I've been trying to find a new bike which would work well for me. I have found (over the phone with full information and multiple brokers) that I will be paying about 2000-2500 for my first year of insurance under 500cc, some under 650cc. I am currently looking at a couple bikes, and searched for the ones listed here, with only very few available less than a couple hundred km away, most of which weren't complete or way out of my price range. I've found a 1980 Yamaha Maxim 400 which fits the criteria, and I'm wondering if you guys think that is a better suited bike for me. I have also found an '81 Yamaha Maxim 550, a '93 Kawasaki Vulcan (500cc), an '84 Honda Magna (500cc), a '85 Yamaha Viralgo XV500, an '84 Honda Magna 500 V30, and a couple others. Many of these have been saftied (which is what I'd like) or are ready for it. Are these all good options for me, and what price range should I accept for them? Otherwise I've already gone to Royal Distributing and picked out a full set of gear for safety, which I will buy after the bike, as well as taken time off work for my M1 and left aside money for training (which I can book after my M1 as stated on the website).
21 Years old, Buying a Yamaha Maxim XJ750
- Thread starter zazMaxim
- Start date
Riceburner
Well-known member
It's only your first bike. Pick the cheapest to run and most reliable one. Don't worry about cosmetics as long as the mechanicals are solid.
I'm not too overly concerned with the cosmetics. It's just difficult to find a bike in my price range. I've been looking for bikes around $1000-$1500, and have found a couple, but I'd like it to require as little repair as possible right off the get-go.
How are the motors on the other ones I've listed? The vulcan is at a slight higher price range than the rest, but if its the most reliable one I'd probably pick it.
My yamaha maxim 400 has 65'000km on it and runs like a top. Starts instantly every morning and doesn't burn any oil.
Thanks, I'll see if I can haggle the price a little bit.
I found one for about $1k, with 26k km on it. The owner claims its been well taken care of and runs great and is guaranteed to pass safety, however it is about one hour drive away from me. Would it be worth it after M1 + training to just head over without a mechanic, check it out for superficial issues, and drive it back? My mechanic friend with his pickup might not be willing to go all that way with his truck only to find out that it's not in great condition.
I understand your dilemma, if the bike is in as good condition as the seller says it is then I don't see why riding it home with temp insurance/plate isn't a bad option. Give the bike a good look over. Request the seller to start it up completely cold, check the date code on the tires as well as tread remaining. Check the steering head bearings for play (pull the handles bars back and forth) make sure all lights work as they should.
Riceburner
Well-known member
That's low mileage for a Maxim 400 of that age, but if it checks out it should be fine. Go check it out first and then go back to pick up if it checks out.
I'm new to this forum, are pictures allowed? I can post a couple from the ad, there are a fair bit of them up close and I would like to see if any of you could see an issue I would miss.
Yeah just link the add. I probably know the one you are talking about considering I scour kijiji every 5 mins.
Is that a good idea? I wouldn't want it to get bought out by someone else haha
edit:
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-street-cruis...eel-region/1980-yamaha-400-special/1076983112
TorontoBoy
Well-known member
It is really hard to tell from photos. The bike does look pretty clean. I'd go with someone who knows bikes, even if you have to pay someone with a truck. It's an old bike. Once you buy it there may be "surprises" that might happen on the trip back. I'd rather trailer it back than ride it for the hour trip.
Look for a straight frame, the absence of road rash. The engine size is right. There's a lot of customization option for the bike, especially the rear rack. Someone experienced should start it up from cold and go through the gears, at minimum. The price is right.
Look for a straight frame, the absence of road rash. The engine size is right. There's a lot of customization option for the bike, especially the rear rack. Someone experienced should start it up from cold and go through the gears, at minimum. The price is right.
Sounds good, I'll see what I can do, thanks
Whoops I guess 6 years, since I drove almost exclusively when we had to go anywhere when I had my G1. My dad took me out for a drive in empty parking lots early to get me used to the car
I found an '84 Honda Magna which appears to be in great condition. I'll be checking it out Friday. The person sounds like they really care about the bike and took good care of it and even willing to drive it back to me for about an hour so he seems to trust it. Is there anything I should look over? The mechanic might not be able to come with me
Where is the bike located? if close by I might be able take a look and help you out but it will have to be Saturday
That would be great, thank you! It's in Brampton, and he's cool with Saturday. I can pick you up anywhere in the GTA if it's far
