Faults:

The carburetors are somewhat difficult to keep clean and tuned. It could be because I don't put a lot of miles on it. It's best to add some carb cleaner to the fuel regularly and fuel stabilizer in the winter. The bike is a little difficult to start when it's cold. It will start firing on 2 then 3 and finally the 4th cylinder. Other than that, this has been a very reliable bike.

General Comments:

I bought this bike new in 1987, although it is a year model 1985. The dealer had this 'factory surplus' bike on sale for only $2,000. I have certainly gotten my money's worth of fun over the years!

The maxim is fast and responsive. I was surprised at how well it performed in the high elevations while visiting Colorado. It zipped over the mountain passes at 70mph with no problem. It climbed to the top of Pike's Peak with power to spare.

I've kept this bike in my garage the whole time I've owned it and it still looks great. When I bought it, I never dreamed I'd keep it for 22 years. My son is proud to ride it, even though it was 'born' before he was!

Faults:

Exhaust crossover pipe rusted through.

That was the only problem I had in the 5 or so years I had it.

General Comments:

I bought mine new after owning a RD350 (two-stroke). Since I rode it year round, I wanted a 4-stroke that was more reliable than the RD350. I was not disappointed.

I loved the look and the power of it.

It was not nearly as fast as the RD350 was (that thing was scary), but plenty fast enough for my daily commute.

It also handled well enough that, even at 100 mph, it wasn't hard to control.

My wife made me get rid of it after the kids were born.

Faults:

Carburetors dirty easily - must be cleaned regularly.

Gas mileage is marginal ~25-30mpg. Could be the dirty carbs though.

Handling is "jumpy" in low gears - not made for parking-lot speeds. Once moving at 25+, it's a real joy to be on.

General Comments:

Great bike overall.

Very gentle power band on low end, will accelerate like a rocket past 2nd gear though. Hold on tight if you're in a hurry.

1/4 throttle goes a long way - nice power reserve in high gear.

Excellent handling at cruising speeds - 35+ mph. Quick response to weight shift and counter-steering - handles like a sport bike.

Very comfortable - seats nicely for 6', 200lb male.

Doesn't need a battery! Just roll about 6 feet and pop the clutch - fires right up! When the carbs are clean, fires on first turn-over. I only use the battery in parking lots!

Nice exhaust - not too loud for the neighbors, but sounds like a bike.

Wonderful bike. Would recommend it for anyone 180lbs plus. If you're small though, this is too much power to start on.