Motorcycle buying guide?

[Mears]

Getting ready to call about a couple of bikes. I'm going in on one with my dad. Neither of us know anything about bikes at all so I'm wondering what are some good things to ask about or look for so it's not entirely apparent that we are clueless. The two bikes are:

1982 Honda Nighthawk 750
1982 Yamaha Maxim XJ1100 (19,000 miles)

Also anyone know if either or both of these bikes burn no lead?

 

[saftey]

please search the forum this question has been asked 3 times and got alot of good answers from experienced people.

 

[bUnMaNGo]

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html#1

there are some tips there.

 

[Bulk Beef]

Also anyone know if either or both of these bikes burn no lead?

Both will take unleaded. You would be hard pressed to find a Japanese bike made in the last thirty years that doesn't.

 

[Mears]

Thanks for the great link. I spent the last 1.5 hrs checking it out and reading through old posts. Everyone seems to recommend something around 500cc for a beginner. I weight about 150 but my dad is over 200. I need to find something that would work for both of us. I really like the looks of the Maxim, but it is also pretty big.

 

[Mears]

^

 

[C'DaleRider]

The Honda will last forever..........that 750 engine is almost completely bulletproof. One of Honda's best designs. It was improved in the 90's with hydraulic valves so no more valve adjustments. It's almost the perfect just-change-the-oil and drive engine.

You'd probably get tired of the bike long before anything major happens. There is a reason Honda owns the market....reliability.

 

[FoBoT]

Originally posted by: Mears

1982 Honda Nighthawk 750

those were good bikes, if its been maintained, you should do well with it, have fun and don't splat your guts on the road

 

[Cyberian]

Do yourself and your Dad a favor and check out the MSF if you haven't ridden before.

Good luck!!