How long do these bikes last?

Hello, I have had my XJ750 MK for over a year now, I bought it as a starter bike. next summer my friends and I are planning a motorcycle road trip we will be hitting every major US city, well be gone for about 2 or 3 months. my plan was originally to buy the bike I have as a starter bike it had 16,000 miles on it when I bought it. now it has 19,500 I was then going to buy a new Yamaha V-star 1100 for the trip. but I love my bike so much that I am tempted to try taking it on the trip. but a trip that hits every major US city will prolly take me about 12,000-15,000 miles and I am wondering if my old 1983 750 will last that long. i'll be bringing a couple thousand with me on the trip for possible repairs if I take the bike I have but does this sound like a feasible thing or should I pony up the cash and get a newer bike?

oh and if your interested on details of the trip its me and 2 possibly 3 of my friends going cross country. going to be camping out alot living on a very tight budget. we talked about it since we were in high school, were all 21 now and when my buddy gets back from Afghanistan and out of the army next summer thats what were going to do to celebrate. kind of a last thing to do in our youth. one last hurrah

 

Maintain it properly, and I don't see why it wouldn't make it. Just make sure you give it a really good inspection prior to going on the trip.

 

but do they have any major problems? like are they known for the trannys going at say 25K miles or they have bad forks or something I really should plan on happening. I think for sure I'm going to replace the clutch and tires before the trip weather they need it or not but I just really would love to know of any of the quarks which these bikes may have, also would help for quick diagnoses on a long trip away from home if something were to happen.

 

When you're done with your trip it will have 35-40 K miles on it. Just about broken in :lol:

The major challenge to your plan is finding someone to work on it if you do have a problem.

Do your PM before you go. Everything. Make sure the fuse panel is spotless and all your electrical connectors are clean and tight.

Things I'd have 100% brand spanking new right before I hit the road:

- Alternator brushes.
- Starter brushes.
- Oil and filter.
- Brake pads and shoes.
- Tires.
- Spark plugs.
- Inline fuel filter.

Not sure how generally available oil filters are. I'd be tempted to take a few along as you'll be doing some oil changes.

 

My 82 750j has currently 69k on it and still runs great, once i get back from iraq, it'll get vetter saddle bags and a trunk (sitting in spare bedroom pissing of spouse as we speak), and a good tune up i.e. carb synch, plugs, etc. and then I plan on riding looking to put a 18hr trip on her next summer, these bikes seem to run with just the normal maint on them, you should be able to keep yours going ro some time.

 

I hear it's over 400,000 now.

 

When these bikes were introduced the Motorcycle Press LOVED them.

In subsequent articles about their performance compared to some Models introduced in the late '80's they picked the "Yamaha Shafties" ahead of NEW bikes supposedly designed to get XJ-Owner's to buy a new ride.

One of the nicest comments ever made concerned the Engine, Transmission and Final Drive.

They said: "Bullet Proof"

This Forum is 18-Hundred Plus people still riding bikes built in the Early '80's.

Spend a bit of that Repair Fund and get an Oil Cooler off somebody parting-out an XJ-900RK (Seca 900).
You need the Stock Cooler, Lines, Adaptor Plate and the Big Hex'd Adaptor Plate Fastener ~ Filter Bolt extension.

LOUD Horns.
SlipSteamer Hellfire SS24V Windshield
http://www.slipstreamer.com/Product/Sport/sport.html

and, ...

Re-shape the SEAT!

 

my bike has got over 26k miles. i might be interested in joining you as well. i get out of afghanistan in 88 days. i was thinking of taking route 66 out to cali when i got back. when you guys planning to leave?

 

I just bought mine a couple weeks ago with 27k miles on it. Runs like new. Don't see why yours shouldn't do as well.

As far as parts like oil filters, I don't know if it's true of all Yamaha dealers, but mine has 'em in stock. Take along a good set of tools. There are several threads listing what guys here ride with, here's a good "basic" list:

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2 ... l+kit.html


If you want to be able to repair your bike *and* your buddies go about halfway down this post for an awesome tool kit:

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=4 ... l+kit.html


And I would have to suggest full leathers and a comforable full-face or modular helmet. There's no point in having your trip ruined by a nasty case of road rash, or worse. There are plenty of web sites displaying the nastiness that ensues following a dropped bike (or girlfriend) and unprotected flesh. And no, studies show that kevlar is no match for leather. It's a trip you'll remember for the rest of your life; make sure the memories are all good ones. (Climbs down off his soapbox.)

Have fun, and be sure to come back here and post pictures.

 

On a trip that long be shure to check your tires. They are the only thing between you and the ground.

 

yeah were slating the trip for probably July and August 2008, and yeah ziggy you could ride along with us on a portion of the trip but were not going straight out to california. were going to be zigzagging all over the country. californias going to be the later half of the trip I think. we still have to work out the logistics and the exact route.

 

If your headed out to the Los Angeles area, do drop by!