Which one should I get? xj550 or gsx400???

**gamgee** · 24th July 2005, 15:54

I have to choice of two bikes the first:
Yamaha XJ550 40000ish k's on it 1982 quite a tidy example for $550
or
Suzuki GSX400 50000ish k's on it 1985(ish) has a few dents on the tank and a little surface rust on the exhaust $400
both have rego on hold, and no current wof, hence why they are so cheap so which would you go for if it was you? photos below

**campbellluke** · 24th July 2005, 16:07

Don't get twins get the Yamaha. The puzuki may struggle to even do 100 miles.

**FROSTY:Me** · 24th July 2005, 16:15

see my post in your other thread.
The suzuki I'd suggest is the best bet given both bikes are in the same sorta condition tyre/chain etc wise.
for the record the gsx400 was a 180km/h bike

**campbellluke** · 24th July 2005, 16:27

Originally Posted by FROSTY

for the record the gsx400 was a 180km/h bike

If that's true I take it back. Im pretty sure than suzuki had an early 80s Katana type gsx400f or something? I would believe that would do 180. But that one doesn't look anything like a katana.

http://www.suzukicycles.org/GSX-series/GSX400E.shtml
don't know how accurate that website is but it says 44 crank hp to 177kg dry weight. - Im sorry about what I said about speed. I guess they will pull in 180.

My 250 has got 40 hp to 160kg and it doesn't quite do 180k's.

But. XJ's are cool ;p

**myvice** · 24th July 2005, 16:40

I had a 550, good bike too!
Not fast but comfy and 2 up went well, my one cost me $500 so the price is about right, my one had high k's and the carbs needed a rebuild. (not that I bothered) and would consider it a good first bike if not for our stupid rule!

**gamgee** · 24th July 2005, 17:18

yeah i'm leaning towards the xj550 just because it's got lower k's and looks tidier, it needs a rego and wof as rego on hold and wof expired also needs new battery as it's been sitting for ages, and i think they said it was running a bit rough because it had old dirty fuel in it, so what should i offer for it, $400? what top speed should i expect and how will it handle compared to my sr250 as it looks a similar riding style, thanks

**gamgee** · 24th July 2005, 17:21

what is the xj550 like reliability wise, how high can the k's go before major repairs are needed and what sort of things (and cost) go wrong regularly?

**FROSTY:Me** · 24th July 2005, 17:33

great reliability dude--But the bike in question is a custom -
not the best handling bike in the world

**myvice** · 24th July 2005, 17:43

My one wasn’t the best example but I had it at 160 where it vibrated all my fillings out!
Handle like a drunken walrus!

**gamgee** · 24th July 2005, 17:47

Originally Posted by FROSTY

great reliability dude--But the bike in question is a custom -
not the best handling bike in the world

in what way is it a custom?

**FROSTY:Me** · 24th July 2005, 18:13

its a xj550 custom. -about early eighties the japs built a bunch of bikes which were "chopped" versions of their standard bikes. I think it was to apeal to the american market.
xj550custom still has the same motor but has a raked out front end and shorter rear shocks
Again dude I'd strongly suggest the suzuki ---my suggestion is based on you previous posts and aparent riding experience.
The suzuki will handle a heap better and will seem a shit load lighter to throw around.