ok) you need to check the rear breaks for delamination, where the pad material starts to delaminate from the shoe. If this happens the rear wheel will lock up suddenly, probably causing you to go down.

If you buy it, get a manual, then go through the entire maintenance section, doing everything. You can't skip steps on 30 year old bikes.

You will have a hard time finding a shop to do the work and do it correctly on these XJs, so you will be learning to do some wrenching, which is no problem, we're always here to help.

Let us know how it goes!

 

Welcome to XJBikes from the Boston Mountains. Dang if it didn't snow here today!

$600 would be lower end of expected for that bike. I wouldn't pay more than $900. Check tires (code on sidewall indicates age anything before 2006 needs to be replaced), brake lines (date stamped on them), compression if the current owner will let you (easy test takes about 30 minutes), and ask for any records he has. Receipts for work performed. Is the transmission new? and what happened to the old one? Always ask why they are selling it-you may not get the whole truth but you can tell a lot from their response.

If the tires are old and brake lines need to be replaced that's about $230 done right so you can talk him down. It's a life or death thing ya know.

If you get it you will be learning a lot about motorcycle maintenance, but it will all be worth it and actually fun and rewarding.

 

Guess I read too fast-says it does have new tires.

If you do test ride it or any bike I always drive around the area before going to the bike so I can pick out a fairly safe place to ride. Then always familiarize yourself with the bike thoroughly before taking off. And when I test ride an unknown machine I do it very carefully, go up through each gear slowly and ride it upright-no heavy banking in case something does go wrong you'll have a decent chance at staying in control. If you go through each gear and take either 2nd or 3rd up through 7-8krpm's then you'll have a fairly good idea the condition of the motor/tranny but no test ride is proof of anything other than "it does run."

Sorry if this sounds overly cautious but one good 15mph lick to your noggin is enough.

Nice looking XJ by the way-from the picture it looks like it would shine up very nice with a little TLC.

 

there is no such thing as a new transmission for that bike.
the gears can ware and then they pop out of second gear when your on it hard, doesn't always do it but it won't fix itself.
on the front of the motor at about the level of the hiway pegs, look for signs of new gasket sealer, thats where the motor splits to access the tranny

 

Ya the new transmission thing just doesn't sound right to me either. Think he is full of it on that one. This would be a very hard part to come by. I do think that if it runs nice that it may be worth the $1000 though. This is what I paid for my XJ550 last year when I got it. But I would really question the whole transmission thing. You will still have to do a lot to the bike to make it safe after 30 years and this is something to think about.
You will need to replace front and back brakes, I would change the front brake line, check both front and rear wheel bearings because they may be rotten like mine were, will need to check valves adjustment, I would clean carbs and sync them and you may need to rebuild the front forks. These things are usually much needed on a 30 year old bike so keep this in mind.

 

Thank you everyone! A lot of valuable information and quick responses. I can tell I'm gonna like this forum. I am not gonna be able to check it out until a week or so from now ( still waiting on paperwork for my M1 license) but I will definitely let you know how it goes.

 

I just bought pretty much the identical bike for 1000 a few weeks ago:



I took off the side covers and front fender off for cleaning.

Yours looks to be in similar shape, although mine has only 14k miles

I woud try talking him down, the guy i bought mine from wanted 1200 but settled on a grand.

Seemed fair, except I'll have to put some money into it replacing the rear pads as well as the front brake line and new front tire. but I'm happy, it runs like a charm!

 

Honestly? For your first bike? Don't do it. There's something hidden in that "new transmission" phrase that you aren't ready to deal with, trust me.

PASS.

Find a clean 550 or 650 Maxim; and remember if it's a 30-year old bike (even if it's not a Yamaha) you're going to need to spend some money and do some work to make it safe and reliable. Budget $600~$800 if you do all the work yourself; it really doesn't matter how much the bike costs to begin with. Certain things will need to be fixed/replaced. You need to understand this before you buy a 30-year old bike.

 

For a first time bike, try to find a nice cb750... the single overhead cam version...69-78
Mainly because it's an easy bike to ride and work on.
real slide carbs, not cv, you can easily split the rack in 2 minutes and have it together just as fast.
Valve adjustments are a breeze, no shims, just a screw you adjust
points are super easy to work with once you read up on them, easier to trouble shoot than an expensive CDI box and electronic ignition and pickup, etc.
Battery too low for electric start? cool, you have kick start.
no ticking time bomb 2nd gear, higher resale value, aftermarket and used parts galore, these bikes are a cult classic.
Heck, they even made an automatic cb750, just high low range, simple torque converter, just gas on and go!

you can find a nice stock cb750 for 1000-1500
do xj's go faster than a cb750? sure, for a starter is a cb750 easier to own? you bet. they run forever.

 

Schooter, that's about the best advice I've seen you give to someone.....and you're right on the money on every count!!

So Thor, did you get it?huh, huh, huh??? If you did, great, if you didn't, even better since that bike has been parked outside for some time and as Fitz mentioned, probably had the shift fork replaced or more.

jeff