Check out this one

http://kansascity.craigslist.org/mcy/4395447711.html This one doesn't sound too bad. What do you guys think?

 

Looks like a good deal to me.

 

It looks clean and stock, so if the compression checks out I would be willing to buy it. I paid $1300 for mine with about 10500 miles--at least that's what the speedometer said--, and it wasn't as clean. Mine was probably worth about $800, but I was new to these older bikes and really didn't know what to look for. I was lucky in that mine was pretty much stock, but I've spent a tidy sum getting the carbs in good shape, back brakes, and a few other minor things. I have three bikes and this is by far the most fun to ride. I get about 40 mpg overall. My main complaint with the XJ700 is the fuel tank is too small in my opinion. I like to be able to go at least 150 miles on a tank, and that's not possible with this bike. Also, when the low fuel light comes on switch to reserve or you'll be coasting pretty soon.

 

I agree totally with the tank being too small on the xj700n. I wish mine held another gallon. I bought mine for $200 but it had been setting for about 8 years. After new fork seals petcock rebuild carbs completely gone through and cleaned new tires brakes front and rear. New brake lines and caliper rebuilds and a master cylinder rebuild also derusting of the tank she purrs like a kitten and I've got about $700 in it all together.

 

Urk. In regard to the bike you asked about, a compression test will be paramount. The bike has 25K miles on it and is beginning to have issues starting/running ("needs carbs rebuilt.") Chances are very good part of his "carb" problem is a few dead tight valve clearances due to them having been ignored. That's just about the mileage where things start to go horribly sour if they've never been touched.

 

Interesting, mine had 29k when it was parked in the weather due to "starting problems". Perchance a connection...?

As for the small tank thing, has anyone hooked up a TourTank on one of these? I had a 3 gallon one on an 883 Sportster and absolutely loved it. I plan on installing one on mine once I get it up and running, I just need to find a rear cargo rack.