9th May 2008, 19:20

When running vacuum keeps the petcock valve open allowing fuel to flow to the carbs. If you have a float level problem, ie: float sticking overfilling the float bowl, when the motor stops vacuum stops and closes the valve, kinda hides the problem. When on PRI as explained earlier, fuel flows no matter if engine is running or not and could run into the cylinders and or the airbox if a stuck float allows it. When this happens oil becomes overfilled and thinned out, not good! Needs to be fixed then oil & filter changed before running it.

11th May 2008, 18:08

I traded some old military rifles for an 83 XJ 650 last winter, and I also just bought an 82 650 that had been sitting for a few years for $425. I'm excited.

One question though. I haven't ridden either bike yet. I wanted to check the oil and I'm not sure what to look at. I opened the cap on the right side of the engine and it looks dry. How do I check it?

14th May 2008, 15:01

The oil level is checked through a small window behind the rear brake pedal. Put the bike on its center stand on level ground before you check it. There is a line on the top of the window to indicate full.

20th May 2008, 17:55

Gotten this 650 Maxim off a friend as a basket-case for free. Worked on it for a while, then went online on kijiji for a motor. Got a Seca 650 for $200 Can. running.

I have to say that changing motors on these bikes are a pain in the ass, but worthwhile for the spare parts.. the only thing is the shifter is backwards; 5th gear on the bottom.

22nd May 2008, 00:37

When I was 18-years-old (I'm 25 now) I bought my first bike, a 1980 XJ 650, with tip money I earned serving tables at a restaurant. (It's Canada. We can serve and drink alcohol here at a young age.) At any rate. It had 25,000 k on it when I bought it, and I put on another 25,000 k in two seasons before the second gear started to go after I shifted while going up a steep hill. Whoops.

Anyways, so I went out and bought a newer V-star custom and gave the failing Maxim to a friend of mine, who subsequently ran it into the ground. It was a sad way to see her go, and I should have known better than to lend a bike to a guy who once rode 1000 k with golf clubs on his back and two missing headers. Let's just say he was about as mechanically inclined as he was safety conscious.

But I digress.

Three months ago I was walking down an alley and spotted a 1981 midnight Maxim 650. It had been sitting for two years, so I snapped it up for $80 bucks because the guy said he just wanted it out of his yard. And yea, the registry search came up clean.

Well damn if the thing didn't run just fine with a little gas, a new battery and some TLC. I picked up my old XJ from my idiot friend and I've been tinkering ever since. I tell ya, the best way to fix a bike has got to be having a parts bike standing by. Everything that's broken on the Midnight is working fine my old XJ.

Once I'm done the Midnight Maxim, I might even rebuild the engine on my old XJ, now that it's stripped of everything else. I've never worked on a bike before, and I'm having the time of my life. I used to wonder why motorcycle people always had parts laying on every available surface in their home. I guess now I know.

Anyways, I'd better go. The gas tank drying on my bedroom floor is ready for another coat of paint, and this carb isn't going to rebuild itself. Oh right, a question:

How hard is it to replace second gear? While I'm in there, should I just be rebuilding the whole engine?

AA.

24th May 2008, 14:08

83 650 Maxim.

I am experiencing power surge and drop from a clogged fuel or air supply. I am planning to clean the carb. Is there anything else I should look at? I have had the bike for a couple years and have not kept up on cleaning it, so it could use a good overhaul.

I am also looking for a fuel tank or gas cap.

Any help is much appreciated.

Cheers,

Ben.

26th May 2008, 22:28

I was just wondering what the oil capacity is for a 81 Yamaha Maxim XJ650?

Thanks

Robert.

26th May 2008, 23:13

Just bought my first bike - Red 1982 650 Maxim. Sharp bike, and the reviews for it were great. It has sat in a barn for the last 2 years. Iraq vet came home and is going back in the beginning of June. Sold it to me, he couldn't stand just letting it sit.

Some small cosmetic issues to take care of. Tank emblem is missing on rt side, left side emblem not much to look at. Which Yamaha tank badges fit, or are most the Yamahas of that era interchangeable (XS650, or other models including other XJ bikes), or are they specific for each bike?

Thank you in advance for your replies.

20th Jun 2008, 14:50

Hey, I just got a 1982 Maxim 650, but the problem is there is no title. The bike was abandoned in the house I bought, it needs work, but I think it will be beautiful with some time. How should I go about fixing the title issue? Any advice would be great. Thanks!

24th Jun 2008, 12:39

Just looking for a part for my 1981 Yamaha Maxim XJ650. I need a gas tank; just bought the bike and it has a leak...

25th Jun 2008, 18:53

Hi there, I bought 82 650 Maxim few months ago, love the ride.

This is my first bike and very easy to ride. It has lots of power in all gears. It works great, except, after going for a ride, letting it sit for 1/2 hour, then it's hard to start and seems to be misfiring when started and works rough.

Does anyone know what could be wrong?

Thanks.

Glen.

3rd Jul 2008, 22:50

Hello... I just bought my first 82 Maxim XJ650. I have a question I hope someone here can answer. The steering seems to have a center-line notch to it (for lack of a better term). Turn the handlebars left/right and as you come back to center it almost snaps or falls in line with center. None of my previous bikes have had that sensation in the steering. At lower speeds such as a parking lot it feels almost like it fights you. Is this normal for this bike? Thanks for any replies.