FJ Newbie - Seca 750; or Maxim Radian XS650 ?

Hello
I'm thinking of buying a running 82 Seca 750. I did not realize Yamaha also made other si,ilar models that seem the same to me. Also, I have an older XS650 so I know them fairly well, and I liek the fact they only have 2 carbs, and 2 cyl's, and seem simpler all around.

So my question, to us all here and to myself, do I want a Seca or XS or what ?

I'm in no hurry, as as I have other MCs.
M

 

It depends on what you like. The Seca models are/were "Standard" models leaning sort of toward what later became known as "Sport-Touring" if they had the fairings. The Maxims were more known as "Cruisers" with a more laid back, feet forward riding position and generally smaller gas tanks. More accessories available for the Maxims. Depending on your XS model, the Maxims were more like the XS Specials. The XJ series is a 2 valve per cylinder pretty bullet proof engine with nearly maintenance free shaft drive. The tire sizes are still readily available in many brands and styles. Me? I am a Seca sort of fellow.
Point of interest, the Seca 750 was the designed with the seat sloping into the tank sloping upward to help direct the rider over the handlebars as much as possible in a front impact collision rather that mid thighs under the handlebars causing femur (thigh bone) fractures. I don't know if it really helped but that is what I read when they came out.
Good Bikes in either case.
John

 

Oh Yeah, the Radian. As far as I know the Radians are very good standards. Solid, proven motors with chain drive. They were a rush to market parts bin special. Yamaha basically built them from the available parts in the factory. Very little new engineering involved. Nothing wrong with them and inexpensive when they came out new. Never having had one my only reservation about them was the very small gas tank resulting in a very limited range. I am one of those fellows who enjoys riding out a several hundred mile range. I have 2 (non-Yamaha) bikes that can regularly exceed 300 miles per tank.
John

 

The Seca 750 is the roomiest of the bikes that you listed. Take your inseam (and comfort) into consideration.

 

LOVE my Seca...

Now that I have it turned in she just goes and goes. And can really pull when needed

 

I had one identical to yours new,sold it 2 years later to buy an 83 GS 1100 E, which I still have and thought about it regularly over the last few years wishing I had kept it. Well I found a gray 82 Seca 750 in a barn 100 miles down the road with 14,000 miles on it .Right now getting some cleanup and reawakening maintenance it’s a keeper. Of all the motorcycles I’ve had through the years the Seca 750,for me at 5’7” is the perfect combination of fit,power,handling and style.

 

Thx for all the help...seems the Seca is what I'd be most happy with. Thx again.