1978 Yamaha xs750 triple Yay or Nay?

M

MNBikerPup

Newbie Rider into all motorcycles.
Hey Guys, need some advice. While browsing craigslist, I came across a
1978 Yamaha xs750 triplefor sale at $600. Current owner states the bike hasn't been on the street since 2008 and would make a good parts bike or with some work get riding again. Does not list what's wrong. I currently have a 81 kawasaki kz650 in need of these parts: headlight w/ brackets, wiring harness, seat, pegs, taillight and signals, title and plate. Would I be better off getting rid of the kawasaki and picking up the yamaha? I am a new rider that has yet to get on the road fully. Thanks for all the advice/tips.
 
For a new rider, with little or no experience, a 750 triple is a hell of a lot of bike.
Quick, heavy, and not the simplist to work on. Especially if its not running, and needs an overhaul.
For $600 you could find a pretty nice old bike to learn on and learn how to wrench on. The kz isnt bad. In the end it just depends on your level of comfort on the bike and with its repair.
 
There's a 850 triple here where I live for very cheap but after looking at the specs on it, I felt it was way too heavy. I don't know how these bikes are from a mechanical, parts or reliably point of view, but just the sheer weight of them turned me off.
 
My thing is I'm limited budget wise. And debating on if I sell the kawa as is for 300-400 (paid 600 for it). My concern is the wiring harness and how to obtain one.
 
GET IT! I have one. It getting a "resto" cafe transformation. I saw the ad and thought it would make a great cafe bike. The shaft drive scares a few people away and they are heavy beasts. They have a solid feel and you don't get blown all over the place at speed. Check out yamaha-triples.org for information. It's the best board I've ever joined (sorry DTT). It quiet, laid back and chocked full of really nice old guys who will thoroughly explain different repairs and ideas. They are not much for modifications even though there are a few cafe guys on it. That's why I joined DTT.

Once these bikes are repaired after sitting for a while and running properly they are reliable. I've done the points to electronic conversion and highly recommend it. Avoid the hitachi carbs and get the 2nd gen Mikuni carbs. That combination is spot on. PM if you have any questions. I have learned a lot in the past 6 months.
 
Jug, are you taking into account that he is VERY new to riding? Not the easiest bike to learn on man.
 
Oh man. Depends.
1. Was gas left in it?
2. Was it stored inside and dry?
3. What shape was it in when stored?
4. Was it properly prepped for a long rest?

You will definitly need to get tires, regrease or replace the cables, rebuild carbs, change ALL fluids, etc...
 
VonYinzer said:
Jug, are you taking into account that he is VERY new to riding? Not the easiest bike to learn on man.
Click to expand...

True. I have had the luck of riding my cousins new 250 dirt bikes. That helped a lot. I also drive a manual and that helps a lot too. Get on something first. I was pretty new to riding also but I took it slow and still have to get my proper certification. I also recommend an advanced riding course to protect yourself against dumb drivers yappin' on cell phones.

Remember these bikes are 30 years old.

If the bike has been sitting for 2 years the first thing is petcocks then carbs. The petcocks can fail and leak fuel into the crank case. That equals spun rod bearings and other fun stuff.

The carbs should get a rebuild and proper tuning with vacuum gauges. I did a rough tune it rides great but not perfect. This can lead to the primary chain slapping the case. Not a difficult fix but is a little costly.

The electrical systems are touchy at best so give that a quick look though and if you want to clean ALL the electrical contacts that is highly recommended. These bikes like AGM batteries best b/c the charging system doesn't kick in fully until 3K rpms.

Skim through my build thread to get an idea.
 
What I am trying to figure out too, would it cost me more to buy this bike and put in the money to get it running or do what I need on the kawa.
 
If I was just getting started, I would go for a 250cc dual sport. And I would get to know the bike in the dirt, before running the gauntlet of cell-phone weilding soccer-moms in SUVs and minivans.
 
I have ridden. Mostly dirt. Plus I have experience in manual transmissions. But, it's the inexperience dealing with other vehicles on the road. I have plans to take the basic course this spring, beginning of April. I have ridden from a 150cc to 1000cc sport bike. It's all about having respect for the power of the engine. :D
 
Its tought to say without ALL of the info man. Would really need to know EXACTLY what both bikes need. I can tell you that parts for a 750 triple will probobly not be as prevelant as most other bikes, and therefore more expensive when you do find them.
 
Oh, I did fail to mention, I stand 5'5" with a 30" inseam. Most dirt 250's are way too tall for me.
 
As far as which one to fix up is something you have to decide by really looking at both. I thought I would have a road worthy machine with tires and carbs...not the case. I am rebuilding everything but the engine since I have swapping plans for the future. Parts aren't too expensive and I have enough links and other info I could give you to rebuild it from the ground up. When it's all said and done I'll probably be in it for 2K easy.

Expect to at least replace/rebuild/inspect. Plugs, wires, battery, ignition if it has points, tires, clutch, brakes, carbs, oil, various gaskets that are probably cracked and warn out. If you want a good "easy" project I think it's a good direction. All the the triples guys on the forum are cheap asses and are more than willing to share their bargain finds.
 
Thanks guys. Yeah, will be doing more research in regards to parts and such. And I did join the triple forum. I also want a cheap way to get around since gas won't be going down anytime soon.
 
hasn't been on the street since 2008 and would make a good parts bike or with some work get riding again. Does not list what's wrong

Sounds like he knows as much as you about the bike

If you feel confident in your diagnostic abilities and mechanical fortitude go for it. Great bikes when set up properly. Remember used parts will be 32 years old if you are on a tight budget.
 
My guess is that if it ran before storage, then the carbs probably need cleaning, petcock needs checking as well as the gas in the tank. Will be talking to the guy tomorrow. Hopefully.
 
Disconnect and clean all wiring connections and make sure the main grounds are good. A fully charged AGM battery is also a good investment. Electrical problems abound with these bikes if they have been neglected.
 
Ok, quick off subject post, Anyone live in MN by any chance? If so, any knowledge of an employer hiring part time that would work with a messed up schedule as follows: Every other Monday, 7 am to 2 pm, All day on Tuesday, 7 am to 2 pm on Weds, 10 am till any time on Thurs, every other Friday 7 am till 2 pm, every other Monday off, every other Friday all day. Thanks. I'm desperate for work and will do anything legal. Thanks.
 
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