thinking of buying a nonrunner

Well, I'v been wanting a road bike for a long time. That said I think I'v matured enough to handle one without doing anything too stupid to walk away from.

Now to the point. I saw a nonrunner in the paper for 200 and took a look at it. The good, the bike is compleet and all the fluids look like it was looked after and has no signs of being dropped. The bad, the paint is rough and it isn't running. Also I'v never worked on a motorcycle before but have plenty of time on auto machanics

Also: Hi nice forum! been reading around and it looks like I found the right site if I do buy it

EDIT: its a xj550 comes with repair manual it has 40,000kms

 

For $200 if you wanted you could probably get more in parts if you stripped it.

If you have worked on cars before and find a service manual, you should be able to get it running. (Assuming the engine/valves are not FUBAR).

Many of the "non runners" need:
Gas, battery, carb/tank deslugging and/or carb CLEAN & sync.
Then they magically start.

If someone didn't' F up the engine innards you can most likely get it running.

I'm no expert, so someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

Welcome to the site !!
You didn't say exactly which model, but, if you go back and run a compression test, which requires cranking, and while your at it, check for spark. If you get positive results and 130 + PSI, I'd give you a green light.

Clear title, of course.

 

+1 on the comp' test, but having them fairly even across the 4 is the important thing & the test can be a bit pot-luck if the valve shims are way off.
Bottom line, buying a non-runner is a gamble, but hey, I do it all the time.
(don't always get it right)
Good luck, Wiz.

 

Welcome to the site! If you've got some experience in general auto mechanics then you'll do just fine with bikes. Good luck with the purchase if you go for it.

Non runners are always more rewarding when you finally get em cranking

 

Welcome and +1 (or 2 if you like) on a compression test. Done the same many a time to wheel home a "rough" diamond only to fire it up a day or so later.

 

Let's see-- what non-runners have I bought:/

83 xj650 Maxim - was my main ride for 10 years after I got it running. Just sold it this past fall. Received 2nd Place trophy last year.

85 xj700 Maxim - now my every other day ride
.
83 xj900 Seca - now my sunny days only ride. Received 1st Place trophy this year.

All three were not running when I got them. All three are also pictured in my gallery. I hope I have as much success with all the others that I still have to get running.

Dave Fox

 

One thing to keep in mind and I dont have a clue about how the GWN is but paperwork. Lost titles and back registration fees can be a lot more than you pay for the bike just a thought

 

Between my son and my best friend we have bought 9 Yamahas in the last two years, only one was a runner at the time of purchase, all are great runners now.
Look the xj550 is a great bike to start with.
You have close to 0 risks unless it is a complete rust bucket you can always recover your $200 by reselling it or parting it out on eBay.
Some men sit beside the road and talk, others twist the throttle and feel the wind in their face.

 

Go to the below link and read it all…if you do you should have no problem with your new project.
Good luck and I will see you on the road.

xjbikes.com/Forums/vie...27544.html

 

I can only echo what the others have said; do a compression test and if you get decent numbers, go for it.

Anytime I go to look at a non-runner, I bring a fully-charged battery and my compression tester.

(I had my "non-running" 650 fired up a half hour after I got it home.)

 

most of my bikes have been non runners.

they've all been priced UNDER $500.
i only buy complete bikes. i won't buy missing parts.
i only buy bikes that won't cost me more then the bike is worth.

usually i ride em for teh summer and sell at the end of year. and make a little profit. including the license fees.

those are getting harder to come by though. and harder to sell. since finding anything newer then early 80's is impossible. and finding people to buy are getting less and less.

my suzuki 1400 wasn't running. and i paid WAYYYY over my normal $500. but it came with the original seat and exhaust to go with what was installed. it's in showroom condition. only had 7k miles and only required a battery to ride her for the year. so i can't complain. this one i'll be keeping untill something else comes along.

 

I'm guessing you got it Colchester cuz I was gonna look at it today after work for parts for my 550 and just got an email saying it was sold. Congrats and welcome!

 

Nope didn't get the chance, payday is today... bummer

 

Ahhh we both missed out then! Big bummer!

 

well I'm not quick to give up, I'll keep looking for a yamaha. I owned a waverunner from the early 90's and it sold me on there stuff

 

If you check out Kijiji theres a seca 650 for sale in Windsor, also not running, but 600 bucks, looks to be in great shape and could be a super easy fix. The owner doesn't seem to know a lot about it, it just didn't work when he went to start it this year. Found the link...
http://windsor.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicle ... Z247488655
Best of luck!

 

You take a gamble buying a non-runner.

Just make sure it "Basically sound".
Pull the Plugs.
See if it will "Turn-over". (Not seized)
Do a Compression Test. (Healthy numbers is a BIG Plus. Low = $$$)

The funny thing about dealing with somebody's Non-runner.
It could be something laughable and simple to fix, ... and made to go-again for short money.
>Or, ...
It's needs something like a Start Clutch or Rings.
Something that could cost you plenty of time and trouble.

 

Colchester, just a hunch but if you go look at that 650, check to see if the petcock has been left in the prime position. It looks like it is in one of the pictures. If it has, check the oil tank to see if it's filled up with fuel. It happened on my buddy's Virago and it hydro-locked the pistons preventing the engine from turning over or doing anything at all. Super easy fix if that's the case.