Buying my first bike

Well trying at least. I've been looking at a 84 xj600 but am not 100% sold yet. I've ridden dirt bikes since I was about 15 (21 now) and am ready to make the jump to (riding, not face skidding on) asphalt. I hope it all works out though, I need some motorcycle freedom!

If you have a second I would love some input on my other thread, thanks everyone hope I end up sticking around for a while.

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/p=3 ... tml#300182

 

You might want to consider finding a total bike rather then something that is picked apart. It's pretty easy to fool a "new guy" into thinking he only needs this and that to get something running when in fact, it needs much more.

You can pick up a nice running bike for 4-600 if you're willing to drive more then 50 miles, and willing to take your time.

Either way, good luck to you and WTTC!!

btw- after you take a AMA certified course....practice braking till you can beat the bikes published specs!!

jeff

 

Jeff - I think 84xj might be one of my fellow countrymen, but only because the 600 was called an FJ in the States.

There are roadworthy xj's to be had for around 4-500 pounds, although for some reason they are likely to have 40k+ miles on them.

I have been looking around for another XJ (Dont tell the wife) and came across a 600 for £360 on fleabay. The seller was very familiar - the same person who I bought my other 600 from. The ad was almost the same "Think the jets need cleaning...its an easy job". As I thought the guy was a crook last time, I let it go!!

 

In one way, I feel bad for you guys. Over here, motorcycles are just "toys" to 99% of their buyers, so low-mileage examples of almost anything can be found; XJs are almost as plentiful as used Triumphs were 20 years ago. Any time you folks manage to find a decent one, it's either way too much money or been beat to crap and had its air filter replaced with a hunk of pantyhose. Or it has a gazillion miles on it. I got mine with 18,000, 13,000 and 7100 on them, probably unheard of on your side of the pond for bikes that age.

On the other hand, you get all sorts of cool bikes they think we're not worthy of for whatever reason. You and those rat b*stard Ozzies, with their XJR1300s.

 

Yes Markie, I hadn't caught that part (and thank you for the compliments in the other thread). I guess that's one of the downsides to being what the manufactures call, a limited market....on the other hand, it's hard to be a 1000 miles from anywhere there!! So at least your walk won't be so long.

Even with a smaller supply, you can generally do better if you're able to take your time....but I know exactly how it is when you get excited about something.....even if it doesn't meet your expectations, sometimes you end up buying it anyway.....exactly what I did what that POS.....never should have wasted my money on it.

Good luck 84X

jeff