Is this a good trade?

I have a 92' GMC Sonoma for sale for $1500. I have always wanted a motorbike and a woman offered me an 81 650 maxim. It has 61,000kms on it and shes getting a valve adjustment, a carb clean, oil change and shaft drive fluid change before she wants to trade. She said she'd also throw in a helmet. My truck runs fine and is in pretty good condition. Would someone who is experienced with bikes think this is a good bike, or should I keep my truck and find a better one?

 

I paid $1200 for my 81 650 (30000kms) and it was in decent condition, However, it needed a valve job and the carbs cleaned when I got it. If you could do the work yourself, that is worth $100-$200, if you'd have to take it to a shop, $400 (at least around here)

That being said, its got a lot of miles on it, and the price is a bit high - if it was me and I could get $500 plus the bike I would take the deal, but an even trade I would not do.

 

$1500 isn't a bad price for the bike, but it's not a great price either. I just saw an ad for an '82 650 (he actually calls it an XJ6!) for $1400 and it's high mileage (57000km) and needs carb work and is "missing one air intake". 'Course, I've seen good, rideable bikes advertised for under $1000 too.

If you can get the $1500 for your truck, take it and wait til you find a better deal on a bike. Or go with Ace and see if she'll kick in a few $$ on top.

Btw, there's a lot of info on here that'd guide you through the valve adjustment and carb clean. Might save you a few more bucks if you tell her you'll take it as-is.

 

I blue booked my 82 750 with 71K Mi on it, came to around 1400 with the full fairing, our bikes don't have a milage deduction due to the age.

 

I paid $1600 CD for my 82 650 Seca last summer. Probably a bit high. But is was summer and I really liked the bike. A great beginner bike. Where abouts in BC are ya?

 

haha too bad you're not in CA.... Cause i'd trade my XJ750 for that truck haha

 

k thanks

 

If you keep on hangin round this forum you will need the truck to visit swap meets! LOL!

Keep the truck if you don't have another form of transport, read every post on this forum, get the XJ CD's, visit swap meets and ebay, and start building the ultimate XJ from the parts you accumulate! Then you'll have a good parts truck, a great bike, and a whole bunch of experience working out the kinks and making a bike your own.

I have to admit, I started with a great base for my bike build, but I think my next one will be other peoples junk turned into something great. The pride and learning is worth any extra hassle!