Need advice... 1978 Yamaha 750XS
I am looking to get my first bike and I found one that fits into my tight budget. I found a 1978 Yamaha 750XS that has 19,000 miles on it. The bike looks to be in excellent shape for being so old. The asking price is $1000 but the guy said he would be willing to negotiate. I really dont know much about how bikes age or major differences (safety features, etc.) between an older bike and newer bikes. So here is the question... Should I just wait and save my money until I can afford something newer or should I check this bike out further? I am really anxious to get a bike and have a tendency to not think through my purchases so I hope you guys will be able to help me weigh a few pros and cons here. Thanks for the help.
buying the 1978 Yamaha 750XS
See if you can get a mechanic or someone who has rode many years to take a look at it and test ride it. A bike that old could have major problems, especially if it was parked for years, so all the oil seals and rubber carb parts dried out and cracked and the rings and cylinders rusted.
Haven't you heard, properly maintained Motorcycles last forever
I see a ton of interesting used motorcycles available on Kijiji ( a free online Canada Classified ads site ) there are so many large displacement bikes available at similar prices to this ( in canadian $ ) I have to wonder if it's not because the cost to insure these rides, has pushed them out of reach for so many long term owners.
The Yamaha 750 triple was reputed to have some 'issues' with carburation, ignition and exhaust pipes, so if that XS does not run as is, I would keep looking. Besides 750 triple is a lot of bike to learn on and since you are considering a machine of that vintage, there are many machines that have since disappeared from the market, including 350, 450 and 550 cc offerings.
...Not to say that one is not a great deal, because as Jeff said, I would need to see and hopefully hear it to pass comment.
Keep saving some dough...
...unless you're handy/don't mind working on these things. As Jeff and TrialsRider have stated...bikes of that vintage WILL have some issues. My guess is, at a minium...unless these items have been done recently and the bike is ridden regularly; battery; carb rebuild kit;recitifier + ignition parts; plugs;oil/filter change;brake system blead/rebuild-it can add up in money and time. Don't get turned off to motorcycling by having something that isn't reliable and safe!
Allen Dye
MSF Rider Coach
Track Day Instructor
Ironbutt Rally Finisher '03-'05
I have more info
I finally got to talk to the owner of the bike and I got some more information on it. First off, the bike has had some work done to it. The previous owner upgraded the appearance (gas tank, rear fender, turn signals, and a few other things). The bike doesnt really resemble a '78 but looks like a newer age motorcycle. There is only one small spot of surface rust on the bike but the rest looked new.
I havent gotten to see it run yet, but he told me that it starts and runs great and he has never had a problem with it. The current owner had the carbs rebuilt in Sept. '09 and has also put a new battery and spark plugs in it within the last few months.
The only problem that it has is that one of the gaskets drips a little oil onto the tailpipe and needs replaced. He also said that the push start button is missing and needs replaced. He is selling because he has two young children and also started coaching baseball this spring and just doesnt have time for it anymore.
At first I was really turned off by the age of this bike, but after going back and looking at it closer and talking to the owner, it seems to be in excellent condition. I took some pictures the last time I checked it out so I will see if I can post them on here. Thanks for the help guys and I will keep you updated.
Pictures...
if pics can tell, looks like
if pics can tell, looks like a terrific deal for the dollars. If it was me those bars would have to go, but that's just me.
It looks well kept
See if blue smoke comes out of the exhaust pipes when you start it and the engine is completely cold- this would be evidence of oil leaking past the rings or valves. A seller trick is to have the bike completely warmed up before a buyer comes to look at it, to hide starting problems and oil leaking problems.
Look carefully at where the gasket is leaking- is the oil dripping from an oil seal above it or from a oil seal inside this cover? For the looks of this bike, even if you need a major repair the low cost will cover the expense.
I would still get an experienced rider to test ride it, and also a mechanic to check it over, service the shaft drive, etc after you might buy it.
A good-looking older bike,
A good-looking older bike, but I have to ask if you have any riding experience? That's an in-line three cylinder, four-stroke engine, and it was originally rated at 74 HP in a 566 pound bike.
I realize you're on a tight budget, and the bike looks to be in very good shape for it's age. But I just personally think that may be too much bike for a beginner.
Parts Availability
When it comes time to repair, can you still find parts?
Max