What would you do in my place?

I have a 1970 DT1, a 1980 maxim 650 and a 1972 xs650 with no title (for the moment). None of these bikes are running at the moment and each would require around $200 to get on the road. What I would like from this great forum is your opinion. Which bike would you personally get on the road first?

 

Why the maxim of course! However being on an XJ forum you will probably get a bias view.

Have fun!
Rob

 

From a parts perspective the Maxim will probably be easiest to track down.

There are a lot of XS parts available, but I don't know about that early. I had thought the XS evolved out of the TX in 75.

The DT will probably be a bit trickier to get parts for than the others.

 

Depends on what you want. If you're going for a vintage showpiece, then put your dough into the DT or the XS. If you want a rideable classic that you can find parts for when you need them, then go with the Maxim, which isn't old enough to be vintage yet.

 

Clearly the Maxim would be better in traffic, and you have 2 parts bikes ??
Then you can take your time fixing the XS 650.

 

Got an 81 XS 650 and it is a vibrator. I like the Maxim a lot better for the ride quality, its like sitting on a sofa. I would do the Maxim first. When you do the XS I would update to electric ignition too.

 

streetbrawler, you are out of your mind lol. The electronic ignition is whats giving me the most problems on the maxim. I won't put that on another bike.
As far as getting parts goes I've got them tracked down for all three bikes. No problem. I was thinking I might go with the DT simply because of the lack of maitanence and the fact that I'm only gonna have one carb to deal with. Keep the comments coming, it's giving me things to think of that I haven't yet.

 

Ya I had to work through my own problems with electric ignition too, but once I got familiar with it, it seems pretty simple to me. Points seem to be too much maintenance....I just googled DT1 didn't know what it was, I have a 1978 Dt175 it is by far the best bike I have had experience with. It sat all winter and started on the second kick. Yamahas are the best.

 

Tiny,

The Maxim is going to be your best bike if it is in sound condition. Have you done a compression test? If thats good you should be to get it up and running. The Maxims were bullet proof runners. Sort out your electrical and do a good carb clean and tune and old reliable will be waiting outside every day.

The XS would be my second choice but two less cylinders and and carbs makes that one appealing but the vibration will wear you out on long runs. Keep in mind the Maxim will vibrate some but not as bad as the XS.

The DT is alittle harder. Parts will take the most of your time to locate. They were a great in town run around on some trails but not a freeway cruiser.

My .02

MN

 

The XS2 is the easiest to maintain of the three. I say that based on simplicity and having half as many things to fix. It doesn't even have a fuse box issue. If it is restored to original factory condition it is worth more than the other two combined-twice. It is great fun for short trips and just cruising for the sake of cruising. But don't plan a 600 mile day on one--you would never be the same.
If you want the best performance and ride go with the XJ hands down.
The DT1 is collectable. That's it. And even then it is nowhere near the value of the XS2. And it gives a whole new meaning to vibration. It is a single after all.

 

Do an honest examination of your conscience.
What is it you really want?

Do you want a Bike to keep covered-up and trailered to shows?
Do you want a Bike to tune-up and ride?
Ride how?
Around town, to visit mom or show-off at the Hamburger Joint?
Git-on, fire-up and hit the road to go all day and night?

It's what you can get your heart to do.
I promised my wife I'd sell my 900, three years ago.
I wash it. Polish it. And, ride it to the shows.

If I have to go someplace; I put the bags on the back of the Max.

 

The most I plan on riding the bike would be 50 mile trips except for the rare occasion when I take the 2 1/2 hour trips to seattle for the weekend.

 

The XS650 was introduced in 1970,and was offered to the US market until 1984. The XS prefix was changed to TX (at least for the 653cc sohc vertical twin) during model years 1973 and 1974,and later reverted to the XS moniker. If your 72 XS has survived all these years in relatively unmolested condition,it is likely worth more than all of your other bikes combined. Parts (visit mikesxs.net) are available in abundance,and are very affordable. As you may have guessed,my vote is for the XS.

 

I gotta go with Rick on this one; it depends on how you plan to use the bike.

If you want a daily rider, then the Maxim makes the most sense.

The problem with TRULY rare vintage bikes is that you become afraid to ride them anywhere because of the increased preservation instinct.

I'd restore and ride the Max, and slowly restore the other two. The early "small frame" XS650s were great bikes, but the solidly mounted vertical twin IS a shaker especially compared to the Max. That motor is as bulletproof as they come, but it doesn't exactly gain revs quickly.

I wouldn't put the DT1 in the same category as the two big street bikes, usage-wise.

 

Wow, my frustration with the max gave me rose colored glasses to the other two. At this point its probably going to be whichever is going to be cheaper to get on the road.

 

But you gotta admit, the dt and the xs would look so much cooler lol

 

I would go with the Dt. It will be quicker and cheaper to get road ready. Then the Maxim. Just get them streetable/dirtable, and clean. You can do the restore later. This will give you something to ride over the summer. You should be able to get both on the road by spring. Last do the xs. you can take your time with that one, and save the Maxim or DT restore for next winter.

I am going the opposite route because I don't need my DT ready for summer. I will be getting my XJ750 clean and road ready. Then move on to the DT. I am planning on just selling that one. Then I will be working on the XJ900. It needs the most, and I am not sure what I am going to do with it.

 

kevin, you're reading my mind. Have any pics of your dt?

 

Do the one that needs the most work. If you do the easy one first you'll be riding when you find the time and putting the others off.

 

I want to vote Maxim....prob because I have one, but really it's
not possible to do so without prejudice. :wink:
It boiles down to this....which bike do you want to ride WHILE working
on the other two? :?
Thats how I would decide :twisted:

 

My buddy pointed out that the dt would probably the best to take my ridding test on (yes I ride around without a license from time to time). But being a two stroke I'm not so sure. Any thoughts?
P.s. Work will begin this week on one of them

 

DT for sure