Faults:

No serious problems at all. A very dependable, low maintenance ride.

Valves on mine are a bit noisy, and a valve adjustment didn't seem to make much difference, but a half-can of Winn's Engine Tune-Up works great, quiets them right down.

General Comments:

I really enjoy this bike. It's not screaming fast, but very competent, and gives a nice rush of speed in the higher RPM range.

It corners very well with good tires, and it never gets scary.

Seat comfort is good to adequate. I'm quite ready for a stretch and to walk around about the same time I need to tank up again.

Faults:

Nothing so far, have just bought bike a month ago.

General Comments:

This is my first bike, rides very nice.

When shifting it seems to be clunky. Would this be normal, is this how the shaft drive works, is it something you get use to or could something be wrong???

Any comments, anyone.

Glen.

Faults:

I've had to replace the carb boots, front brake pads and exhaust.

General Comments:

This is my first bike. It looks and handles great, and is big enough for serious highway travel..

Faults:

Very little, other than I have to change the battery every so often, and front fork seals every 4 -5 years.

General Comments:

I've had mine for 24 years, and still love to ride it (most days to work when the weather permits).

The folks at Yamaha did great work in designing and building this fine machine. It runs great and has never had a part failure, except for the odd battery.

The seat is less than ideal, especially for long rides, but I wouldn't trade my 650 for anything.

Faults:

Rebuilt carburators.

General Comments:

The bike treats me as well as I treat it.

Faults:

The Yamaha XJ series are generally very reliable (thanks in part to shaft drive and electronic ignition, as well as an excellent engine design).

Many of these are still rolling happily at 25+ years, long after lesser bikes have bit the dust. Common problems: corrosion in the fuse block (replace it with in-line fuses); corrosion in electrical connectors; weak coils (replace with Dynas). If the bike has been stored a while, disassembling and cleaning the carbs may be necessary, or at least a few good shots of SeaFoam.

General Comments:

There is an active owners' listserv, xj-owners, at micapeak.com of riders who fix their own and are very supportive, trading parts and advice, and even producing an inexpensive CD/DVD set full of technical info and tips.

I highly recommend these bikes for inexpensive touring and commuting, and they're still fast enough to blow off most Harleys and sports cars!

Faults:

After 25 years, the seat needs some attention.

Not bad for our climate here in Vancouver Canada.

General Comments:

I love the looks of the 650 series from Yamaha.

I presently own a 2000 Harley Fat Boy Custom as my own ride, but purchased the 650 Maxim as a training bike for my son, and now for my bike crazy girlfriend.

My very first bike was a Yamaha 650 Special, and I bought it because of its Harley looks at the time, and have loved the bike ever since.

My only observation or complaint is that the seat height is too high.

Does anyone know how I can lower the bike for my girlfriend, by at least 2 inches?