Please tell me I didn't screw up!

daytona.craigslist.org...16732.html

I went and looked at the 82 XJ550 Maxim today ready to pay $1000 if everything was in reasonable shape and working. The frame, fenders,seats, mirrors, instruments were all in good shape and the compression was remarkably 129 on all four cylinders. The plugs looked good and the carbs appeared to be clean, and it cranked instantly and idled well. But--the intakes were all cracked and hard, the ignition had been changed so it required two keys, the front tire was a weird white lettered Bridgestone and the back was a fairly new Dunlap. He said the battery was about a year old, but we had to jump it to get it started. The brake light switch on the foot brake was not working although we could get it to work manually. The brake light switch on the handlebar was missing and I didn't even see the wire. I drove it and it shifted harder than I expected--nothing as easy as my XJ700, and it was hard to get into neutral. the forks were leaking but looked to be in very good condition otherwise. The self correcting turn signal could not be turned off except by turning off the ignition. All four turn signal stems were broken but the lights worked. He had never checked the valves or the rear brake. I figured $300-$400 would be needed to get it up to snuff and then I'd have more in it than I could expect to sell it for, in case I decided to sell it.
I hated to walk away from it, so tell me I didn't screw up.

 

You didn't screw up; unless you failed to offer him $600 after listing everything it needs.

 

Sounds like much too rough for 1000 bucks.

 

5-600 sure.

 

Yeah that is definitely overpriced with those problems. Electrical issues are a pain for most individuals and having two keys is just screaming that some idiot did not know what they were doing. Good job walking away.

 

Thanks. I feel a lot better, but would have surely liked to have had the engine with those compression numbers.

 

compression numbers are great
I wish mine were that good
go over the manual and do required maintenance
and have fun

 

yes that was way to much for that bike with all the problems you listed. i bought my 83 midnight maxim 750 for 1200 and it was ready to ride and it came with a parts bike. it has 18000 miles and is in very good shape. so yes im glad you walked away from that