XJ900 Seca Shaft Drive

Hi Folks:

I am considering purchasing an '83 XJ900 Seca with 22K miles. It's cheap at $1400. It's not original paint, but otherwise in decent shape. I have been looking for reviews on these and I can't seem to find much. I am particularly interested in how the shaft drive affects handling. I know that Yamaha was really invested in shaft drive in the 80's as many of their models had it. And I also remember that some handled poorly as a result, exhibiting "pogoing" at the rear when the throttle was either applied or shut down in a corner. I am no peg dragger, but don't want something evil handling either.

I am looking for any feedback from XJ900 owners as well as others in the family from the same period. (XJ650, 750, etc.)

Thank you!

 

If you're really hauling and leaning, you'll notice the "push and pull" of it while you corner, but I don't think you should be at all concerned about actual handling problems. I have a 750, and I've hardly noticed it at all, even at higher speeds. Granted, I haven't had a ton of experience with other (chain driven) bikes, but still, I don't think you should have any problems.

 

double post. see below

 

The "pogoing" effect is hardly noticeable, and more than managable when riding at 9/10ths or 10/10ths. On the street, during normal spirited riding you will never encounter it. It does require that you learn how to ride smoothly if you are going to push the machine to its limits.

 

All Xj's from 650 on up are shafties, along with MYRIADS of other bikes. Is an argument that will take up lots of time, and polarize people.

Just get it, restore it, ride it, love it, and be proud to own a rare bike. I have 5 of them.... One is up in the Showcase above. (Oops.......only have 4, one was recently adopted by another member).

When you do get it, please get in contact with me so I can get it onto the 900rk Seca Registry.

That's a GREAT price!!!

Dave Fox
Host-Central NY Carb Clinic
Registrar-900rk Seca Database

 

Thanks for the feedback. I didn't think there would be a serious problem, but I recall some shafties had evil handling back in the day. I am going to look at the bike on Monday. Can't decide if I should have $$ in my pocket or not - I might make an impulse buy!

I will be on this site a lot since the bike is bone stock, and I'll want to change some things on it.

 

Good! That way we can keep telling you that THIS would be the bike to keep original and get a DIFFERENT one to mod., that way, you have your fun AND a nice rare bike that's unmolested.

 

The key part being that it is rare. The other key part being that the XJ900 is becoming quite desirable among the bargain-minded collectors, and is also the type of bike that tends to become desirable among the serious collectors. The asking price is on the low side, so there is the potential for you to have a really fun stock machine for several years AND profit on the sale when you are feeling the need to get something else. That sort of opportunity is rare, so consider carefully.

 

Get it, get it, get it......

 

Get it, get it, get it......

 

Let me know if you pass on the purchase. It's a ways for me to go but I'll consider it.