1985 Yamaha XJ700 Maxim X

Summary:

No one loves their bikes quite like an XJ owner, and I am no exception

Faults:

Clutch cable snapped, burnt out key ignition switch.

General Comments:

Halifax, N.S. Canada.

I loved reading all the posts on these bikes. I would not trade mine for a brand new Harley unless it was to sell and buy more XJs.

I have chopped mine up a bit. For XJ fans, some hate it, most love it. I have chopped 8 inches off the rear fender, took off the passenger seat, chopped the seat to a low solo seat, and stripped all the paint off it and let it rust naturally.

I just got back from the Wharf Rat Bike Rally, Digby N.S. Canada. This bike gets a lot of attention in a crowd of 40,000 bikes. What I love the most about this bike is the performance and reliability, not to mention it will out run most everything it goes against.

I love it so much that my next project will be to start a collection and keep them for as long as I can ride. I will post again when I get the next one.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th September, 2014

2nd Oct 2015, 15:38

My 700 is a 1986, I love it, and it's painted flat black with red wheels. It got great comments from a crowd at a show. I've owned it since 2005.

1st Mar 2017, 02:54

Got a 1986 750 Yamaha Maxim X. 26000 KM, awesome bike. Quick even by today's standards.

1st Sep 2019, 00:35

What is the max mileage for this motorcycle?? I want to buy one, but it has 74k miles.

8th May 2023, 19:22

Sounds great. I have just bought one in the UK. Needs a replacement clutch cable, carbs cleaning and balancing and a general spruce up, but I loved it straight away. Seems it would benefit from another gear as the box is only 5 speed. Nice looking machine Maxim X 700 from California originally, 1986 model, liquid cooled. I have no idea where to source a service manual though. Any advice on parts or a manual would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

1986 Yamaha XJ700 Maxim X

Summary:

Take it to the max with Maxim X

Faults:

I bought this from a fireman, in Sutton, Ont. He worked at Yamaha in 85 when it was introduced, and always wanted one but it was too expensive, 4500. So in 2005 he found a black Canadian model, more HP, not affected by embargo, and made it into pristine condition. I went to see it, he reluctantly let me ride it, and wow, explosive take off power. The sound of the engine, and when I sat on it, the retro feeling, I said yes.

Every motorcycle shop and mechanics say that it is a great bike. Very innovative for 1985.

I bought a 2009 FJR, and my friend said you don't need it, but there is something special, I was told by a lot of shops, it's super clean, keep it forever. It is better than the V-Max of that era; I rode a few, and when I get back on the Max-X, I feel a great feeling of this is it. I've ridden a lot of new machines, and when I get back on the X, I still have a smile, and I say nothing can touch this. Well, I really wouldn't go that far, but I think everyone knows what I mean. My son made me an email address. It is maximxforlife. Nice of him huh.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2014

8th May 2023, 19:26

Great review! Just bought a Maximx in UK. Any advice on where I can get the service manual from buddy?

1985 Yamaha XJ700 Maxim X

Faults:

Flasher won't work stay on!

Carb flooded; fix that.

Overheating, found bad wires and set up carbs.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th April, 2011

9th Sep 2011, 23:21

This bike is a great bike, it runs like a champ, so most likely your problem is the carb needs to be cleaned.

1985 Yamaha XJ700 Maxim X

Summary:

A keeper

Faults:

NOTHING SERIOUS TO DATE.

* Cleaned and synchronized the carburators.

* Cleaned and coated the gas tank.

* New tires.

* Use Yamaha motor oil and filter.

Slight clunk when shifting from first to second. Others gears are OK.

Headlight beam shudders under acceleration at night.

Great acceleration and braking (previous owner did the brakes).

Can be slow to fire up when cold.

General Comments:

A nice cruiser, and not too many around.

Seating is too upright for day trips. Need frequent rests to get the kinks out of one's back.

I like it.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd April, 2009

21st Apr 2009, 15:18

I have 70,367 miles on my 85 Yamaha Maxim X, and it's still going strong.