Noob seeks advice...

I'm doing my homework for buying an older starter bike, and this site is a goldmine for info and parts. Because I now have a "base", I'm looking to pick up an XJ/XS and could use some advice.

I'd use the bike primarily for getting to the train station (3 mi round trip), and local errands.
I don't see long trips, or twisties as my normal riding.

A had some noob questions:

1) I'd like to get a xs 400, just to keep myself in check (less power, less weight). Is it worth waiting to find the 400 over a xs 650, or am I splitting hairs?

2) I'm seeing a *huge* variation in prices, anything from $400 to $2400 -- what's the sweet spot for a mechanically sound, but cosmetically less than perfect 81 ish xs 400?

I live ~30 miles west of Philly if anyone has something for sale.

Appreciate the help!

John

 

The 400 is somewhat underpowered unless you are pretty small. I'd prefer a 650 myself. But for just going 3 miles it would be fine.

Personally, I wouldn't pay more than 700 or so for something like an XS400, but mainly because I'd prefer something bigger... and most people probably would. Think of that when you want to sell it.

 

Welcome John ! "motorcycle" starts with "motor"
You should try to get the best "motor"you can no matter what the size.
Meaning smooth idle, no missing, no smoke, no unusual mettalic sounds, smooth starter operation, insist on hearing a cold start !!!
A $400 barely running fixer-upper is no bargain.
Plan on buying new tires and $100 in other repairs.

Bring a really big guy with you, holding a compression tester and a multi-meter. That's your "mechanic".

400 VS 650 ? You will feel more like you have a real full size bike with the 650, and it has shaft drive. The 400 might be a better choice if you never hit the highway. My sister lives in Ardmore / King of Prussia--I know the roads!

All prices are negotiable, battery not included. Have fun !

 

I'm going to completely disagree with the statement that the 400 is underpowered.

I've got an xs400 and its got more power than I want to use, it gets up over 65mph without even realizing it and I'm no small kitten at 6'2" and 250 lbs.

I think the important thing is to find a bike that runs well!! Don't worry too much about the difference between a 400 and a 650.

 

I have to say I had the same problem when I bought my bike. I had a choice of the 83 400xs or a 82xj650 and a Honda something ......750. When it came down to it, I went with the 400 not because it was 100 bucks less, but the weight and balance felt right to me. I'm 5'8 and 185ish so, not that small. The night I took it for a test drive it hit 110 kph or 65ish mph (I think that's right) no problem, so just make sure it feels right for you!
Mac

 

I had an XS400 and it was a great and I mean great first bike, it has enough power to do highway trips as long as your not in a huge hurry> I drove mine to and from school a couple times a year (275 kms) it would hit 100-110 km/h no problem, but it has no passing power. The real downfall for me was the small frame of the bike, I'm 6'2, 220lbs, so I felt way to tall on it and I looked kind of dopey. The XJ650 I have now has a bigger frame and alot more top end.

SO for your use I'd go with the 400 if you can find a good runner for a good price. Which shouldn't be too hard, most people go for atleast a 650 so it keeps the price of the smaller bikes down (around here at least).

As far as price, I paid $750 for the XS400, it was like new and only had 6500km on it. Get a good runner, you can always make it look better