1980 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim

Summary:

What a machine!!!

Faults:

This was a garage rescue bike... found it sitting in the back of a guy's garage, had been there 16 years, partially covered, but put a new battery in, drained the fuel tank, she started right up.

Have had the normal R&R events, fix one thing, find two more, LOL, but for the most part, WHAT A FIND!!!

I paid 150.00 bucks for her, I now have around 400.00 to include new tires, so, I have been hurt on this project. Nothing like restoring a 30 year old bike, but what a bike to restore...

General Comments:

I have been riding since my dad brought home this little Briggs and Straton 2.5hp mini, and the addition was on, LOL. The Maxims are a great platform, ride nice, they are very heavy for the size, but that makes them very road worthy.

All in all, the XJ series are one of Yamaha's better ideas...

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th May, 2010

1980 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim

Summary:

Decent entry-level cruzer

Faults:

Seat vinyl was trashed.

Carburetors needed a thorough cleaning.

Air intake connectors were cracked.

Rusted mufflers.

Frayed cables.

XJ clutch springs (5) tend to weaken from age - easy and cheap to replace.

General Comments:

This is a great-looking and plush-riding cruzer. Not at all a speedster, as the acceleration sucks, and it is too low and wide for tight turns.

Mine had squishy wide foot rests with bumper studs on the bottom - very cool (after I got over the initial shock of scraping one on a seemingly shallow turn).

If you stick to bike's intended purpose, then it is very enjoyable.

Very low-maintenance after I fixed everything. Extra points for maintenance-free ignition.

Most parts are no longer available (like air tubes), so you better have the sources lined up before purchasing one.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2006

7th Jun 2006, 19:06

I couldn't disagree with your assessment of the 650 Maxim's power & handling more.

If mid-12 second quarter mile times are SLOW to you, then you might be happy with a V-Max. The 650 has plenty of power for any real world situation.

As far as handling goes, my 650 is equipped with nice firm fork springs, and it handles nearly as well as my Maxim X did, which was just a notch below my RD350, which was the best handling bike I've ever ridden. I would rate the 650 Maxim above average in the handling department. It gets right down in the curves and handles the twisties effortlessly. Of course I drive reasonably, and don't go faster than the roads and conditions warrant.

Comfort wise it is top-notch. My personal preference would be for a flatter seat like on the older bikes of the 70's, so that I could stretch out a bit more on longer rides. But with cruisers, style seemed to outrank practicality when it came to seats, and in some cases handlebars too.

As far as cruisers go, I believe the XJ650 ranks among the best of it's period and beyond. Compare it to todays cruisers, which have less equipment (no tachs or center stands for example), & less power (most are V-Twins). I'll take a four cylinder shaftie any day!

I believe that the XJ650 is far, far, more than a "decent" bike, as the reviewer describes.

I believe it is an underrated classic just waiting for a resurgence.

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