12th Jul 2008, 13:39
I'm looking at a 1980 Maxim 650. It has 64,000 miles and needs about $500 in carb. work since it spits gas. The seller wants $900, which seems high from what I've been reading. I know nothing about bikes, but this seems like a good, inexpensive and reliable first-timer's model from the posts. What do you think of this potential bike? Thanks!!
30th Jul 2008, 03:47
A friend just gave me his 1980 650 Maxim. It has rust in the gas tank and the carborators need to be cleaned, but other than that it looks and feels great. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to clean the carbs? Is there a remedy for a rusty gas tank?
23rd Oct 2008, 20:45
I just recently bought a 1980 Maxim. I probably paid more than I should have for it, but it is a one owner with low miles. I have cleaned out the gas tank, the carbs, air box, air filter, and changed the oil. The bike runs really good but I'm having trouble getting it idle. I've been told that it could be an intake leak or the carbs may need adjustment. I may have to let a motorcycle mechanic look at it. I just don't want to spend a lot of money at this time. With the exception of the problem with the idle, I'm really enjoying the bike.
25th Dec 2008, 15:12
I just got a XJ 650 1980 for $700. It has 9000 miles on it and runs like new. I love the ride and the handling.
No rust found and lots of new parts on eBay.
25th Aug 2009, 08:54
I just got an 80 Maxim for $300. I need to replace the rear tire, front rotor, and the tranny won't go into second. Oh yeah-and no side stand (kinda scary huh). Well I have got the back wheel off - you just have to use brute force - take off the castle nut and use a rod to hammer out the axle - and don't forget to unbolt the peg assembly on the right side to force your exhaust pipe out of the way - you'll see what I mean. And detach the rear brake assembly - cause it's comin' out. OK, I am also starting on the tranny as I wait for the 130-90-16 tire I ordered. I have gotten some manuals together for the job. Hopefully, I'll replace second gear and all is right with the world. We'll see. Take care!
28th Sep 2009, 21:12
Just got a 1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim for $200. The guy wanted $400 but talked him down. It's got 17,000 miles and missing some cosmetic stuff, but is largely complete.
Ebay has been a great source to locate replacement parts on the cheap. Unfortunately the PO didn't have it on PNO like he claimed, so I'll end up spending just as much on the registration as I will in fixing up the bike.
Once I fix the floats in the carburators, this bike should be good to go.
I love the looks, and cleaning it up gives me something to do while I wait for my parts to arrive.
28th Oct 2009, 20:35
I just got a 1980 XJ650 Maxim-i for free. It had been sitting in the guy's barn since 1986. He said it was running when he parked it. I am in the process of disassembling it for a complete bare frame restore to original quality. Having a hard time finding parts though. Mostly only in salvage yards.
23rd Mar 2010, 23:28
I've had my 1980 XJ650 for a year now, and love it. I've owned 4 different bikes, and per dollar the Maxim was the best deal. I put more than 8,000 miles on it and its at about 30,000 now. It hauls just enough balls so that the front tire only just lightly touches the ground when I take off. Contrary to what the specs say, mine tops out at 135-145 flat and level.
Two tiny mods I've done that definitely upgraded the looks of the bike.
Removed the ancient dumb looking cone exhausts and mounting brackets, but left the two-into-one exhaust pieces and equalizer. I think the lower back pressure adds to the HP, but I haven't re-jetted it, so I don't get the full benefit.
Changed the cruiser handle bars for lower ones off of a stock 2005 z1000. Lower handle bars = lower rider = less wind resistance.
Me on my XJ650 in Maryland while on my 1500 mile road trip, from Long Island to Syracuse NY, to Pittsburg PA, to Morgantown West Virginia, to some place in Maryland, to Washington DC Virginia, then back up through Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and home to Long Island.
-logan.
22nd Apr 2010, 12:19
I just got me a XJ650 Max, and it runs good and I enjoy it very much. It's a keeper!
16th Jul 2010, 20:53
I just got my XJ650 Maxim for free today, and can't wait to start working on it. It's going to need about $500 in work done to it. The front end is what the problem is, but there does not seem to be any trouble finding parts for it. With that said; can't wait to get out and ride on it.
4th Aug 2010, 13:03
Guess I will put my two cents worth in the ring. I found my scoot sitting where it had been parked 16 years ago. I spotted it and asked about it. With a lightning movement, I snatched my wallet out and bought it for $150.00. Loaded it up and it's been a love affair every since.
Like most bikes that have sat for 16 years, it was in trouble, but VERY restoreable. Wiring, tires, bearing, shock seals, vinyl, a piece here, a piece there, my Maxim is rocking.
I found a period original Vetter fairing, matching paint, with original mounting, pigtail, and Kraco cassette player, like new condition, for $100.00 bucks and a road trip to Indiana, (nice trip).
And after several emails with Craig Vetter, thanks Craig and Carol, the hunt is on for period original saddle bags. Wish them luck!!!
I have a ton of pics of this restoration. What a bike, anyone that puts down a XJ has never ridden on. Power, ride comfort, old school styling, you just got to love them. >>>-->PhtmWolf
25th Feb 2011, 15:10
If you find one of these bikes, buy it. They are not still on the road and popular without reason.
Most parts are still available and easily found right through a dealer. For example: the right exhaust rusted a hole in the bottom (normal on bikes). Still available, easy change.
Shops will reupholster a seat for $70.
If the bike has sat, today's fuels will begin breaking down in as little as 30 days. If it sat for a year like mine, it has varnished. The float needles and needle seats cost $27.95 per carb times 4 carbs in an aftermarket rebuild kit available through the dealer. The carburetor comes off in a few minutes with only a phillips screwdriver, the bowls too, and the float seats are right there! I needed a 10mm socket to change the seat, and the jobs done!
The engine sounds great when you open her up on the highway. It sounds really unique. Tickles the heart of an engine guy. That must be the Yamaha sound.
I wouldn't want to let this bike go!
24th Jun 2008, 05:36
Hi, can anyone help? I have an old 78 Maxim, which has just had a 650 engine put into it, but I have a major oil leak and not entirely sure why. A lot of oil seems to be getting into the Air Filter box (I know that during the process of the engine running it will get some) but this is a lot! And it is then leaking out of the bottom of the airbox. Can anyone suggest what the cause of this is, and how to fix it please!!