wanna trade something smaller for my XJ?

[tab1324]

I'm considering trading down the XJ.... I had lowered the bike by sticking the front forks up high but then I loose the airshocks because the air fitting placement. I'm a reletively small guy for this bike (5'-8") and when the forks are where they come stock, I can't flat-foot the bike. I can hold it up on my toes only.

I really love the bike for its power and smooth ride over the rode. It handles a bit like a bus to me but I am pretty inexperienced too... That's why I'm considering trading if someone has something smaller... Like maybe a 750 or something. Doesn't have to be a Yamaha but I really have grown to like the brand so that's prefered.

If you're interested in a trade give me a PM. I'm in the Minneapolis, MN area and could deliver within a few hundred miles.

Trade considerations: My bike is in decent shape for it's age. Runs pretty good after a slight struggle at start up. Could probably use a carb synch. New battery and Dunlops, new soft bags. about 32,000 miles. New tabs in February. It was in a slide-out last year - maybe partially because it's too big for me - so the left engine cover has some scratches...

Maybe if nothing else, people could give me an idea of what it's worth.

Tom Brant

[John]

Bike's value

This time of year, people are getting the fever for a bike. You should be able to get around $1200 for it. You say you can't flat foot an XJ and you're 5'8? My wife is 5'5 and she could flat foot the XJ's that we had before we parted them out. The seat height isn't very tall, is it? The XS is 32 inch seat height, and I thought the XJ was only around 29-30 inches?

[Pat Kelly]

I'm 5'8" (32" inseam) and I can't 'flat-foot' my XS either. Dosen't bother me. I usually only put one foot down anyway. Uncomfortable for some I guess .
I'd like to raise my bike some to gain cornering clearance. My bike is for riding, not sitting at lights any longer than necessary .
I did hear of a 2004 Virago 250 for sale today. Less than 3,000 miles. $2,800 (I think). Located here in Central California. I get nothing from this, just passing info along if anyone's interested (70 MPG).

[newmaac]

Hey Tab, I am 5'-6", 30" inseam. I hear what you are saying about the tippy-toeey thing.
I just shaved my seat foam, and put the seat cover back on.
It was really easy, and made a world of difference.
Withouy sacraficing ground clearance or suspension, I lowered the saddle an inch, and narrowed it about an inch.

Just a thought.

[BJGLIDE]

Do you have adjustable shocks? Or get shorter shocks.

[TopCatGr58]

I really love the bike for its power and smooth ride over the rode. It handles a bit like a bus to me but I am pretty inexperienced too...

Hey Tab,

The XJ is smaller than the XS in the seat height. I think the center of gravity is a bit lower than the XS due to some of the frame changes. If you're finding it hard to handle in the turns, or to get to turn, then like you said, it just sounds like you're not performing the countersteering maneuver properly. Yes, they are heavy machines, but they really don't handle that laboriously!

Just curious, how are your handlebars positioned? If you have them set fairly close together, you might want to try positioning them further apart, should provide you better leveridge for making turns!
T.C.

[strom]

Im almost 5.9 and a standard. I usually tiptoe the thing around, but I got used to it. It's a heavy bastard, but my character is heavier.
Gonna go sleep now. Just had an exhausting discussion with the standard. Bout 10 hours worth. Replaced front forks (which I took apart yesterday, scrubbed out the goo that was once oil, replaced oil seals etc. in a 5 hour discussion, replaced all the turn signals while I was at it). Anyway, replaced the clutch springs, synced the carbs, changed gas filters, installed an alarm system, cleaned the garage a bit. My dad was kinda pissed and I couldn't step anywhere anymore. Just have to finish the fork brace.
Results of the discussion... can't wait to ride
My advice... keep the bike, lower the seat. Or get a VFR 750. Or a big block guzzi. But they rather suck as tourers IMHO.

LP