The Best Motorcycle 600$ can buy / Yamaha XJ 900 F 58 L

[@skaraborgcraft]

Owned one of these as a courier in the UK. 200,000 miles on one chassis, 2 alternators, 1 broken shaft UJ, engine replaced at 120,000 due to gearbox failure (worn dogs). Rear tyres would go 8-10k, fronts 9-12k (Pirelli Phantoms). Changed oil every 3k, which was sometimes weekly. Change air filter as soon as average mpg falls, 220 miles tank range + reserve. I fitted that bike like a glove, but today im too old, and the bike too heavy. But the memories........

[@ropa4175]

Hundert Prozent richtig in allem, was ihr in diesem Video sagt! Ich habe meine XJ 900 58L nun schon seit 15 Jahren und gebe sie nicht mehr her.

[@philippmies8506]

Das freut mich sehr zu hören. Danke!

[@axlsane427]

Love those classic style bikes. That's what an all rounder bike should look like. We've lost that simplicity and ergonomics because nowadays everything is about design. Everything must change, but they changed what worked well.

[@niclaswelander4509]

those blinkers are lifesavers......a blind man can feel the heat when they lite up!

[@FreeMilesMC]

😂😂😂

[@protonpillpopper1]

Really enjoying your content. Such a wide variety of bikes. Sending you love from Australia. Keep doing what you're doing 👍

[@FreeMilesMC]

Thank you for your encouragement it really helps hearing that the content is positively received ☺️

[@b3rnd0210]

I own one 4BB since 2022, best bike I ever. Runs on 5l/100km, if you do not push it too hard. Yes it can be driven fast, but it is also a great Cruiser. Improvements: Have ICON shockies and Steel break-lines. Plus a MRA winscreen with a flexible spoiler. Of course you need to be ready to repair stuff yourself. Carburetors cleaning, replacing the plastic(!!!) connectors between the carbs and syncing is a main weak point. Having done that and the liquids, it is a really reliable bike.

[@jeremyguillermand3419]

2 years ago, I bought a Yamaha XJ 900 but the Diversion model year 2001 with only 50.000km. The engine is a bit less powerful 89ch and 200km/h vmax. For 1800€, I paid my laziness, because it was ready to ride without any other expense during 2 more years. The guy just got new tires, new brakes pads and discs, new fluids, the carburetor was ultra sound cleaned, new engine oil, cardan maintenance, etc.. After riding it for 2 years and 10.000km, I just had to finally change the old battery (75€), get new oil (80€) and soon new tires (280€). The accelerator cable was loose and I replaced some blinking lights and few screws. It's almost in any point of comparison worst than my recent bike (Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro), but I kinda like it, it feels raw. I commute to work 3-4 times a week with it, never had any trouble but the old battery. You have to get use to no ABS, but it's fine. Huge tank 24L for easy 300km range. A bit high fuel consumption, because of the carburetor, but it's fine. Two big downsides: no 6th gear, a bit heavy at slow speed.

[@fabiena1787]

I like your microphone so much! Joke aside, really nice channel.

[@romanrampapam4772]

When you buy such an old motorcycle you have to be prepared for the fact that you will have to repair many things yourself. Otherwise you will lose a fortune on mechanics. Fortunately, older motorcycles are not as complicated as modern ones. Doing your own maintenance and repair also gives a lot of satisfaction.

[@philippmies8506]

So true. I love to work on that bike!

[@martynkorol5322]

I love them too. Have 90s kawasakis and bimotas with the same Yamaha engine as the 1000. Ultra cool bikes to ride if a little temperamental. Buy while you can! Prices will only go up Martyn.

[@FreeMilesMC]

It’s so cool to hear that you have bimotas if you are open to the idea I would love to make a video about them as it’s sutch a unique brand and especially the older ones are soo cool. Definitely feel free to send me an email ☺️

[@MRannikko]

Learning! That is the best way to learn your OWN bike!👍

[@roadstrom]

I had a 1999 XJ 900 and was an excellent bike in 1999

[@bertoldriesenteil1430]

This was just what I needed on a cold evening in Brandenburg. Thanks for all the hard work that went into making this video. I need one of those too! Alles gute an euch nach da wo ihr seiht, egal wo das sein mag. Prima gemacht und eure English war prima. Bin Muttersprachler, deswegen könnt ihr mir glauben.

[@FreeMilesMC]

Vielen Dank für all die netten Worte. Thank you for appreciating what goes in to the Production of This Kind of content☺️

[@philippmies8506]

Danke das freut mich zu hören! Ich kann dir nur empfehlen dir so ein Bike zuzulegen. Ich habe vor ein paar Wochen eine XJ 900 F mit einem Freund zusammen für 450 € gekauft! 50.000 Km auf der Uhr und sie läuft erstklassig.

