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looking to get my first xj550 for my first project

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by dillion, May 18, 2015.

  1. dillion

    dillion Member

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    hi guys new to this site i ave been looking into getting my first project i will be new to motorcycle projects but not new to riding i had a suzuki dr 650 but it just was not my style plus the bike was to high for me
    so how are these bikes? are they easy to work on?
    i have a bike in mind the guy is asking 400 for his 82 xj550 he says the battery is dead but it has 95k miles on it what do you guys think? it looks like he kept it clean and well maintained

    some things i might want to do
    change the handle bars, the headlight, the tail lights, get a side mount plate, turn signals, maybe a new tank, and chop it with a new seat
    i have never welded before but i will probably pick one up and start practicing youtube self taught and lots of questions

    let me know what you guys think
     
    dillion, May 18, 2015
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  2. davecara

    davecara New Member

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    IME pretty much all the naked 1980's style bikes are pretty easy to work on.
    Id just do the usual things, get the owner to charge the battery, see him start it from cold and look for smoke and rattles and go test ride it!

    I've got an 81 XJ550 that im hardatailing and getting rid of a previous owners attempts at welding and undoing some mods and its been pretty straightforard to work on so far!
     
    davecara, May 18, 2015
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  3. dillion

    dillion Member

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    what do you think about the miles 95k seems like a lot
     
    dillion, May 18, 2015
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  4. davecara

    davecara New Member

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    If it runs right and its been looked after then I wouldnt be too concerned. I'd try and get the price down though!
     
    davecara, May 18, 2015
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  5. dillion

    dillion Member

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    what do you think shoot for 250 settle for 350
     
    dillion, May 18, 2015
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  6. Wirehairs

    Wirehairs Member

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    I would do a compression test before making an offer. Indeed, that mileage is very high.
     
    Wirehairs, May 25, 2015
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  7. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    The fact that the mileage is at 95k and it looks well maintained is a good thing. That means the bike has been ridden instead of allowed to sit. 95k is not high for a 30+ year old bike that has been ridden. I would still do a mechanical inspection, just as I would with any new purchase. His asking price is not out of line, and may actually be low if it is a runner.
     
    k-moe, May 25, 2015
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