18th Jul 2006, 19:18
I recently bought a 1982 650 Maxim. The bike was in very good condition.
I agree that it is a good handling bike and has plenty of speed. I have adjustable air shocks and the ride is comfortable. It was designed to be a cruiser, not a sport bike.
I like the classic look of this bike.
13th Aug 2006, 02:52
I have had my 1980 650 Maxim for 4 years now. It is my first bike ever. I bought it for 500 dollars and put 500 dollars into it. People tell me that this bike is a tough and rugged bike. I have taken this bike on 2 runs now and have not had any problems with it. As a matter of fact, I have gotten complements on it. I am glad that this is my first bike and it has shown me a lot about bikes. The respect and enjoyability of owning one.
15th Aug 2006, 18:23
Hi Folks,
I just picked up a 1980 xj650 and MAN WHAT A DREAM.
This machine has more power than I'll ever need (but it's nice to have it if you need it). I am chroming this classic from top to bottom. Will have some pictures soon.
//SLAYER\\
25th Apr 2007, 16:54
Okay, check this one out. I just purchased a 1980 xj500r (as titled), but this bike has a shaft drive. I have not found anything associating a 550 with shaft drive. As far as I have found 550's have chains, 650s have shafts. I dunno???
16th May 2007, 11:07
I just got my 1980 Maxim 650 back after 10 years. I bought it in 1988 from a guy in Illinois for $1300 and promptly wrecked it. My brother had it for ten years, redoing all the fuses, re-upholstering the seat, rebuilding the front end and replacing the carb boots. I did a custom airbrush job on the tank, and it looks great. I live on a twisty mountain road, and riding it is a dream. Would like to know of any sites that post photos of these classic bikes?
24th May 2007, 21:35
I am so glad to see that I am not the only person who still owns a Maxim... mine is a 1980 650 (true classic now) and I bought it in 1981. All is original, except the seat.
I love the looks I get when it's on the road. Love the way it handles, and the fact that I can easily touch the ground. At 5'4" and 120lbs it was a great bike that I could muscle around if necessary. Still love it!
26th May 2007, 19:53
I bought a Maxim XJ-650 for $800 last July, and after I put a charge on the battery, I drove it from New Hampshire to Cape Cod. This after the previous owner told me it hadn't been ridden in years.
It was/is/was all pitted and rusty, and needed some brake work, a new clutch lever and cable, 2 new tires and the old crystallized gas cleaned out of the carburetors, plus the requisite oil change, tune up etc...) All told I put maybe $500 more into the bike.
This is an amazing bike; very fast and very cool sounding, and I think it handles pretty great, but it is my first bike.
So far I put roughly 7,500 miles on it tearing up the roads of Southern New England.
5th Jun 2007, 00:12
It's nice to find other people with the same bike. I paid $500 for mind a few months ago, and put $400 in to it so far. It's been a great bike so far, although I have to rebuild the carbs for better take off and hopefully better mileage.
9th Jun 2007, 23:20
Just picked up a 81 Maxim 650 for 400 dollars. Been sitting a while. Replaced the gas, checked everything over. Cleaned the engine. And runs perfect at 24,000 miles.
I'm used to larger bikes, and my only complaint is I feel like I'm being pushed up on the tank with the stock seat. So another seat, and forward controls are my next project.
28th Jun 2007, 15:59
I love all the Maxims. My favorite being the yics motor 650; it had more h.p. than any other bike in its class that year. 10 to 15% more. I used that motor in a hillclimber frame, and it rocked!
18th Jul 2007, 22:40
I bought a 1980 650 Maxim (first bike ever) and couldn't be happier... awesome bike for speed, handling and cost (paid $1200 certified), and it looks good too!!!
19th Jul 2007, 10:18
I also just got a 1980 Yamaha Maxim this year, and paid a low $350 for it. I did have to replace the battery, and the front brakes need to be looked at, but all in all it runs great.
The handling on this bike is more than I could ask for, and the power is also more than sufficient. It's a fairly comfortable ride, although I've never gone more than 200 miles at a time with it. The MPG isn't the greatest, but it is an older bike, so we can't expect miracles.
I couldn't ask more out of a beginner bike, and even after I get my next bigger and better bike, I hope to keep this one!
It's been all around Vermont with me, and I've even gotten some nice compliments on it - I can't wait to chrome out the exhaust system.
28th Aug 2007, 22:37
I own a Maxim 650 (1982) with 20000 miles on it.
Now I have trouble with the carburetor. Any idea how to test it?
Thank you.
11th Sep 2007, 08:59
I friend gave me his old 1982 XJ650 Maxim two years ago, after it had sat abandoned in his back yard outside in the rain, snow and dust storms of West Texas for 17 years. It only had 9,200 miles on it.
New tires, cleaned carbs, oil change, etc. and it runs great.
The only problem I have had was a broken clutch lever last week (something of a shock down-shifting from 5th gear!). It's my first bike (I'm 52), and couldn't be happier with the outcome.
12th Sep 2007, 14:31
I noticed on my 1980 Maxim that the front brakes tend to wear unevenly, with quite a bit more wear on the "drivers" side of the rotor.
Any thoughts or fixes anyone can think of?
Thanks,
John.
18th Oct 2007, 15:41
Just bought my 80 650 Maxium for $500, and after putting new tires on it, rear brakes and a few cosmetic items, I'm happy so far. Need to tune up the carb, but other than that, enjoying it quite well. Needs some polishing and cleaning, but every second I have, I'm riding it. One day I will stop and get it all cleaned up.
Any suggestions on locating some side covers?
17th Jul 2006, 09:59
I agree completely. People have forgotten the good'ol standard. I picked up my 1980 Maxim 650 for $400. After a bit of work, several trips to the salvage yard, and a lot of polishing, I have the best bike I've ever owned. I love its classic styling and low maintenance. Simple, straight forward and comfortable. And yes it's quick, granted it's not going to keep up with any of today's sport-rockets, but then I don't need that much "compensation" if you know what I mean.