Looking for opinions

In discussion with the owner for a trade - should I continue the negotiation? Yes, for both.
My wife is looking to learn to ride and I would love her to get an XJ when this popped up on the radar.
I want to know if I should jump on it or take a really good look before I leap. Your thoughts, opinions and rantings are welcome as I struggle to make a decision and continue the barter.
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/mc ... 83158.html

 

My opinion would be to get a well sorted, safe, rideable bike for your wife to learn riding on. Later, if she feels like getting into the "nuts and bolts" of a bike then buy a project you could both work on but can still go riding during the build.

 

Good ponts Max. I am also in discussion with this one for a more immediate gratification and training:
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/mcy/3590084595.html

 

Heavily scored rotors on both bikes showing rust = rode very hard, and rough.

Good, generally complete project bikes, But I have to agree with Maxim-X about finding a solid, good running bike for the wife to learn on. She will have enough to worry about just riding. She does not need to be worrying about it breaking down on her.

Ghost

 

I'd be torn myself. The vision is an interesting bike and that one looks good. The little hawk looks nice also. But the two XJ's for that price is an amazing deal. It doesn't seem like they are in bad shape, but you would need to confirm that yourself-with a compression test for starters.

Personally I think if someone wants to get into riding the worst thing they can do is go buy a 'ready' bike. I only say this because if you spend the time repairing, maintaining, and caring for a project then you are invested and care about the bike. In that case you have more respect for the machine and will be a better rider IMHO. Although a 550 or smaller bike is a perfect starter.

 

The nighthawk in that second one would make an excellent learner. A good well mannered low end, with room at the top once confidence builds.

Ghost

 

+1

 

Both owners are supposed to get back with me tonight - I hope I am closer to a decision by then. Thanks for the thougths I welcome more...

 

The xj's look like great project bikes, and you could really do them up nice. I am concerned about the coloration on the exhaust of the 650.....looks like it was running REAL hot.......discolored exhaust pipes up front, and looks like waaaay overheated front of the left muffler......... also concerned about the rust on the final drive unit--almost looks like THAT got too hot, too.

That Vision looks really good. they are a neat bike......kind of a cross-breed, or mutt, of the Virago (it's a V-twin), the V-max (it's a water-cooled engine that is basically half of the V-max engine), the Seca (just look at the styling), and the XJ/XS series' bikes (look at the engine cradle), AND it's a shafty.

There are quite a few parts that cross-over to the XJ's.

Something you MUST be aware of--these bikes are notorious for burning out the stator, so consider yourself warned. You would be wise to CLEAN the connectors down on the left side. Otherwise, you're asking for trouble.

Other than the stator issue, they were a good bike.

I'm looking forward to getting mine done........when I get a million other projects done, too. LOL

Dave Fox

 

I've owned a 1984 Honda Nighthawk 650 and I've been very satisfied, nothing to complain , very reliable bike, 6th gear makes it happy on the highway, and its light weight makes it fun to ride in town too.

It seems that one doesn't have the stock headlight, and I can't see the condition of the mufflers, always a concern on a 30 years old bike.

 

Think long and hard about the 550 Vision. A friend of mine has one, and boy was that a mistake of a project. His is an 1982 and he has a bunch of 1983 parts that don't fit. I mean they were only made for 2 years making them uncommon and parts a little hard to find, but parts from the 1982 and 1983 are NOT interchangeable much, so you have to know exactly which bike you have and get parts for that exact year because there is no guarantee parts will interchange. He has given up on his, is trying to get rid of it and he can't even give it away, no one wants it. Been sitting on it for months and he hasn't found himself a single schmuck, I mean victim...I mean...no victim is the right word, to take it away. It seems like they are a ton of trouble if something goes wrong with them. His really isn't too bad shape wise either.

 

That's correct..........there were differences between the 82 and 83. I believe the difference stems from dimension changes in the frame, IIRC, and that means mounting points were different. I'm going to find out more out that as I get deeper into my project as the the bike is an 83 and the titled frame is an 82......or vice versa......don't remember which.

But as I said before, as long as you pay close attention to the stator stuff, you should be ok.


Dave F

 

I appreciate all your opinions as I value the experiences and expertise here. The XJ's were sold before I got into a better position and the Vision, we couldn't come to an agreement on.
Thanks again all

 

What about the Nighthawk?

 

Keep looking the right one will turn up.

 

Wife's first bike?

550 Maxim

Virago 535 (didn't have the big bike's starter clutch issues, had its own carb quirks.)

450 Nighthawk, 650 Nighthawk

Suzuki Savage

Find a clean BMW R65 if you want a "standard."

Kawasaki KZ400 (remember those?) "Cruiser" variant

Buell Blast.

 

Yep, her first bike and those are right along the lines I am thinking Fitz. I would really love to find the right XJ550 for her, though her only deal breaker is that is has to be "cute." I am still working toward that definition. I have considered the Hondas you mentioned and the Virago as I have Yamaha and Honda experience, but I'll take a look at the others too.
Thanks for the tips they are all helpful!

 

If she wants "cute" you can't beat the 535 Virago.