11th May 2007, 22:05
I just recently started riding a 1986 Yamaha xj700x. WOW! Its power and handling were very impressive, but when you wreck it's hard to find parts. I've owned it for only a couple of months, but I'm hooked.
20th Jun 2007, 22:26
You're not supposed to wreck it! If you can't keep it up, maybe you should stick to four wheels.
7th Sep 2007, 22:58
I purchased an '86 Maxim 5-valve with just over 8k miles on it. I cleaned out the carbs and now it runs like a top. It's a very quick, smooth running cruiser for how old it is!
19th Jun 2008, 10:50
I used to own a 86 and to this day I regret selling it. It had awesome power and looked great. I wish I could find another one.
22nd Jun 2008, 00:07
I just got my Maxim X, and the brake lights work, but the tail light doesn't come on, and I can't find the fuse for the tail lights.
10th Aug 2008, 22:37
About 4 years ago I bought my 86 XJ700 Maxim for $750. It had just under 36,000 miles on it then, and at some time in the last 20+ years it had been laid down. It has 140 mph on the speedo and let me tell you, when it was new, it would have had no prob at all passing that! I have had mine up to just over 130 and started shutting it down.
The ONLY bad thing with this fine bike is that they were only made for 2 years (85 & 86), so parts are REALLY hard to find. To tell the truth, that's how I found this link... for a mid size cross breed, the XJ Maxim is one of the finest bikes out there.
3rd Nov 2008, 21:29
I'm going to attempt a barter for a 85 Yamaha Maxim X (XJ700) for one of my quads. I have a Yamaha 1300cc Classic Tourer. I love my bike, just paid it off, and do not want to get rid of it.
This bike has 4k miles on it, replaced wheels, carbs, etc. I LOVE YAMAHAS, just have always thought they were the best you get a lot for and with a low price. As long as I took care of the "general" maintenance, I have never had a problem.
Thank you for all of your comments, they really helped. Oh, I put the bike name, etc into EBay Motorcycles and tons of parts for these bikes came popping up.
9th Apr 2010, 12:04
I have a 1986 XJ700 Maxim X, awesome bike, just can't find a new water pump - any ideas? dmc07@yahoo.com
18th May 2010, 00:49
I have owned one for three months, a Maxim X 85. It is excellent, the performance is really nice. It is an old bike, so we need to improve some things to maintain it on the road.
24th May 2010, 03:58
Bought my XJ700 last year, it had 52000 miles on it.
I wanted something tried and true. It fired up, obviously had never been sitting very long! I re-gapped the spark plugs and changed the oil, and it runs like a new one and just turned 58000 miles!
Get a lot of compliments on it, and usually am out riding with Harley's and much bigger bikes, but people always want to know..."What is THAT?!?"
After I took off the back seat and sissy bar and lowered it an inch, it changes the whole look of the bike.
13th Jun 2010, 23:38
I have owned a 1986 Yamaha Maxim X for two years. It is by far the best bike I have ever had. I have had a lot of people ask me about it and what it is; some people even thought it was a hog, but when I started it up, they were stunned that it sounded like a sport bike.
I just broke 9,300 miles on it. When I got it, there was under 2,000. That's how much I love it.
Everything on it is original, except the oil and tires of course. but if I ever wanted to sell it, most people don't even know what it's worth.
2nd Jul 2010, 09:06
I bought my X 5 years ago with 8,000 miles on it. Aside from the carbs needing to be pulled and cleaned (it seems too often, but I don't ride it enough), the bike has been quite dependable.
To the person who pulled the seat and sissy bar, I thought about doing that as I like the bobbed look, but I'd have to redo the seat and get a different rear fender. Are you running the stock seat and fender?
2nd Jul 2010, 22:10
I have a 83 750 Maxim and cannot find a tail light lense anywhere. Please email me with any info!
evanjohncox@gmail.com
6th Apr 2011, 20:57
Where did you find a sissy bar for your X? Would like to be able to carry more camping stuff.
10th May 2011, 19:08
I just bought one for only $350, and I love it!!! I've only spent $125 on it so far.
I'm planning on doing a full restoration before moving on to an upgraded exhaust, K&N air filter, accel regulator, and a new paint job. I've been quoted at below $700 for all from my local shop. So I think I've got a great deal!!!
Any ideas on upgrades are greatly welcome.. I'm at Nitrowolf_67@yahoo.com
16th May 2011, 15:25
I've got a Yamaha Maxim XJ, and wouldn't take anything for it. I ride to the Smokies a lot, and have rode it for 2 years. I paid 450.00 for it 2 years ago. The only problem I had was the gas varnished in it, and I had to clean all the parts. I change oil like clockwork, and haven't done anything to it but buy tires.
Good luck with yours.
22nd Mar 2012, 22:07
I have had my XJ700 for about a month, and absolutely love the bike. Between the handling, the power, and the get-up-and-go it has, it is a perfect starter bike.
Not to mention only issue is that I think the starter is out. The battery said it was charged and it won't turn over. It just has the "fuel" light turn on.
29th Apr 2012, 22:40
I have lowered my 'X' in the rear about 2" by installing Suzuki Savage rear shocks. They are chrome & look great, you'd never know they're the difference in the stance. I have had to shorten the side stand, but the look & most importantly ride is better if anything. With the shocks on the stiffest setting, the ass end is firm & does not bottom out, & I'm 6'3" & 230. These are one of the best bikes ever made IMO, really quick with excellent handling characteristics. You will learn to do your own carb, tuning & maintenance, or get pissed with shop punks who charge a ton for labor on a classic they don't know much about. A great bike for enthusiasts!
15th Nov 2006, 12:19
My girlfriend bought a 1986 Maxim X last year. Nice looking bike, very fast. Have had lots of problems with it. Spends way more time in the shop than on the road. Paid $2600 for it and have spent $1900 in repairs. She got tired of fixing it all the time and bought a 2005 Suzuki S50. This one actually runs!