Thoughts on a 1977 Yamaha XS 750 with 1100 miles?

[exdirtbiker]

Neighbor just inherited this one...


30 years of dust on it. Front master locked, gas tank full of UGH !, many other typical issues.

It cleaned up very nice. Some pitting on chrome parts.

Is this a desirable bike? Are they rare?

 

[chuck hahn]

Theres a great cult following for them. Buddy of mine got a bone stock 75 for 250.00, got the carbs cleaned, and power washed it. 2 weeks later he sold it for 1500. He had a guy offer him 2 grand if he would tell the first guy he had rethought the deal but he kept his word and gave it to the first guy for the 1500.

So thats what I know personally about the desirability factor. Mostly they want them to make cafe racers or chopper bobbrs out of them

 

[GS1150Pilot]

They have a cool exhaust note. Triples always do.

 

[Guest]

They aren't very desirable, don't listen to Chuck. He thinks anything old and Japanese is worth money, it's not. Just because of a few idgets he knows spent 1500 and offered "2000" for one doesn't mean jack. It's pretty much a throwaway Japanese UJM, available all over for next to nothing. 1100 miles makes it intriguing, but if you tried to restore it, you'd end up losing money on it. That's Chuck's modus operandi!!!!!! Don't follow in his foot steps!

 

[GS1150Pilot]

They aren't very desirable, don't listen to Chuck. He thinks anything old and Japanese is worth money, it's not. Just because of a few idgets he knows spent 1500 and offered "2000" for one doesn't mean jack. It's pretty much a throwaway Japanese UJM, available all over for next to nothing. 1100 miles makes it intriguing, but if you tried to restore it, you'd end up losing money on it. That's Chuck's modus operandi!!!!!! Don't follow in his foot steps!

OK, that made me laugh.

 

[chuck hahn]

I just posted what happened with my buddies..that all i gotta say about it.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

They are pretty cool bikes, really. They don't do anything amazingly, but they are somewhat unique, have a good classic look and a great exhaust sound. I like 'em.

 

[Guest]

I just posted what happened with my buddies..that all i gotta say about it.

Maybe you should find some buddies that know a little bit more about restoring CLASSIC motorcycles? You know, Kawasaki Z1's, KZ900/KZ1000's, H1/H2/H3 Triples, early Honda CB750's, CBX's, CB1100Fs. Bikes that you can actually buy, restore, sell and MAKE a little profit? I know that would be a refreshing change for you, but you might want to give it a try!

 

[850 Combat]

They have more shaft effect than anything I've been on except an XS11. Get on the gas in second or third, and both ends of the bike will leap up. Chop the throttle and both ends drop dramatically. Do not chop the throttle if you come into a turn faster than you want to go. The shaft jacking is actually entertaining in a straight line. It feels neat when the whole bike lifts up on the throttle.

I like the sound, and I like the looks of the standard version. The Special I don't care for, and thee are way more of those. I think the real early ones had taller gearing, but Yamaha put in a lower rear end later to increase acceleration at the expense of relaxed cruising.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Silly story: For the pure drama of it, I loved the shaft effect on my XS11. I never tried to corner on that behemoth, but hot damn, was it fun to whack the throttle open, feel it pick itself up and blunder forward in a monstrous torquey rush.

And I agree: The specials are like L models-odd and not particularly pleasant.

 

[chuck hahn]

Sad it before and I will say it again to refresh your memory John............ I AM NOT a flipping whore driven by dollars signs. Pretty sorry state for someone to let themselves get into a place where they are defined by what they can profit from something. And thats the only thing that drives them forward. Do as you do and others will do as they do.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Chuck, I totally like your drive. I think it is good that there are those who rescue more than just the collectible stuff. Hell, I'd like to have a CB900C, so I totally get it.

 

[1980GS1000E]

Well, it is a pretty clean boat anchor.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

But then, so is a Fatboy.

 

[Nessism]

I think it's a pretty cool bike. You gonna strip off the fairing and bags?

Don't think it holds a candle to a GS850 but then it's older so you can't expect it to. I think it would make a very entertaining cruiser.

Good luck with the restore.

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Definitely jettison the fairing detritus.

 

[wymple]

My neighbor had one back then. It was a pretty nice piece, IMO. Just don't beat up on 2nd gear.

 

[rphillips]

Most any old bike can be kind'f cool. These too, as they are kind'f unique. Try to find another 40 yr. old 750cc 4 stroke 3 cyl., with a shaft drive. They weren't real good at anything, but were O.K. for everything. It was amazing, how much the early Yammer shafties would raise up, when hard on the throttle, heck a hard launch, drag racing, would lift your feet plum off the ground. I think it would get a lot of looks at a "bike night" or a "cruise in", most wondering what the heck it was. Perfectly good bike just to ride & look at. Would probably never reap huge $$$, but it sure would be cool. Just my opinion.

 

[Guest]

Dayum! Got some jabs going on in this thread! So I'll add one. Lose the hideous fairing and sissy bar and it would be a lot cooler. Just don't sink too much money into it.

 

[Guest]

No, they are not desirable, not even great parts bikes (limited desirability makes it tough on parts guys). You can pick up three lunger Yammies pretty cheap. They are good bikes but nothing remarkable. Fix it up and ride it but don't invest more than it is worth (ie watch the nickles and the dimes)