1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim
Summary:
Excellent reliable simple machine
Faults:
This motorcycle has had very little go wrong with it. At one point a headlight relay wouldn't engage when I turned the key. This was easily solved by opening up the relay and cleaning it out with brake cleaner. The seat latch is a touch bent. It was when I bought it, but it works fine.
General Comments:
I love this bike. It is my second and it has been going strong for 18000 miles... I bought it with the intent to get rid of it as soon as I could afford a new bike, but I have enjoyed it way too much and people stop me very often to ask what type it is. Japanese fours are pretty classic in their appearance, but are obviously not Harleys.
Some comments earlier are absolutely true. The seat is horrible. I have done 8 hour trips on this bike and want to destroy it when I get off. This is the only downside I've found. It develops vibration at 60 mph that goes away at 65 (with four cylinders the little vibration still hardly amounts to anything). I have driven for 2 hours straight on this bike at 80 mph and it was awesome.
It is supposedly cheap to have fixed, but I haven't needed it. Oil is easy enough to fix. Valves are easy to get to and easy enough to adjust (just need new shims). Shaft drives are golden and I only have to change the oil every once in a while. There are a lot of annoying things on old bikes if you like the comfort and conveniences of new bikes. But to me this is well worth keeping.
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 1st October, 2017
26th May 2009, 14:05
I can't see how long it's been since you made the post, but I've found one of those U-shaped bike locks clamped around a front wheel spoke wheel is a pretty good deterrent. The front wheel is best because it's easy to see for even the casual passerby.