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

An exciting presentation filled with suspense and best news is Phillip is healthy and well. These Xj900‘s are long distance work horses. Once everything’s setup you just need to visualize your destination, they get you there and back. Noticed down below concerns regarding fuel ⛽ consumption and I agree but, the difference weighed in on having spent a few grand more on something more economical compared to the cost of an Xj900 will never-EVER weigh you in or out of pocket over a 3year or more period in costs. Does anyone understand what I‘m getting at? Plus, any Xj900 will run rings around Gold Wings and co cos I‘ve worked at a Honda/Yamaha dealership. I‘ve seen these Xj900‘s everywhere on my travels and I used to have an Xj650.

[@philippmies8506]

I totally get your point, and thanks for your concern about my health. I'm fine, and I can tell you, it was one hell of a ride! 😆 Going well beyond 200 kph with a rapidly flattening tire was something new and thrilling for me. No more need for roller coasters, I think! 🤣

[@davidrochow9382]

I own the 95 diversion model of that which has a 24 litre tank. They are a great bike for touring. There are reports of them doing over 400,000 miles on the same motor.

[@FreeMilesMC]

They are very Impressive Long lasting bikes ☺️

[@TS-sw3xp]

I love your Channel. Xj900 has a lot of Character. A bit heavy and gasoline consumption is also a bit high though

[@FreeMilesMC]

Actually the weight is not that noticable. The Fuel consuption tho is 😂

[@michaelarchangel1163]

I had a new, 1983, 853cc model. It was an ok bike but left me with numb fingers if ridden above 80 MPH, a problem which I believe was remedied when the following models engines were enlarged slightly. They also did away with the front anti-dive and adjustable handlebar angle. I did read of one courier who had an '83, who did over 300,000 miles on his, so the vibes can't have been terminal ! What could have been, before Yamaha retro fitted a frame mounting for the fairing on the first year bikes, was a 120 MPH lock to lock tank slapper which gave me an enormous scare, the first time I gave the bike a handful after I'd fully broken in the engine.

[@RRRRefuelRideRace]

A very nice example. Enjoyed. Definitely a keeper.

[@enfielddnepr]

I have one. if you replace the original suspension front & back you have a very nice handling, powerfull and torquey workhorse..

[@wiljandaris]

great review, have one of those. Best price/fun ratio you can find

[@jfv65]

Maybe the tire was repaired with a plug after a puncture? For a motorcycle that is a big no-no for high speed riding. Only acceptable for gently riding home. The XJ900F is sweet. Great Japanese reliability. Yamaha also made a similar newer bike, The Diversion 900. That bike also has shaft drive (Cardan)

[@FreeMilesMC]

I actually have the diversion 600 it’s super cool☺️

[@iainbaker2742]

I've ridden plugged tyres fast with no problem. Always got them professionally done and under advice. Most bikers I've met do the same......

[@philippmies8506]

The tire was sliced by something sharp and the cut was too long for any plug. Sudden end to the trip for me but i enjoyed the fast ride with Miles.

[@adamriese3610]

As you know, i rebuild a BMW K75 with Kardan drive. And after owning Belt (Sportster) Chain (Versys) and Kardan (K75) i can say, that i dont like it. The Metal of the housing gets brittle and is expensive to replace (maybe not typical on all old bikes). Also there are so much moving parts like shaft drives and a lot bearings.... replacing everything (which should be done on old bikes from the 80s, i dont want a bad bearing and so on, when driving fast) is very cost intensive. So for me i prefer Chain and Belt drive. Its so cheap to replace and you can adjust gearings if you want to. Just keep these things in mind if you buy and repair old bikes.

[@FreeMilesMC]

I was actually thinking of your bmw very recently during the filming of another review ☺️

[@Tuvalu8]

Beautiful Bike and not that expensive. Problem with this old motorcycles is often getting good tires. Cause of some weird rim and tire sizes you get only tires, which are called "Holzreifen" for those old bikes.

[@onlyvintagewatches]

Very nice review for a very nice bike. And what a scare!

[@philippmies8506]

What a ride that was! 🤣 I had my fun!

[@hge8706]

Great vid. 👍

[@FreeMilesMC]

Thank you ☺️

[@Antony_Pt]

Great video but if u Run my passion Yamaha FJ 1200 you gone enjoy too.✌️🕶️ Regards from Portugal 🇵🇹

[@philippmies8506]

Gonna try it ✌

[@LiviuXSA]

nice vid, nice bike but 4 carburettors would be hell on earth, just asking for trouble. u NEED a house with garage to repair this. i did something similar, after u do it once u never wanna do it again, fuel injectors is just 2 screws, carbs are way more hassle and dirt than they are worth. keepin em synced and running well, meh!

[@FreeMilesMC]

Yes That one is a pain in the ass

[@BGdaredevil]

I've been around carburated bikes for the past 15 years. My current bike is a 1986 XJ600 51J. Nicely tuned carbs are practically the same as EFI, however, throttle response and general feedback is much better. Maintenance is not that bad - at the start of the season, just check the sparkplugs for gap and color, do the needed adjustments to the mixture screws, do a sync, touch the idle RPM screw if it is needed and you are done - it takes 1 afternoon. Yes you will need a set of sync gauges, but they are not expensive and are also used to sync throttle bodies on EFI bikes (yes that is a thing).

