First bike/fixing older bikes

[stryped]

Hi, I am interested in possibly getting my first bike. Mainly to just drive to work about 40 miles/day a few days a week to save gas. (I drive a full size truck).

Anyway, I have never worked on bikes but am mechanically inclined. I work on all my own vehicles, lawnmowers, etc. I just replaced a front wheel hub on my wife's 99 malibu a few months ago and have worked on tractors for my dad when they have a problem.

I am wanting o not spend alot of money and wondered if it would be worth buying a bike that might need some work and tinkering with it. I have two small kids and money is hard to come by. For example, I just saw a guy in the paper selling an 82 yamaha xj 750 for 350 bucks. it said it had been stored in his garage for some time. I am sure it is sold by now but would somethign like this be a good first bike and one that is fairly reliable and easy to work on?

Just seraching for answers.

[Damian]

I was in a similar situation - mechanically inclined, but new to bikes, got kids, etc.

When you first get a bike you are going to want to ride it as much as possible, it's going to suck having to fix this, or wait on that part all the time. If you're really confidant in your repair skills, have a lot of tools already, and a good space to work (garage), then get a fixxer-upper.

Something else to look for is a bike that runs good, but is ugly - something that's been dropped a few times (make sure the frame is good, though). You can save a lot of money and work on making it look good slowly.

Good luck!

[stryped]

I was in a similar situation - mechanically inclined, but new to bikes, got kids, etc.

When you first get a bike you are going to want to ride it as much as possible, it's going to suck having to fix this, or wait on that part all the time. If you're really confidant in your repair skills, have a lot of tools already, and a good space to work (garage), then get a fixxer-upper.

Something else to look for is a bike that runs good, but is ugly - something that's been dropped a few times (make sure the frame is good, though). You can save a lot of money and work on making it look good slowly.

Good luck!

Are there special tools you need. I have alot for cars already. I do have a garage.

Where can I find cosmetically damaged bikes?

[Damian]

Craigslist and CycleTrader were the two sites I used most when I was looking for my bike. When you see an ad mentioning "minor damage", "scratched fairing", or something, that's your clue that you can talk them down quite a bit.

Some tools that I had to buy for my bike and didn't have:
-Full set of hex wrenches
-I think they're called "tappet" tools - these thin metal strips for measuring valve clearances
-Cutting wheel for my drill - or angle grinder
-a couple c-clamps
-some odd-sized sockets, like 33mm, 22mm, or a deep-thin-walled 18mm socket
-I don't have it yet, but I need one of those long-angled screwdrivers for adjusting pilot screws on carbs
-torque wrench
-some people buy those chain-riveting tools

Other than those, I think my standard and metric socket set, vise-grips, standard screwdrivers, etc. are usually able to help me get the job done. Carb-cleaner, wd-40, grease, dialectic (sp?) grease for electric connections, etc. are some fluids you'll likely need for an older bike.

[stryped]

Craigslist and CycleTrader were the two sites I used most when I was looking for my bike. When you see an ad mentioning "minor damage", "scratched fairing", or something, that's your clue that you can talk them down quite a bit.

Some tools that I had to buy for my bike and didn't have:
-Full set of hex wrenches
-I think they're called "tappet" tools - these thin metal strips for measuring valve clearances
-Cutting wheel for my drill - or angle grinder
-a couple c-clamps
-some odd-sized sockets, like 33mm, 22mm, or a deep-thin-walled 18mm socket
-I don't have it yet, but I need one of those long-angled screwdrivers for adjusting pilot screws on carbs
-torque wrench
-some people buy those chain-riveting tools

Other than those, I think my standard and metric socket set, vise-grips, standard screwdrivers, etc. are usually able to help me get the job done. Carb-cleaner, wd-40, grease, dialectic (sp?) grease for electric connections, etc. are some fluids you'll likely need for an older bike.

I have all those except the chain rivitor. Are the valve things you are talking about "feeler" guages?

One thing I have never worked with is clutches. They kind of scare me.

Would an 82 yamaha 750 xj be an easy buike to work on?

[stryped]

Craigslist and CycleTrader were the two sites I used most when I was looking for my bike. When you see an ad mentioning "minor damage", "scratched fairing", or something, that's your clue that you can talk them down quite a bit.

Some tools that I had to buy for my bike and didn't have:
-Full set of hex wrenches
-I think they're called "tappet" tools - these thin metal strips for measuring valve clearances
-Cutting wheel for my drill - or angle grinder
-a couple c-clamps
-some odd-sized sockets, like 33mm, 22mm, or a deep-thin-walled 18mm socket
-I don't have it yet, but I need one of those long-angled screwdrivers for adjusting pilot screws on carbs
-torque wrench
-some people buy those chain-riveting tools

Other than those, I think my standard and metric socket set, vise-grips, standard screwdrivers, etc. are usually able to help me get the job done. Carb-cleaner, wd-40, grease, dialectic (sp?) grease for electric connections, etc. are some fluids you'll likely need for an older bike.

I have all those except the chain rivitor. Are the valve things you are talking about "feeler" guages?

One thing I have never worked with is clutches. They kind of scare me.

Would an 82 yamaha 750 xj be an easy buike to work on?

[Johnj]

Yea he means feeler gauges. For setting valves and stuff. Check your local motorcycle salvage yards, all of them in my area have rebuilders and sometimes complete bikes.

[stryped]

Yea he means feeler gauges. For setting valves and stuff. Check your local motorcycle salvage yards, all of them in my area have rebuilders and sometimes complete bikes.

The only thing that scares me about those places is getting one with frame damage. I am not sure I could recognize that.

I was thinking one that needed mechanical work but what do you guys think?

[Deadlever]

Would an 82 yamaha 750 xj be an easy bike to work on?

Given what you stated, sure go for it! In general, Yamaha's XJ 750's are fine bikes. You'll need a manual like a Chilton's or a Haynes for specs. But if it has relatively low miles (under 20,000, for example), there may be a lot of life left there. Follow the service schedule stated in the manual and the bike will be reliable.

To find out what bikes are classic reliables, go to totalmotorcycle's reliable bike guide. There are some that were lemons from the beginning

Parts are available at sites like http://www.powersedge.com, including OEM microfiche and service bulletins.

Don't rush it, make sure the family is "on board" with the project. This can be done on a limited budget.

[stryped]

Would an 82 yamaha 750 xj be an easy bike to work on?

Given what you stated, sure go for it! In general, Yamaha's XJ 750's are fine bikes. You'll need a manual like a Chilton's or a Haynes for specs. But if it has relatively low miles (under 20,000, for example), there may be a lot of life left there. Follow the service schedule stated in the manual and the bike will be reliable.

To find out what bikes are classic reliables, go to totalmotorcycle's reliable bike guide. There are some that were lemons from the beginning

Parts are available at sites like http://www.powersedge.com, including OEM microfiche and service bulletins.

Don't rush it, make sure the family is "on board" with the project. This can be done on a limited budget.

I am having trouble finding the reliable bike guide. Where is it?