Ever since I built my motorized bicycle, I've been wanting to get a motorcycle. However, my finances haven't been able to accommodate this desire so all I could do was window shop facebook marketplace/craigslist. Came across a 1981 Yamaha vx750 listed as a "YZ250f" a couple of weeks ago listed for $300 which caught my eye, but it seemed like it just wasn't worth the hassle for the price (namely, it's missing a title which requires getting a bonded title). So I quickly forgot about it and went on with my life.Yesterday, I loaded up FB marketplace to see if there was anything new and to my surprise, the listing for the 81 Yamaha is in my "top picks" and it was reduced to $70! Thinking it had to be an error, I messaged the guy asking if it was available and if the price was right. Almost immedately he responds "yes and yes. Call me" and gives me his number.So I give him a call and he gives me some history on the bike: He got it from a guy as a trade for a tv and an xbox one and gave it to his dad who wanted to fix it up and restore it. Well, as most bikes that are purchased to be "fixed up and restored" it just sat there collecting dust until a bill needed to get paid. So it got put up for sale and when no one wanted it he got desperate and listed it for the price the junkyard offered him. After asking and being assured that it wasn't stoled several times, I decided to go and pick it up as the tires alone are worth more than the asking price.Picked it up and got it home without any drama (vin also doesn't show as stolen on any of the vin checking websites).Considering it was only $70, it's in fairly good shape. It should go without saying that it doesn't run.It's missing the shifter assembly but I've rigged up a suicide shifter using a 10mm and a ratchet (soon to be replaced by a breaker bar), the starter is missing, most of the plastic covers are gone, ignition/gas cap have been drilled out, along with a ton of random odds and ends.However, the important bits such as the engine, transmission, and tires appear to be in great shape. For shits and giggles, I tried to bump start it and despite the carbs not being fully attached (discovered later), it actually popped off once or twice! With that inspring some confidence I got the starter ordered and pulled the carbs off to get them cleaned up while waiting. The inside of the gas tank has some rust but overall it's fairly light and shouldn't be a huge issue until I can replace it.Most of the lighting doesn't want to work despite the fuses being intact, my guess would be bad switches and or bulbs. The front brakes don't work but that isn't surprising as it has no fluid. Thankfully the rear brakes work fine which will be enough for testing it in the neighborhood.Sadly, the previous owner (dad) had a moment of Jack Daniels fueled inspiration and the gas tank got a fresh coat of red paint. Along with parts of the frame. And bits of the engine. And some of the wiring. And some of the chrome. It truly is one of the finest examples of why you don't do body work while drunk.https://imgur.com/a/YoF8GXII have no expectations of ever making this truly roadworthy again, I just picked it up as a project to work on in my spare time and a toy to ride around the neighborhood on. If I get it running, moving, and stopping under its own power I'll consider this a complete success and will probably sell it for $400 put that towards something a little less clapped out. via /r/motorcycles https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/d2imm1/picked_up_my_first_bike_today_for_only_70_1981/?utm_source=ifttt
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