Need some eyes on this

Hello everyone. New here. I'm looking for some info on this bike. I think it's a 79 xj500 but I'm not sure. Vin sticker is fubar. I haven't seen the bike with my own eyes. But what I can tell it's in rough shape. I'm needing a new project since I finished my 84 Magna. I think the frame might be shot. But it's free. Any info you can give me I appreciate

 

XJ750 Maxim. 81 or 82 methinks. 83 had a different instrument cluster

 

It's a 1982 XJ750 Maxim.......no 1981 version of that model, and as Dan noted, the 1983 version had a completely different gauge cluster (and different, more-traditional round handlebars, too).

 

Appreciate that. I'll be looking at it on Sunday. That rust on the steering head has me worried. From the plate I'd say it's been sitting since 93.

 

How are these bikes to work on?

 

You're asking a forum of misfits who enjoy tinkering with old XJ's, of coarse we're going to say they are fun, fulfilling and rewarding to tinker with.
Don't ask a barber if you need a hair cut.

Seriously that one though looks very dilapidated. The one pic looks like the frame is buggered by the passenger peg.
All the cosmetic parts are nasty.
If its close by and free then little lost in dragging it home to see if the motor is seized or not.
Parting it out is always an option

 

These bikes are fun, fulfilling and rewarding to tinker with.

(also...you don't want that bike)

 

It would be a fascinating story to watch unfold if you did try to get it rideable again. YouTube series worthy if you wanted to try and do a full resto in to a showpiece. I've seen people work miracles on things that look like a complete lost cause.

Besides, these bikes are fun, fulfilling and rewarding to tinker with.

All that said, I'd never attempt it. Looks like a money pit. I spent a fortune just getting my fairly pristine 900 back on the road.

 

I'll still drag it home. Lady who has it will have it taken to scrap yard. I'd hate to see it go that way. Updates on Sunday. Anybody know where I can find a FSM to download?

 

Not many miles on it if its genuine. Hope the motor is not locked up, and dampness has not ruined it. Who knows it might be a good one for free?

 

The hardest thing about working on, with, these bikes is stopping at having just 1. They seem to attract each other..... just ask @hogfiddles.

 

Welcome to the forum.

For a parts bike, I think it is a gold mine. For road, riding or flip, it is all about the paperwork. Can you get it with a VIN and safety sticker that compromised? Do they have the title, if not, willing to do a bill of sale? If neither of those things, then you will have to get creative with the paperwork. Take some tools with you, them brakes might be locked up. She might not want to roll or move at all. I would go as far as taking the plugs out of it on the spot and soak the cylinders with Blaster for the ride home.

Let us know the progress or what direction you are going.