Yamaha Motorcycle Dilemma (Maxim or Virago)?

Well, I guess you would call me a yamaha expert although I have been a mechanic for all brands for 35 years. The 1994 virago would be your best bet. They are in the shop the least of those you mentiioned. Also, resurecting the 83 Maxim would cost more than you think since that 550 is an unuasual size making parts rare and expensive. The 535 virago sold many more units. But, the title is an issue. If you can do a bill of sale and hold off paying him til the title clears that would eliminate any posibility of him trying to sell you questionable merchandise. Also, adjusting the carbs on the 535 is easily done even if you don't have vacuum gauges. The maxims are sensitive at low rpms and absolutely can't be done without the vacuum gauges. Plus the 535 gets better gas mileage.