'82 650 Maxim--possible purchase

found a '82 650 Maxim close by for $400. Going to look tomorrow. It appears to be stock, and is a two owner bike. It has been sitting up for a a year, and the 23 year old owner says it needs a battery and the "wires running to it." He's not a mechanic and doesn't know if that is just the battery cables or the wiring harness. He said that it has low mileage and ran great. I don't need another bike to ride, but this sounds good and looks good and may be an easy fix. Any opinions or works of wisdom?

 

"may be an easy fix."

Sure, to get it running.

Then it will need the same $600 ~ $800 worth of "attention" to neglected maintenance that any other 31-year old motorcycle needs. You've been around here long enough to know what that list entails...

Don't forget rule #1: GET A COMPRESSION TEST. Otherwise you might be buying a "parts bike."

 

Wonder if the battery in my 700 will work to get it to turn over for a compression check? Also, if the wiring is screwed up, how can it get it to turn over? some way to go straight to the starter circuit?

 

Yes, but you'll want a switch for the battery. I use a car jump starter.

There's a terminal that comes off of the starter motor. The cable is black, but don't let that fool you, it the 12V lead that goes to the starter solenoid, so connect the red jumper cable to it (you may need spare wire, and it has to be the same gauge, that wire might still be on the bike).

Connect the black cable to anywhere that seems like a good ground, like the engine. Don't forget to unplug the TCI.

 

Thanks. How do I disconnect the TCI? In the past I have simply grounded the plugs, but would rather disconnect the TCI.

 

Unplug it. (2 connectors.)

 

oh hell, just buy it

 

$400, just buy it already.... if it doesn't turn out... it's worth more than that in parts.....