1983 Suzuki GR650 Tempter, 1979 Yamaha xs1100... Opinions and Advice please

[Bminder]

I'm looking at two local bikes on craigslist.
An 83 Suzi GR650 Tempter and a 79 Yam XS1100...
Please check out the links and give me your opinions on them.
Both are fixer-upers for tooling around town around and such.

The Suzi:
http://wyoming.craigslist.org/mcy/4384495224.html

The Yamamama:
http://wyoming.craigslist.org/mcy/4382490553.html

[Capn Ron]

If you're just looking to kick around town...AND you already own an FJ...I'd go with the Suzuki.  At $300, it's the perfect beater/grocery-getter and you won't ever be tempted to pour money into a "classic".  If I had the XS1100, I'd be tempted to restore it and tour on it.

Cap'n Ron. . .

[Bminder]

Yeah, I'm leaning that way. Looks like a cool bike and for driving around Cheyenne, where 40 is the max, it would be perfect.

[movenon]

I vote for the Suzuki.... A little custom work and you have a fun runner. http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=41321.0
Years past I rode a XS 1100. Heavy, top heavy, bad suspension (IMO). If want a touring machine there are better bikes out there.
George

[Flynt]

I'd pass on both...  they're both money pits and not worth the investment.  Here's a 1980 CB750 in Sheridan that looks like a better bet...

http://wyoming.craigslist.org/mcy/4354256551.html

representative photo...



Likely a better bet and right in between on price...

Frank

[Bminder]

That does look nice but it's 5 hours away...

[andyb]

No title?

Pass.

The XS11 will just make you think the FJ was a step forward.

Keep lookin'.

[Bminder]

No title?

Pass.

The XS11 will just make you think the FJ was a step forward.

Keep lookin'.

No title?
This is Wyomin!  We don't need no stinkin' title!

[jscgdunn]

Once, for 20 KM, I swapped my 92 FJ with my friends XS1100.  I have no interest in getting on the 1100 again.  A few months later bought an 85 FJ.  For the money ($1000), I would scrape up another $500 and find an FJ. 

Jeff

[Bminder]

This isn't the replace the FJ, it's just for fun, putting around Cheytown.
I would just use the FJ when I'm runnin moonshine.

[FJ111200]

I've got 2 XS1100's and they are modded because I really couldn't get on with them in standard form.
They handle better with a pillion when using the standard suspension. One is using standard suspension and the other is using an FJ 3CV front with XJR 17 x 3.5 wheel and handles great.
I've converted the ignition and fuel supply to XJ1100 on both which to me is a much better option, instead of the vacuum advance mechanism of the original, the purists out there can argue till the cows come home, but at 48mpg UK I'm not complaining. Shaft drive is great aswell.
That one in the ad ain't my cup of tea with it being a full dresser, but that seems to be the case with a lot of the US owners. $1000 for a bike stood for 20 years isa bit steep, $500 to $700 maybe. Check out this site for more info   www.xs11.com  or   www.xs11.org or even us over at  www.xs1100.com .
If you want some pictures let me know.

[FJ111200]

Mmm, typical me not reading the ad properly  
Garaged 20 years not stood.   I'd sell the bodywork to re-coup some money.

Also he says the cam chain tensioner has no adjustment left. That means the cam chain is shagged and needs replacing. You can get a mil or two back by using sealant instead of gasket. One of my mods is to use a VMAX tensioner, but that's still no good if the chain is gone. Replacement chains are cheap enough.
Also remember that some new spares are unobtainable for bikes that are 35 years old, which will apply to any bike.

[Bminder]

I'm going over to look at the Suzi here in a few minutes.
He says 'no title' in the ad, and if he tells me it was never titled in his name, I'll have to walk away. If it was titled in his name, we can go down and get a duplicate title.