1982 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim from United States of America
Summary:
A real blast from the past!
Faults:
Nothing thus far (which is why I gave it a score of 10 for reliability). However, I've only owned the bike for a week and a half, and have put on approx. 250 miles.
The seat upholstery is cracked along a seam, however the bike is 23 years old.
General Comments:
I just purchased this bike (a 1982 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim) from the original owner. He had purchased the bike as a new leftover in 1984, and had only ridden it approximately 3,900 miles.
He kept it garaged, and usually only rode it 100-200 miles per year.
The bike's acceleration is great, its handling and comfort are very good.
I love the fact that it is a 4 cylinder, shaft driven motorcycle.
As far as I know, the bike has been problem-free, and I just had it checked out at a local bike shop and they were amazed at its like-new condition.
My previous bike was a 1985 Yamaha 700 Maxim X, which was a wonderful bike.
The 650 came equipped with a Tracy fairing, which was great for weather protection, however I felt it detracted from the bike's stabilty on the highway (It seemed to act as a sail, and was vunerable to cross winds etc. - Has anyone else experienced this with a fairing on the highway?)
I'm really enjoying my new-old cruiser, and I love its "old school" style.
Hey, retro is in, isn't it?
Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 11th June, 2005
20th Aug 2005, 01:42
I'm surprised to see these bike currently selling in the $1000 to $1400 range. Given what you get - an inline 4 cylinder engine, shaft drive, clean lines, and a bullet-proof design, I would think a clean example would fetch much more money. (Look at what you get for $4000 nowadays)
Perhaps in the not too distant future collectors will catch on to what a marvelous find a clean example is, and perhaps the price will rise accordingly.
I've seen the later model year (mid 80s 700 Maxims and Maxim X's) selling for as much as $3000 for a clean example.
I expect the older 650s might catch-up one day.