My favourite line of bikes
Had to install carb kits as it had not been used for 5 years previous to buying it, new plugs and replaced petcock. It runs, shifts and handles fantastic for an old girl.
Would highly recommend anyone who has not ridden one to try one out, you will love it.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th August, 2019
Nothing better for the price, but not perfect
Carburetors will be tricky on an old machine like this. Needs adjustment as other parts will inevitably fail due to wear and tear. Need to be mechanically savvy, as to adjust the carburetors alone can be an easy $300-400 at a mechanic; that's not considering if there are other problems that need to be fixed first.
Head light is weak and doesn't do much at night.
The exhaust is pointed on the slight angle, pointing directly under the storage bags (on the XJ700), causing your hands be always dirty if you touch it.
Pretty weak brakes and stopping power if compared to modern machines.
Doesn't like the traffic as it's an air cooled North American Model. Heat will be felt if standing for a long time.
Most annoying is that fuel tank is only 13L and other fuel tanks from SECA do not fit. With a passenger or luggage, expect 8-9L per 100 km. Range with this tiny tank is only 122 km without hitting the 3L reserve; not too good for long trips.
Comfortable for both the driver and passenger. Softer suspension with long travel on the front forks, having more give when braking hard.
Cheap and widely available tire sizes. Very very quick bike for an 80s machine, still giving chase to the modern beasts. Lower insurance (Canada) as it's based on the value not on VRGs. Shaft drive - hassle free maintenance. Looks better in person than on the picture. Feels great to ride, very comfy position.
Nothing can beat this bike at this price. One can be picked up under $2k. Some under $1k, but expect that YouTube electricians already messed with all the wires on the bike. To tune the carbs you will need a special tool to block all the carbs (depending on the year, but most XJ).
A positive is that I'm not afraid to scratch it, drop it or try out things I'm scared to on the other more expensive bikes
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 5th July, 2019
For $700 bucks, the bike is awesome
Thumb operated blinker switch replaced.
Carb's can be a bit touchy.
Purchased my XJ700n for $700 on August 18th, 2012 and have since put on about 1000 miles. Was never a Yamaha guy, but really have come to like this bike. Purchased the bike with saddle bags, fork bag and spare rear fender. Have put new battery, new spark plugs, UNI air filter, and changed out all fluids. Starts and runs pretty good, but need to clean out the carbs a bit better, as the idle jets seem to be clogged some.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd August, 2012
"Stealth" cruiser that has power to spare and is easy to handle
So far, I've not had the bike long, and just had to get some things done to it that the previous owner(s) neglected to take care of:
Fork seals.
Carb clean/tune.
New plugs.
Change oil and rear diff fluid.
New gel cell battery.
But it starts great, and runs great!
Fun bike! Just bought it about a week ago. This is my first bike, and I only bought something after taking the Motorcycle Safety Foundation safety course, and highly recommend it. The course was a blast and super helpful.
Anyway, I test rode a number of different bikes, all standards, no cruisers or crotch rockets. This thing is kind of in between a standard and a cruiser. Though the motor is very "un-cruiser"! It's got plenty of power for a newbie like me, but is very easy to handle, and will just as easily cruise mellowly around town. When I test rode it, I just got this big grin on my face, if that tells you anything.
Love that it's got shaft drive; it shifts crisply, seems to brake okay, but then I'm still learning.
The seating is comfy, if maybe a touch cramped for someone my height (5' 11"). And with a pretty much upright seating posture, it seems good for long rides. Just need a small windshield and some bags.
And it MOVES. Hit the gas and you will go somewhere quickly. It pulls easily from 65-70 mph, and will keep right on going. The peak of the power band is somewhere around 9K, and it loves to go there. Fun in the twists, and can't wait till I'm more comfortable to push it a bit harder.
Downsides: Small tank! Non adjustable forks (other than changing oil weight -- if anyone knows any other ways to adjust them, let me know) and kinda mediocre rear shocks -- or I just don't know how to adjust them properly.
And should be cheap to own with shaft drive, air-cooled and a gel battery, plus new tires and the tune up; should be good to go for many years.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd July, 2012