Motorcycling on the CHEAP?! *Update, bought the $300 bike!

[Bama67]

Alright guys, I have been motorcycle-less for about a year. Pretty much the entire time I have been having a HARD time not being able to ride. Well, my brother-in-law came over to the house the other day on a super clean, low mile 85 Honda Shadow 500. Well, I took it for a spin and had a blasty blast on it. Surprising to me since it had MAYBE 50 hp, and my last bike was a tweaked Bandit 1250. He paid $500 dollars for it, and I commented "I can't imagine having more fun (legally) for $500." To which my wife said "Well, if you can find one for $500 you can get you one."

My BIL, said that his buddy he bought this bike from had another one he is trying to sell. It is a 1982 Yamaha Maxim 550, in great shape, not sure on miles, he called his buddy and he said he would sell it to me for $300. He said is that the only thing it need is the carbs cleaned and synched. I know how to clean them but I don't know crap about synching 4 carbs, especially one with the YICS system that the Maxim supposedly has. Anyone familiar with it? How much would it cost to pay someone to do?

I guess what I am wondering is, can I do any better for $300? Hell, I figure for that much, if it doesn't work out I can part it or something and get my money back. Is there any better bikes I could expect to find for such low investment?

From what research I found, these 550 inline 4's have 50 something hp, and a 6 speed tranny. Should be fun.
 
What would you do? Here is a pic. Thanks Ya'll



Update, I bought the bike, see next page for pics.

[DrMikey]

Buy it. You can't go wrong. Synch'ing the carbs is easy; you can make your own vaccuum guage or buy one for around $30. There should be plenty of WOTL to guide you.

[cbolling]

Just Buy it!!!

[JimWilliamson]

That bike looks to be in good condition for the age. I don't see any seat cracks.

Don't think you could go wrong.

[1000lbs]

Yup, buy it!  That looks like a clean example in the pics.

That was my very first motorcycle and what got me started riding some 18 years ago.  From what I can remember the YICS shouldn't be different from any other carb sync.

[JReazor]

Buy it! If you don't, tell me where it is so I can go get it.

[Frankienuckles]

Yep, buy it! Get a manual for it to make any needed mantainence easier. Ride!

[Bama67]

Sweet!    Thanks for all the quick responses. I didn't find much out about it online really, so I was afraid it was some black-sheep POS or something. I will definitely get it then! Only problem is I will be out of town for two more weeks AGHHH!

Not in love with its looks two much but I could always cafe it possibly? I know that cafes are done to death, but not here in South AL, I don't think I have ever even saw a cafe-style bike here.

[Andrew]

Right on

$300 Dude Buy That Bike!!!!

For the money you will have one heck of a smile to $$/mile return

[Justin]

http://www.nadaguides.com/Motorcycles/1982/Yamaha/XJ550J-MAXIM/Values

Based on the image and description, I'd call that very good condition for the year (or at least between VGC and GC). So yeah, $300 is a good deal IMO

[Bowtie76]

Buy it.
My first bike was an 83 XJ550 Maxum.  I got it in 96 for $500 and rode the piss out of it for a couple of years and sold it for $800.

Bullit proof air cooled inline 4, Yamaha's CB.

[Blunder]

$300? Go for it. The motor served as Yamaha's basic 4 cyl 4 stroke platform throughout the '80s. 550s, 650s (even a Turbo), 750s and 900s. I think even the XJ600 Seca of the early '90s can trace it's bloodline to this motor.

They made a sporty version of that 550, known as the Seca, with chain drive and a serviceable bikini fairing.



Have you been to http://xjbikes.com/ ? It used to be a mailing list for XJs that I was on when I had my XJ650 Seca. It now appears they've gotten themselves a proper website.

[MadMax96]

I paid a little over $300 for my first bike - about 17 yrs ago.  1978 Suzuki GS550E that had 43k miles - was beat the hell.. knocked over while sitting on the streets of chicago over winter, and I later found out it had fallen off a trailer.  

That looks like a gem.

You could buy it for $300, ride it for the season and get at least double that when you sell.  It's tough finding something that looks decent and runs decent for under $1000 honestly... this one looks to be all there and not look like it was sitting outside for most of its life.

Go for it man!    

[Zixxerpilot]

Sweet!    Thanks for all the quick responses. I didn't find much out about it online really, so I was afraid it was some black-sheep POS or something. I will definitely get it then! Only problem is I will be out of town for two more weeks AGHHH!

Not in love with its looks two much but I could always cafe it possibly? I know that cafes are done to death, but not here in South AL, I don't think I have ever even saw a cafe-style bike here.

Buy it, cafe' the shiz out of it, prepare for miles of happiness. That thing is clean! Cleaning and synching carbs is a breeze. i'd probably throw on new tires to be safe.

[HipGnosis]

Not in love with its looks two much

Face it, you can't afford a good looking bike...  Besides, are you gonna ride it or just look at it?!?

[Cricket1]

Yup, buy it!  That looks like a clean example in the pics.

That was my very first motorcycle and what got me started riding some 18 years ago.  From what I can remember the YICS shouldn't be different from any other carb sync.