[@nilstaepp7603]

I have this

[@diisi584]

Hi:) eine frage Warum holst du dir eig nicht eine 125er als allrounder und tourer? Wie die aus deinem Video

[@FreeMilesMC]

125er warden oft relativ teuer gehandelt auf dem gebraucht Markt und das ist momentan noch nicht drin. Aber irgendwann ☺️

[@diisi584]

@@FreeMilesMC verstehe ich ok:) Dachte mir halt wenn man soviel km fährt wie du ist einspritzer nicht verkehrt und die 125er verbrauchen.1,8liter benzin Gibt gebrauche für 1.300 Hammer Kanal..

[@FreeMilesMC]

@diisi584 oh, echt ich hab für die Honda cb125f nur über 2200 gefunden. 1300 ist immer noch recht happig aber wie du schon sagst der Sprit würde es rausreisen

[@Rolandmotocom]

Hy there from Romania 🇷🇴. I own a XJ650 4k0 1980. I have a problem, after the engine is getting to running temperature, my acceleration is getting stuck around 2.2k rpm. It is running lean in my opinion. I have pics with compression and spark plugs. The carbs were cleaned and sync in a motor shop. Any thoughts guys? I could use some help

[@FreeMilesMC]

Hmm Sounds like the bike is not getting enough Fuel to Rev higer. Does your motorcycle have those Little Filter colectors underneth this swimming needle in the carburetor itself maybe rust is trapped in there

[@BGdaredevil]

Unfortunately many motorshops do not really know what they are doing regarding these bikes. In any case it sounds like you have torn intake boots - to verify try using the bike with a little choke. However it is usually worth it to start with the simple things - try unscrewing the idle RPM screw (between the middle carbs) - does it fix it? Another option is to unwind the idle mixture screw another 1 - 1.5 turns on all cardbs - this will richen the mixture a bit and will have the same effect as the choke. Go do a litle drive get it up to operating temperature and then do your tests.

[@SherKhan-b1kes]

I used to have the same bike. It could be a variety of issues with bikes over 40years old. My tendency is towards the coils, HT Leads and suppressor caps. I think the spark is breaking down when it comes under load.

[@FoundingStockNZ]

Hell yea these are mean!

[@hpenvy1106]

I promise to subscibe, if you promise me a proper sound check of your next motorcycle 😁 Also: Mensch Phillip, hast du ein Glück gehabt. Zieh dich das nächste mal anständig an 😘

[@FreeMilesMC]

Ok from now on one proper sound checks. I still have a few already filmed ones I need to edit ☺️

[@hpenvy1106]

@@FreeMilesMC deal 😁

[@philippmies8506]

Danke dir! Ja das war schon wild. Ich kann aber beruhigend sagen, dass ich die volle Montur an hatte! Bei der Autobahn hör der Spass auf 😉

[@Terraceview]

$600 or EU600, come on get this straight.

[@IrlDave71]

You find me a xj900 as good as this for €1000 or less, I'll fly to Germany to buy and drive it back to Ireland plus I'll pay you €100 for trouble.

[@wiljandaris]

just let me know have one in nice condition, happy to sell this to you for 1200 eur. it is a grey one, all fluids replaced. do some 2500 km per year on it. tires are fine (profile, no cracks, ) but a bit old. happy to share pictures.

[@kopasznyaku]

For (less than) 1000 euro you may buy an old bike that looks good from a distance (I did, a 1200 Bandit)..But then it's more than likely you too will have to spend a few months in the garage before you can take such a long trip with confidence. Or before it starts (stops, rides) at all. Lots of cursing and learning. Buying tools like ultrasonic cleaner, compressor, bike lifts, feeler gauges, Japanese screwdriver-sets. etc Getting familiar with them fluids. All of them. Learning to do a compression test. Cleaning and syncing carbs. Brake bleeding. Pad replacement. Tyre change. Lubricating cables. And the like. After standing in a shed for few years it still might look nice from a distance, but it's unlikely that it is going to be ready. In case you are not willing to learn the trade of a moto mechanics, you will spend at least 3000-4000 to get such a bike in a properly serviced, roadworthy condition. The price is similar if you're buying a running, mint condition one... Learning the trade is not a bad option, and you can "save" a lot on it. I rather spend the money on tools than on service costs. Of course there are reparations that by far exceed my skill level. Then there's no such option. At the end of the session the cost may not be any lower than buying a working condition bike, considering the tools you may need to buy. But the outcome may also significantly differ. For about the same price you not only get a working condition motorcycle, but some extras, like: - some related tools - plus a way more skilled you. Which may reduce your costs on the long run significantly.

[@enfielddnepr]

Besides that, you are not allowed to ride that fast on the Dutch highway! You norty boy!

[@FreeMilesMC]

It’s the German Autobahn don’t worry ☺️. I would Not do This in the netherlands

[@enfielddnepr]

@@FreeMilesMC Leider.. dan kannst du hier schnell sein und können wir NL bier vs. Deutsches bier vergleichen...

[@vanveen8472]

don't you love competent motorcycles