3rd Apr 2008, 20:38

Hi, my name is James. I purchased my 85' Maxim from my dad; it was mine and his first street bike. I paid $800 for the bike.

I have had a few problems with the carbs. I was wondering if maybe someone might know where I can get rebuild kits for them? I actually work for a bike shop, but we don't carry any parts for anything older than ten years. I was also wondering how can you tell what cc the engine is?

This bike sat out in the weather for about seven years. I have done wonders with the carbs so far, but they are in dire need of a rebuild.

13th Apr 2008, 11:03

Hey James. Go to www.maxim-x.com. That website will tell you everything you need to know about the bike. I also recommend joining the mailing list, which allows you to talk to other Maxim-X fanatics. Tell them about the issues you're having with the bike, and they'll walk you through some possible solutions. Those guys are great, and I'm sure they can lead you to some good websites to where you can order the rebuild kits.

I haven't ordered parts in a while for my Maxim-X, but I've found that the best way is to go to the Yamaha website and through some links you will be able to search for parts for the bike. I recall that it gives you exploded views of the bike so you are able to pinpoint all the parts you need. Make a list of all the part numbers you need, and then you can order them from a local dealer.

1st May 2008, 22:10

I own a 1985 Maxim X, blue in color. It has 31,000 miles on it.

I installed a Yamaha windshield on it in 1986. I use a tank bag, which I prefer, instead of saddlebags.

After all these years 'ole "max" still looks very new. I am always amused when riding with my friends on how many nice comments I get from other people on my bike. The x is truly a gem. A sport bike in a cruiser frame. A Wolf in Sheep's clothing.

I prefer it over a new motorcycle, or I wouldn't be riding it still. I would be riding a new bike.

Thanks for your time as I have to go pick up Max over at the shop - had the carbs redone and a general tune-up. See you out on the big road. God Bless. Big "E".

21st May 2008, 09:11

I purchased a 1985 Yamaha Maxim XJ700N a year ago. I was only able to ride it about a month before it became apparent the carbs needed some work, so I took it to the shop. They discovered one of the carbs was missing the spring diaphragm, and it is a discontinued part through Yamaha.

I have been looking for this part for 6 months now, and I have had no luck. Many places list it by part number, but when you call about it they say it is discontinued and they have no way of getting it. I have also searched motorcycle salvage yards across the U.S., but I have not had any luck. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.

22nd May 2008, 21:09

Wow, I am trying to help a friend who has a Maxim 700. He needs carb kits for both carbs, and I can't find them anywhere. The local shop said can't get em. If ANYONE knows where to get a kit, please, please, please, email me the website/phone number djkados at gmail.com.

2nd Jun 2008, 17:08

Hi, if you're looking for parts, try this web site. http://www.oldbikebarn.com

14th Jul 2008, 19:39

There are several places on the web that you can buy carburetors from private sellers. Rarely do you need carburetor kits, usually just a good cleaning, (which means they have to be dismantled), and if you are very careful, the gaskets do not break, and with a small amount of sealer can be used again. I have done a number of carburetors over the years.

8th Aug 2008, 19:17

I just bought a 1985 Yamaha XJ700 and need the spark plug wires and coils, and can't find them anywhere, can anyone help?

21st Aug 2008, 15:05

Try JCwhitney.com.

14th Oct 2008, 20:42

Friends.

Is the 85 750cc Yamaha Maxim the same as the Xj700N? Sorry, I'm about to purchase one and I want to find out if this bike is okay?

Thanks.

15th Oct 2008, 15:36

I picked up a 1985 XJ700 Maxim X about 9 months ago for $500.00, boy did I get a deal. I love this bike. Aside from needing cosmetic work, she runs very strong. I would like to find another one.

16th Oct 2008, 16:27

I have one, they are the strongest of bikes. I need a carborator for it, it runs well but breaks up at 3500 rpms. If you can help with this, mail me at scoby632@hotmail.com

10th Dec 2008, 20:59

Going to pick up a 1985 Maxim X 700 this weekend. The bike has 8100 original miles! Trading a 1984 Camaro plus 700 bucks. Can't wait, it's been ten years since I had a bike (1981 650 Maxim). My friend used to smoke me with his Yamaha 650 special. Don't think that will be the case now!

The owner says that it will only flow fuel properly when on res. Do you think the petcock needs cleaned or replaced?

11th Feb 2009, 15:33

Hi,

My name is Doug. I have an XJ700N with 12,000kms. I bought it off a family member.

I have a problem with the plugs. They tend to soot up after about 800-1000kms of riding. It gets hard to start; put a new set of plugs in and it is OK again. I had the carbs done and set up. Any help would be appreciated.

doughiscock@gmail.com

21st Apr 2009, 03:46

Firstly for Doug, the 3 main causes for sooty plugs are:

1. Fuel mixture too rich - you say the carbs are done, so this is unlikely, although this could also be caused by a faulty choke, or even a dirty air cleaner.

2. Engine running too cool - not common on an air cooled bike, but you could try running a plug with a higher temp range.

3. Ignition weak - Coil and/or plug wires. Arc a plug to the engine and see if you have a blue spark. Blue is good, white or yellow not so good. A hotter plug may help here too for a bit, but doesn't fix the cause.

I've owned my 85 XJ700N for 9 years now. It had 27K and was mint when I bought it, and has 52K and a few "life's like that" nicks on it now.

The worst one was one fall, in year 2, it was parked on the street (with its cover on of course) when a wind storm hit and blew the bike over from its side stand. After that, and a few choice rants which are unprintable here, it was Sorry honey, your car will be in the driveway from now on... the bike goes in the garage. (I know, I know, what was I thinking in the first place, but the bike as a contentious issue from day 1. It was my 5th bike, my wife's 1st, she just didn't understand. She sure did after I lost it when this happened.)

After all that, it still runs great. I use it as my commuter vehicle from Mar-Apr (when the snow melts) to Nov-Dec (when the snow stays). Last year I had to replace the original 25 year old starter. Bought one from a used parts shop for $60 that came off a 650. That is one of the great things about the Maxims and Secas, a lot of the parts are interchangeable, especially in the 550, 650, 750 & 700cc ranges.

I always thought that 700cc was an odd size for a bike, so I did a bit of research and came up with this.

The 700 was only made for 2 years, 85 & 86, and were only sold in the North American market. This was because of a US government embargo on foreign motorcycles with a displacement over 700cc's to protect the then floundering Harley-Davidson company. Even though I live in Canada, we also were affected.

The Maxim-X has a 5 valve per cylinder engine in the same bike. Very fast. You can tell by the model number. Maxim-X will be XJ700X, while the regular engine is XJ700N.

If you carefully check the VIN plate on your XJ700, you will see it's displacement is actually 696cc's putting it just under the allowable import limit. The embargo was lifted after 86, so the size went back to 750cc's for 87. Essentially, the 700 is a 750 with a shorter stroke to reduce the size. I will admit my old KZ650 was faster off the line, but it didn't handle as well, or look as good as the XJ.

I've thoroughly enjoyed my years on my XJ, and with the reliability, longevity, ease of finding parts, I look forward to many more. I am interested in finding an 2000 or newer XJ900, but Yamaha never sold them in North America.

Go Flames Go.

Larry M.