27th Mar 2011, 15:30

Last year I scored a Maxim in great condition for $1000. I needed a starter bike, and was very happy with it. I just treated myself to my dream bike, a Triumph Classic Bonneville. I am selling the Yamaha to a neighbor who is pleased to have it at the same price.

Thanks for all of the help in the past year on this forum. Safe riding!

30th Mar 2011, 01:58

Tim again from BC.

1) Importing: it's minimum $200 fee to import, so on a bike like this that's a good chunk.

2) I've got him down to $1250 now, I think probably $1200. Had a mechanic look at it, and said it's in really good shape.

I've already got the Hayes manual, and looking forward to learning about the mechanics on these bikes. Hope to keep you all updated. Thanks for the replies.

31st Mar 2011, 22:54

Hey everyone, love the site. Just bought my first XJ650, runs really well. Motor is in great condition, shifts well, frame is good, gas tank clean, it was a real steal, I got it for 1,000 dollars.

The only problem is, it's not as clean as I wanted. I really want to give it a good paint job. I've had a few cars painted in the past few years, but I've never done it myself. Has anyone out there painted a bike themselves? Any tips? Or should I just spend the money and send it in somewhere? How long does it take to strip the bike down? Maybe I'll strip it down myself, and then send it in to save some money.

2nd Apr 2011, 05:51

Did some spray painting and got away with just masking off engine/shiny parts. Removed rear wheel, tank, covers, instrumentation and some bolts. Not much frame to deal with really... Hint: try small air brush gun with flexi-hose on lower pressure, flat or satin finish. Less runs :)

8th Apr 2011, 02:10

I got a 1982 Yamaha Maxim XJ 650 2 weeks ago from my cousin for $200 that didn't run. Turns out the battery was dead, and he's not the smartest when it comes to working on things! I changed the oil, put new plugs and battery in, and took the carbs off, cleaned them out and synced them. There was some varnish clogging them up? It was brown in color and clear; kind of had a flimsy plastic look to it. Oh well, got it put together and put the choke on and fired right up, takes about 5 minutes to warm up before I can ride it with no choke on, but rides like a dream.

It has 6828 miles on the odometer and was parked for many years, everything looks good on the bike, money is now short and I was wondering if I ask $1000/firm for it, would that be a fair price? I kind of need the money for an engine for my car, but I hate to let the bike go. I love riding it and have put 200 miles on it in the last week and a half, even though it's still around 40F here in Juneau Wisconsin. I sure am going to miss this bike!

10th Apr 2011, 19:41

Well I needed money, so I ended up selling it with the helmet to a guy 64 miles away for $700 sight unseen. I had to drive it over to his house and he bought it, and his friend ended up giving me a ride home. I miss the bike already!

13th Apr 2011, 09:42

I would start by checking the switch for the kickstand to see if it may be stuck open. If it is, it won't let you start the motorcycle. I know someone that had this issue, and it saved some time troubleshooting finding it.

20th Apr 2011, 07:07

Just sold my 2nd 1981 XJ650 this week after 8 yrs and 25,000 miles :(. GREAT bikes, but hard to find someone to work on em for reasonable rates, if at all. Not having cheap access to parts/tools and limited mechanical skills is a factor too.

Paid $1500 for a mint bike and sold it for 300, BUT now needs over 500? in parts (tank corroded, engine gaskets, starter) plus? for labor & a recent carb problem. Guess if I had my own workshop I'd reconsider the sale, but my daughter's garage is too small, ha!... Anyway, may get another a few years from now.

All in all, it's a great return on the investment. Divide the time into $ and it works out to be only a dollar a day to get my hair blown back for all those miles. Smart buy with lots of good memories. No, GREAT memories!...

So if you're thinking about getting back in the saddle again, go for it. The used bike market for under $2000 is large, and no need to sink 20 grand into a status HOG with high insurance and worry of theft. Use that savings on gas, motels and a new Rand Mcnally, ha!...

Oh! Best cruise? 9000 miles FL to OR via Moab, UT and back. Unbelievable colors. The West IS the best. Enjoy the ride :)

26th Apr 2011, 18:05

That tube goes to the petcock.

19th May 2011, 19:51

I have an 82 XJ650, & after starting it up, it is running on 2 cylinders (4 & 1). 2 & 3 seem to be dead, so I switched the coils, & the same thing. It's getting gas to all cyls. & has spark; I just don't get it!

23rd May 2011, 13:11

You will enjoy this bike fully. Great bike for a first timer. The bike also has a perfect frame to turn into a bobber. I would suggest to use carbon cleaning spray (seafoam is what I use) periodically to clean and upkeep the carburetors.

28th May 2011, 01:06

I have seen questions from individuals who are looking to find a place to purchase matching paint for the Yamaha Maxim 650. After much research I found a site where the claim of matching paint can be purchased. I would like to share my experience and where I was told that matching paint can be purchased. I noticed that advertisements for a particular company are not acceptable on this site. I do not have any interest in these companies in any way shape or form, and only want to direct the readers of this site to obtain a product that they are in search of.

I attempted to find the administrator of this site to ask if this type of post would be acceptable. I have had no luck with this search. If anyone could direct me to this person to obtain permission, please post.

28th May 2011, 05:12

I'm the administrator of this site. My contact details can be seen on the About page.

It's fine to mention a company while answering a relevant question. The policy you mention is aimed at preventing the site from being filled with unsolicited advertising, or getting too far off topic, by reviewing dealers or accessory manufacturers, rather than bikes.

Steven Jackson (steven@carsurvey.org)

CSDO Media Limited

4th Jun 2011, 09:49

I recently picked up an 81 Maxim 650 for $200. It didn't run, but I figured I wasn't out much if I couldn't get it going. Needless to say, I got it running great after a good day of tinkering with it. I had to get a battery, front and back turn signals, seat, and a headlight, so I have a small amount invested, but not too much.

I have been able to ride it a decent amount, but I've run into an issue the last couple times I've tried to take it out. After about one or two miles, the bike cuts out and the battery is dead. Also if I leave it idling outside too long, roughly 30 minutes it will stall out with the same issue, a dead battery. I am hoping you guys can give me a heads up on the problem. I'm figuring it has to be either the starter or the stator. Is there anything else that can cause the problem?