1986 Yamaha XJ700 Maxim X

Summary:

Love it to bits (nearly as much as the wife??) Truly one of Yamaha's greats!

Faults:

Replaced the starter motor at 16000 miles; 25 years old!

Problem with a bad connection, which took me months to find!

Slight misfiring at 5000 RPM, but not a problem with the riding of the bike.

General Comments:

I have always had sports bikes, and at the moment I have an R1, which of course is breakneck fast.

I bought the Maxim X from a friend, who had owned it for 8 years, but never really used it; it sat in his garage gathering dust. This bike was imported into the UK from the States in 1991. I ended up with it, because my friend didn't have time for it, hence I became the new owner with no regrets; in fact I cannot believe how lucky I am... what a bike!

I was amazed to see how much power comes from the Maxim X 700cc engine. Straight line power is something else. A lovely bike to ride, with comfort and power combined surprisingly well. Not the best bike on handling, but a pleasure to ride. Superb around town, with the big plus of a low seat and feet touching the ground easily!! Well balanced.

The engine sounds fantastic! Great in the country at fairly high speeds; once you go above 100mph you do get a bit battered!! But to be fair, it's not really designed for that.

In conclusion, a fantastic bike, and its design is ageless. Many people have been taken back that it's 25 years old, and looks a much younger bike! I'm amazed how much power you get from the engine! A great all rounder, with many years of fun to come from it yet.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2012

28th Jun 2014, 03:41

Hey, will a Maxim X keep up with an R6?

26th Nov 2017, 18:33

Nope sorry, it will not keep up with the R6... 20+ years of tech updates. It is still a fast 700cc cruiser for it's time. 11.7... 113mph in the quarter mile time. 135+mph top speed. The all around style of the bike speaks for itself. What a great Yamaha classic.

1986 Yamaha XJ700 Maxim X

Summary:

A great ride all year round; fantastic

Faults:

Nothing has gone wrong with the XJ in the six years I have had her.

General Comments:

The XJ is very quick; it still pulls your arm out of their sockets.

After about a hundred miles, you get a numb backside, so need to stretch the legs.

It handles well, but make sure you got a good set of tyres on before you chuck it into a corner.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th February, 2007