I had a Maxim 700 as my first bike, also with the YICS system. Not to be a wet blanket, but it is NOT like any other carb sync system. You need a special tool that blocks off the passages in the head between the cylinders. Without it you cannot properly balance the carbs. Not a deal breaker, but you should know. Sounds like a good bike at a great price.

Have fun!

[jay547]

i think you'll get your money's worth. my previous bike was a 1990 kawasaki 550. i paid $1300 for it. four years and 26,000 miles later, i sold it for $1100.

[nevinfs327]

I agree with the buy it sentiments - hard to go wrong for $300 and it looks really clean.  That said, I think your satisfaction with the purchase requires going in with the right mindset, and I say this from significant experience with older bikes, including cafe projects.  Two points:

1) Carbs - "just need cleaned/sync'd" is the standard diagnosis for an older bike not running correctly.  I've cleaned and rebuilt carbs many times to find that it was something else - usually electrical, like faulty coils.  If you do plan to tear into the carbs you should see what parts are available and what the cost (BikeBandit.com is good for this).  For the carb sync, it is worth calling around to a shop.  Last few I've had done were $50-$60.  

2) Cafe project - probably not worth it with the cruiser version of the frame.  That bike has a very similar look to a GS550L I had in the '90s and contemplated a similar project on.  The whole rear subframe would need replaced and the way the frame backbone arched downward would likely have required custom fab work for a tank that matched the long, flat, sleek look of a cafe racer to fit.  

I ultimately sold my bike for $400, $100 less than I'd paid for it about 7 years before.  I really did enjoy riding it.  Power was very good,  Handling was responsive.  Cheap to maintain and operate (important since I was in college).  Good for 2-up riding - my wife, then girlfriend, ranks it as one of the more comfortable bikes for her that I've ever owned.  I would definitely buy another for $300 (whether Suzuki's or Yamaha's version of that machine).  

Identical to mine, though not mine - very similar to the Yamaha

[Mr.Black]

I had the 650. The thing just ran and ran. My wife(ex) was very happy on the back for long trips. It is definately worth having some professional work done to it.

[FirstVtwin]

How to build the special YICS tool
http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/yics_tool.htm

[servicerifle]

For a price that low, you should keep the cost for  accessories in scale, too. For that, you should look to the KLR guys, they are masters of cheap bling.

I've heard they can even make a riding suit out of used trash bags and scotch tape. That's using your noodle!  Of course, that assumes you think with a noodle.

[Bama67]

Thanks for all the responses guys. I have been doing the research, and as much as a pain as it looks to do the carb work, I think I can handle it fine. Although I may just clean the carbs myself, then have a local shop sync them good. The shop is very resonable and the guy is great and would probably do a better job and I wouldn't have to fool with building the YICS tool and/or buy any other sync tools that I wouldn't get my moneys worth out of.

[Jason F.]

That was my thought. If $500 was reasonable too get you back on the road then $300 for the bike and $200 to the local guy to sync the carbs and give it a once over quick tune up should be no problem. Just get it and eat up some miles. A smart fellow once said the most important accessory you can buy for your motorcycle is gasoline.

[jag44]

Now Bama67, you know we are going to want to see a picture of you on it as soon as you get it on the road.  That is an absolute now that you have all this feedback and got everybody excited about it  

Good luck with it

[Bama67]

Now Bama67, you know we are going to want to see a picture of you on it as soon as you get it on the road.  That is an absolute now that you have all this feedback and got everybody excited about it  

Good luck with it

Well, I finally got around to going to look at the bike today. Needless to say I was surprised. I could tell under all the dust and under the ugly windshield it was in good shape. So I forked over the 3 bills and took it home and washed it up a little, and here it is. I can't believe this bike is 30 years old, and it also only has 8000 miles on it, clear title, doesn't look like anything has ever been done to it, only fault is that it needs a front brake line, it has a very small leak in it. Tires are good, chain is nearly new. I got some fresh gas in it and drained the carbs, but I can't get it to crank. I checked and I am getting a good spark. It has been sitting a long time so I imagine the carbs are gunked. Here are the pics!!

[veefer800canuck]

WOW, it looks amazing!  

I hope the insides of the fuel tank look as nice as the outside of the bike......

I'm sure the carbs are gonna have to come off and get redone.



This guy specializes in rebuilding early Honda V-4 carbs, not sure if he's keen to work on a YamaHammer, but you could always ask.

http://v4hondabbs.com/index.php?topic=36746.0

Here is his EbAy feedback: http://feedback.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewFeedback2&userid=fngster&ftab=AllFeedback

[CLAY]

I had a 650- the carbs are easy, it will just take you three tries to get them clean.  At least it always does me.

Don't worry too much about the YICS system.  On mine I just adjusted them without the tool, and while not as accurate it seemed to work fine.  Looks like you got a smokin' deal!  

[Mr.Black]

$300.00?

Holy schniekies!!!

[JReazor]

 

Congrats! It looks like you just rolled it off of the show room floor.

