1985 Yamaha XJ700 Maxim X

Summary:

No one loves their bikes quite like an XJ owner, and I am no exception

Faults:

Clutch cable snapped, burnt out key ignition switch.

General Comments:

Halifax, N.S. Canada.

I loved reading all the posts on these bikes. I would not trade mine for a brand new Harley unless it was to sell and buy more XJs.

I have chopped mine up a bit. For XJ fans, some hate it, most love it. I have chopped 8 inches off the rear fender, took off the passenger seat, chopped the seat to a low solo seat, and stripped all the paint off it and let it rust naturally.

I just got back from the Wharf Rat Bike Rally, Digby N.S. Canada. This bike gets a lot of attention in a crowd of 40,000 bikes. What I love the most about this bike is the performance and reliability, not to mention it will out run most everything it goes against.

I love it so much that my next project will be to start a collection and keep them for as long as I can ride. I will post again when I get the next one.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2014

2nd Oct 2015, 15:38

My 700 is a 1986, I love it, and it's painted flat black with red wheels. It got great comments from a crowd at a show. I've owned it since 2005.

1st Mar 2017, 02:54

Got a 1986 750 Yamaha Maxim X. 26000 KM, awesome bike. Quick even by today's standards.

In reply to 2nd Oct 2015, 15:38

1st Sep 2019, 00:35

What is the max mileage for this motorcycle?? I want to buy one, but it has 74k miles.

8th May 2023, 19:22

Sounds great. I have just bought one in the UK. Needs a replacement clutch cable, carbs cleaning and balancing and a general spruce up, but I loved it straight away. Seems it would benefit from another gear as the box is only 5 speed. Nice looking machine Maxim X 700 from California originally, 1986 model, liquid cooled. I have no idea where to source a service manual though. Any advice on parts or a manual would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

In reply to 8th May 2023, 19:22

7th Feb 2025, 14:23

Do you still have the bike?

1986 Yamaha XJ700 Maxim X

Summary:

Take it to the max with Maxim X

Faults:

I bought this from a fireman, in Sutton, Ont. He worked at Yamaha in 85 when it was introduced, and always wanted one but it was too expensive, 4500. So in 2005 he found a black Canadian model, more HP, not affected by embargo, and made it into pristine condition. I went to see it, he reluctantly let me ride it, and wow, explosive take off power. The sound of the engine, and when I sat on it, the retro feeling, I said yes.

Every motorcycle shop and mechanics say that it is a great bike. Very innovative for 1985.

I bought a 2009 FJR, and my friend said you don't need it, but there is something special, I was told by a lot of shops, it's super clean, keep it forever. It is better than the V-Max of that era; I rode a few, and when I get back on the Max-X, I feel a great feeling of this is it. I've ridden a lot of new machines, and when I get back on the X, I still have a smile, and I say nothing can touch this. Well, I really wouldn't go that far, but I think everyone knows what I mean. My son made me an email address. It is maximxforlife. Nice of him huh.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2014

8th May 2023, 19:26

Great review! Just bought a Maximx in UK. Any advice on where I can get the service manual from buddy?

1985 Yamaha XJ700 Maxim X

Faults:

Flasher won't work stay on!

Carb flooded; fix that.

Overheating, found bad wires and set up carbs.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th April, 2011

9th Sep 2011, 23:21

This bike is a great bike, it runs like a champ, so most likely your problem is the carb needs to be cleaned.