1985 Yamaha XJ750 Maxim X

Summary:

Much more bike than anyone thinks

Faults:

Fuse box buzz - I need a couple of screws.

Fork seal - oil seal on the right fork started leaking during a road trip... and after I drove through a massive pothole.

Wiring - some burned connectors because of corrosion of the wires under the left side panel. Easily fixed.

Alternator brushes - just age. Took them out, cleaned and replaced. Didn't even need to replace yet.

Seat foam - foam seat was done... just too soft. I rebuilt with new foam.

General Comments:

I bought this bike for $1750.

The 750 was only available in Canada.

What an engine - the first time I twisted the throttle to jump into traffic, it exploded out of the corner like a snake out of a hole. Friggin' fast.

0-60 in 3.2 seconds.

1/4 mile in 11.3 seconds.

Considered a cruiser as it sits in a Virago like design... Don't be fooled.

Inline 4 cyl, with 5 valves per cyl, liquid cooled, shaft drive.

Most awesome bike ever.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th April, 2016

27th Sep 2024, 07:26

I bought a 1984 750 Maxim-X with only 6000 KM on it for $1500 in the early 90's and it was a riot to ride - especially if you wanted to make a few bucks drag/street racing and make other bikes look like scooters.

It didn't look like a fast bike or anything special, so I liked to challenge guy's with 1200 BMW's and other larger displacement bikes to a race for 50 or 100 bucks.

I never lost a race. When that 5 valve Genesis motor got to 7,000 RPM it came alive and stayed alive well past the 10,000 RPM redline. I usually shifted around 11 or 12 grand and the gearing was such that when I hit the next gear I was still in that power band.

Sounded good too - like a F1 race car. Loved it :)

1985 Yamaha XJ750 Maxim X

Summary:

The most fast, fun, and reliable bike built. Love it

Faults:

Rear brake shoes.

Needs valves set (being done next week).

Carbs need to be cleaned and synced.

General Comments:

I have had two back in 1997 to 2001. My first one was so fun I bought a second just for parts.

I sold them in 2001 and regretted selling them. I then started looking a few years later, and any Maxim X I found, the owners wouldn't part with it. I finally found one last year. It starts right up, but needs a tune up. I'm not sure when it's been done last, but the previous owner said he had it for five years or so, and it never seen a shop. So time for a little TLC.

I'm hoping all goes well, and when I get her back it works as good as my first two. They were really something to drive. They are an awesome bike, and it's so sad to not be able to get a lot of parts for them any more.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2015