QuestionHi, I've been wanting a bike for a very long time, but i'm really just looking
for something to get started, i'm 24, and fairly responsible so i'm not going
to going crazy on my bike. I know someone that wants to sell me his 1981
850 XS Yamaha, but i'm wondering if it could be too much bike for me to
start on. As well, he's asking 600 CND, curious if this is a decent deal, the
bike is in decent shape, needs the carbs to be adjusted as it's running really
rich, and it has about 57000km, what do you think? Thanks!!!!
AnswerI don't think the XS would be too much bike powerwise, though it might be kind of heavy and tall. If you're not a small person and are physically strong, I think it would be an okay bike to learn on. Not sure how 600CND translates into US dollars, but I'd imagine a nice XS in the fall would go for $600-800, a beat up one $400-600, in the spring more like $1000-1200.
Getting the carbs cleaned up and adjusted when you buy a used bike is par for the course, people tend to neglect them, especially when it's going up for sale. That's awfully high miles but if it runs nice and looks nice and it's been well maintained, it should last you for at least another year or two before any major work needs to be done.
Pat
