03-01-2010, 12:12 PM | #1 |
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HOLY COW look at this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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03-01-2010, 01:12 PM | #2 |
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As long as it's NOT a TX
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03-01-2010, 01:18 PM | #3 | |
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Quote:
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03-01-2010, 02:55 PM | #4 |
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A TX 750 is the horrible vertical twin that Yamaha built for a few years. The early models had too small an oil sump that the counterbalance shafts whipped the oil into a froth giving almost instant crankshaft failure at speed. In year 2, the sump size was increased, and now the engines lasted long enough for the counter balance shaft drive chains to stretch, throwing the counter balancers out of time resulting in a "lump" that shook like a dog passing razor blades. Years ago you used to see "imported 750 vertical twin engines" for sale in the bike magazines for $100......these were them (Yamaha had thousands of them they couldn't sell). These, and the 3 cylinder 750, have a lot of parts in common with the Virago, most notable the starter drive that won't last one season (if you use the electric start), at best it rattles, at worst it blows up filling the crankcase with shrapnel, in effect, lunching the engine.
The TX 500 should be avoided for the same reason(s). |
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03-01-2010, 04:05 PM | #5 |
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Interesting. This bike is a Triple. I had read some about the Twins being big trouble. Almost sounds like where the ChinaBikes are now with reliability issues. Even Mighty Yamaha build a few duds. As more time goes by, the CB's will likely also improve.
For $50 I might check it out. If it looks like it will need more than something like tires, carb work and a battery I'll probably pass.
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03-01-2010, 04:15 PM | #6 |
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I would pass too if it needed any more than that. Cheap bikes can be more expensive than just buying a good one.
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03-01-2010, 04:48 PM | #7 | |
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03-02-2010, 07:58 AM | #8 |
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Thats true. If I remember right Suzuki had a much easier transition to 4 strokers than Yamaha did, and actually built some pretty decent engines during that time
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03-02-2010, 08:30 AM | #9 |
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Suzuki had stout engines in the GS series bikes. Just problems with electrical mostly.
Yamaha has always seemed to have more mechanical issues. Then you can buy a well rounded chinabike.
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03-02-2010, 11:55 AM | #10 | |
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I never heard back from this guy so I'll cross it off the list of possible projects, but my nurse has a Virago in her backyard that 'ran when parked' 2 years ago. It's her brother in law's and she just wants to give it to me. I'll check it out on Wednesday...
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03-02-2010, 12:03 PM | #11 |
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Probably will need starter work. I had an 81 750. Good bike. Limited though. Buddy's honda 400 would outrun it. Geared too low.
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03-02-2010, 12:16 PM | #12 | |
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03-02-2010, 01:25 PM | #13 |
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You can fit a taller tire, but still there are better suited to lower speed roads. I maxed at about 80 with mine. It wouldn't keep up with the 400. It did decent on gas though and road pretty well.
Not really for a tall person either.
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03-02-2010, 03:11 PM | #14 | |
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03-02-2010, 03:51 PM | #15 |
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My Radian was pretty good. It had 50K on it.
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