HELP - buying advice 1985 Yamaha Maxim 700

[wcervant]

Found a great looking 85 maxim 700 on craigslist. Bike had been sitting for 3 years. Owner says it ran great before sitting. One carb leaks gas if left, but does not leak when running. Needs fresh gas/carb cleaning. Says it idles real low and the choke is tempermental.

- Currently starts and rides.
- 36k miles
- valves adjusted at 32k
- oil changed at 35k

- selling for $895
- needs money and no longer rides bc of old age

IS THIS A GOOD RELATIVELY SAFE BUY or A HEADACHE in terms of repair?

[Johnj]

Hello wcervent and welcome to the forum. Is everything there? All the body pieces. The airbox. Get a hold of a service manual and find out what service work is due at 36k. If the bike sat around for three years the tires are shot and need to be replaced. What kind of exhaust dos it have on it? Good Luck.

[wcervant]

Everything is there. Everything is stock. A little bit of a fixer upper is what I was after, but not too much of a fixer upper.

[BRUMBEAR]

John is right about tires and you will probably have to add a battery,and fork seals if it's been sitting that long as well as the possibility of clutch plates doubtful but a possibility. So add that and the carb repair price to the $895 and your not terrible but it isn't a slam dunk either get the bike for a nickel and you have done well IMO

[Hanson]

If you can get the bike and get in safe riding condition, you still need a good helmet, boots, gloves, jacket and pants. It adds up, but then riding is such a fun activity. If you can figure out how to make it work financially, you are going to have a great time. Even if you get a bad deal, I doubt that you will regret you decision, at least not for the money issue.

Welcome to the Total Motorcycle Forum.

Safe Travels,
Richard

[vinzsalvador]

Found a great looking 85 maxim 700 on craigslist. Bike had been sitting for 3 years. Owner says it ran great before sitting. One carb leaks gas if left, but does not leak when running. Needs fresh gas/carb cleaning. Says it idles real low and the choke is tempermental.

- Currently starts and rides.
- 36k miles
- valves adjusted at 32k
- oil changed at 35k

- selling for $895
- needs money and no longer rides bc of old age

IS THIS A GOOD RELATIVELY SAFE BUY or A HEADACHE in terms of repair?

Go for it dude. It worth the money.