[RangerG]

I have the Seca version of the same bike.  I did a total carb rebuild, replacing all rubber washers, float valve seats, gaskets etc.  Set me back close to $350.00 in parts.  If you can do the carbs, you can do the sync.  I used a knotted up rag soaked in ATF to block the YICS passage and a two bottle sync tool.  XJbikes.com will have all the info and parts you will ever need.  Be warned that one of the members will tell you to pull the back wheel and check for brake pad de-lamination!  SS front brake line will be the best modification you will ever do to the bike.  I'd check the manufacture date on the tires and not trust tires older than 5 years or so.  

Looks like you scored a very nice bike.  A little TLC should have it up and running in no time.

[Blunder]

I got some fresh gas in it and drained the carbs, but I can't get it to crank. I checked and I am getting a good spark. It has been sitting a long time so I imagine the carbs are gunked. Here are the pics!!

No cranking? Does it at least go 'clunk'? Could be a sticky solenoid.

For a $300 bike it sure cleaned up real nice.  

[rgbeard]

When you say engine does not crank - you'll need to be a bit more specific.

We're all hovering around this $300 bike thread like coyotes around a rabbit's den.

Locked up engine?  Or just won't fire.  (I am thinking you mean the latter.)

Start a new thread in mods/maintenance?

Will it start on starting fluid?  Just curious.

Man oh man - I see the pic, and just wanna start in working on it - you're killin' me!!  

[Bama67]

Little update, I pulled the carbs and tore em down and cleaned the snot out of them. They were pretty varnished and dirty. Put it back on and it fired right up! It idles beautifully, buut as soon as I give it any throttle it revs up to like 6-8 grand! Then I wanted to slap myself because I forgot to do the bench sync before I put it all back on the bike, so I guess today I will be tearing it apart again, and doing that. Then worry about the proper sync job.

[Dan K]

Very nice - keep us posted.  Steal of the century.

- Dan

[marc11]

Damn why can't I fall into deals like that?!!??  

[Blunder]

Bench synch? All four carbs are gang-operated by the single throttle cable. You want to vacuum synch them with the engine running to ensure the CV slides are responding correctly.

If the engine runs to 6-8K and stays there when you open the throttle you've got other issues, like maybe a sticky throttle cable, a weak throttle return spring or something gumming up opening/closing mechanism on the carbs themselves.

[scotteroni]

if you bike revs up high and hangs at that rpm you could also have a vacume leak somewhere. while the bike is unning spray some wd 40 around the carb boots and insulators to see if it revs higher. Vacume lines and other rubber parts crack over time.

[Mastros2]

Congrats on the find and cleaning it up!  

[Slonishku]

It's a MUST buy!

[Mach VIII]

I'll echo the others here and say "GREAT FIND!"

As for the brake line, there is a guy on ebay that will custom make a braided line for you - pretty much any length, color, and fitting ends (lots of different bends available) for about $21 plus shipping.  Chrome banjo bolts and crush washers are even included.  He's in Canada.  I can vouch for the quality as I bought a brake and clutch line from him for one of my bikes.  Just do a search as he has multiple listings using various bike models/makes in the listing.

As for the carbs, are the revs hanging up at 6k-8k and STAYING there, or will the bike eventually settle back down to idle?  If they're staying there, I'd think cable and linkage lubrication.  If the rpms stay up and then eventually drop back down to idle (but not as quick as it should), this is known as a "hang idle" condition.  The most common cause for a hang idle that I've found on CV carbs is that the pilot circuit has not been cleaned.  Don't know about the carbs on your 550, but on Honda V4's this means removing the pilot screw (hidden behind a metal plug from the factory) and cleaning the passageway with a good dose of spray carb cleaner.

Also, as long as the bike has been sitting and as old as it is, you might consider changing the fork oil too (and installing a set of cheap Progressive fork springs is usually a really good mod).

[CLAY]

I'll echo the others here and say "GREAT FIND!"

As for the brake line, there is a guy on ebay that will custom make a braided line for you - pretty much any length, color, and fitting ends (lots of different bends available) for about $21 plus shipping.  Chrome banjo bolts and crush washers are even included.  He's in Canada.  I can vouch for the quality as I bought a brake and clutch line from him for one of my bikes.  Just do a search as he has multiple listings using various bike models/makes in the listing.

Thanks a bunch for the info- I'm ordering a set for my Tracker.  

[Bama67]

Thanks a bunch for the info- I'm ordering a set for my Tracker.  

Yes, thanks for that info, I found that guy on Evilbay and am going to get the lines for this thing.

[Mach VIII]

Great.  Glad the tip was helpful.  I'll probably be ordering one soon for a little 250 Ninja street-fighter project (aka girlfriend wrecked her bike and trashed the fairings, etc.) I'm finishing up.  

[ANZAC]

Sweet bike  

Check all your cabling - take them apart and clean/lube them.  My Nighthawk was like that too in that the throttle would stick and the clutch lever would squeak.  Just remember that the bike has not had any love for a long time and will need a through going over.

Toss some Seaform in the tank too.  That will help clean the tank and fuel lines.

These older Japanese bikes were really overbuilt and can take a beating.