POLL: I have an XJ because...

Why do you choose to ride an XJ?

 

For me its really the last 3...

 

I like vintage stuff. (probably why I fly a 1960 Piper Comanche). I've always liked Yamahas... when I lived in Virginia in 1979 I almost bought one.

Now I own a 1980 Maxim. Its got that retro look. A few other guys at the airport have their new Honda V-twins and a Harley all decked out but I like the looks of my Maxim better.... people always comment on it. hehe

I like being contrary to mainstream.

 

I bought my bike used in 1981 and haven't seen a need to replace it.

 

Although I'm far to cheap to even consider buying a new bike, where would I find anything so cool as my XJ Turbo??

I like old, different. crazy kind of stuff that no one in the lemming world would even want.

That's why I got it cheap & why I love riding it!

Dan

 

I bought it 'cause it was cheap and I wanted something bigger (and a heck of a lot more comfortable than my 81 GS550T). I fell in love with it when I started riding my Interceptor and realised how very comfortable the XJ really was. No chain to clean or lubricate, no twits trying to steal it, just a good UJM.

 

Shaft drive.

 

How can you go wrong with this bike. It is built well, looks/rides super, turns heads when they hear it coming and they keep looking because it is different when they see it.."what kind of bike was that!", they are cheap in price and fast! The bike is a piece of history that is relived every time it fires up...love that XJ sound! The bike is special...face it! That's why I purchased it and that's why I love it. If you can have this many reasons for owning something, it really is a no brainer to buy one. As soon as I saw the bike and took it for a spin, I had to have it.

 

I bought mine because:

1. It's a Yamaha, always owned a Honda previously and wanted a change.

2. It's a 750, wanted something that had the ability to do highway travel and stay under our outragously high insurance rates based on engine cc's.

3. It was a shaft drive.

4. It was cheap to purchase initially, I knew it was going to cost a lot more in the long run. I could afford being nickeled and dimed to death over time.

5. It was a project being completely dissmantled and scattered around the guys garage in boxes covered with sawdust, dirt and cobwebs. 8O

6. I really wanted to get back on a motorcycle and this was the way I was going to do it!

 

1,3,4,5,6,7 Here.

Plus, love at first sight.

 

When I was 22 I had my first Yamaha Turbo. A year later I was rear-ended on my way home to park it so I could go out with my friends.

I always loved that bike, and when the chance to get another one came up, I jumped on it.

It is definitely everything I remembered!



Nice 8500 mile example.



But it is nice to have more than one bike.

Jim

 

I have an xj because it was given to me with 6k miles and in bad shape, but it reminds me of when my Dad used to ride before he got hit by an old lady and finally gave it up. Man i love my Dad. Sorry to get sentimental on yall i also love the look of the bike also.

 

I wasn't exactly looking for an xj at the time I found my 750. It just kinda fell into my lap and I could not afford anything else at the time. I had 200 in it at initial barter. Put about 50 in her to get her going and rode all summer, By the time I sold her and got my 700. I had put about 3000 miles on her and about another 450 in her for things she needed. Sold her for 1350. The only thing wrong with her at the time was a couple very small dents in the tank. So I made a profit, learned quite a bit and rode her almost daily.
I had been looking for an xj700 ever since I learned what one was and found on for the right price that needed work. This time 650 was the price. Poor shape, but I could see the potential in her, wife though I was nuts. A month later and a few dollars in parts, cleaning supplies and paint, And I have a xj700. Would not sell her for the world. Love the look and the sleeper image of her. So I guess all of the above except number 2. Dad still thinks I am going to crush my skull.

 

I got my two because:

I caught the College Kid who was selling the 900 a little short on cash and really needing a fix!
$150.00 US

The guy gave me a clean, signed, valid, TITLE for hauling the 750 Max off his property and getting-rid of it for him.
Free.
Under 11,000 Miles when it rolled-out of my "Hogwarts School of XJ Magic and Wizardy" last Easter.
I got 17,000 on it now. She's my daily rider. And, we're hitting the Road in a few weeks to go see some Vermont.

 

If I ever get around to taking some photo's of the 750 you'll all know! Classic shape, style and sound.

It was also cheap and it will give me a chance to get back on the road.

 

Because I love doing restoration work in my spare time

 

I didn't see one that said "Because it was given to me , and people must know I collect junk"..... (term "junk" used in general) :lol: For me the Seca is second string to the Nomad now.

 

Lots to choose from there. I bought my 82 XJ650R because I always liked the styling of the Seca 650. I also went with price. $500 for a decent bike in semi running condition couldn't be passed up. Shaft drive is a great convenience and once you get to know tha Yamaha's idiosyncrocies (sp) they are a blast. I have owned Honda's (yawn) & Kawasaki's (*#$%@*) but the Yammies always treated me best. cruzerjd

 

Wasnt particularly looking for an XJ, but am certainly happy with the decision. Inexpensive to purchase, cheap to insure, great mileage, and it's one of the few truly, multiple purpose bikes.

 

The last three apply to me.

I've owned a couple of 650 Maxims. Both were 82's, one I bought new and got the second one a few years later in trade for a Datsun 280Z parts car I didn't need any more.

The nimble, little Seca 550 I have now I picked up for $600 last summer. I like the way it handles. It is a nice change of pace from my cruiser and it will round circles around the V Star 1100 in the twisties.