Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey all,
I was out looking at very cheap bikes today (ie, less than 1500 CAD), and I've narrowed it down to two choices.
The first on eis a 1978 yamaha 400xs, for $900. It has 16000km on the odometer, and is generally in good shape, except the electrical system is a little sketchy. It might have a bad ground connection somewhere or something along those lines, but the lights sometimes flicker, etc. I'm fairly confident I can fix an electrical problem without much trouble.

The second bike is a 79 suzuki 425gs. It had 36000km on it, and I could get it for the same price (900). I didn't see any glaring problems with it when I test rode it. It also came with a full fairing and saddle bags, though I would probably remove the fairing, atleast until I start doing major hiway riding.

Are either of these bikes worth getting? and if so, which would do you guys think is better? I'm really low on cash right now, so I can't afford much more. I could wait a monthe or two and be able to spend a bit more, but then my riding season gets reduced drastically. I already have a full face helmet and good boots and gloves, and just have to get a jacket (I'm leaning towards a joe rocket mesh type).

Jacob

I'd go with the suzuki... it runs without any other problems you need to deal with. I strongly recommend you get it inspected by a qualified shop, even if this isn't required for you to get it registered. They'll be able to tell you for sure that everything is in good working order. (maybe the seller will split the cost, you can ask).

With any bike that old, look VERY closely at the tires. Dry rot can kill you with a failed tire as you negotiate a curve.

P

Thanks for the advice about the tires, I was sure to check them on both bikes. The yamaha tires were almost brand new, and the suzuki were just a couple years old, without any cracks and barely any tread wear.

I'd go for the Suzuki. I just recently traded in my '83 GS650GL. Had 28000km on it when I bought it last spring and I put 24000km on it with nary a problem. The engines on the GS line are darn near bulletproof, and there is also a great community of GS riders who can help you out with any problems or inquiries you might have.

http://www.thegsresources.com

So, it looks like I'll be taking delivery of the suzuki gs425 today. Can't wait to get it here. The guy is bringing it on a truck. Too bad I can't register/insure it until later on in the week, but atleast I can practice with it in the alleyway still .

Thanks for the link whyte, it looks like a very useful info source.

Jacob

Make sure to post some pics when you get it!

DOH! Looks like I won't have the bike this week after all. The guy who owns the bike got stuck out of town yesterday so he couldn't deliver it, and I'm out of calgary all week. Oh well, I guess I gotta wait...

Btw, can anyone tell me how hard it is to remove a fairing off a bike? the suzuki has a windjammer fairing on it, and I don't really like it. I would like to remove it for city riding.

really easy just make sure you keep track of all the mounting gear...