1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim

Summary:

Excellent reliable simple machine

Faults:

This motorcycle has had very little go wrong with it. At one point a headlight relay wouldn't engage when I turned the key. This was easily solved by opening up the relay and cleaning it out with brake cleaner. The seat latch is a touch bent. It was when I bought it, but it works fine.

General Comments:

I love this bike. It is my second and it has been going strong for 18000 miles... I bought it with the intent to get rid of it as soon as I could afford a new bike, but I have enjoyed it way too much and people stop me very often to ask what type it is. Japanese fours are pretty classic in their appearance, but are obviously not Harleys.

Some comments earlier are absolutely true. The seat is horrible. I have done 8 hour trips on this bike and want to destroy it when I get off. This is the only downside I've found. It develops vibration at 60 mph that goes away at 65 (with four cylinders the little vibration still hardly amounts to anything). I have driven for 2 hours straight on this bike at 80 mph and it was awesome.

It is supposedly cheap to have fixed, but I haven't needed it. Oil is easy enough to fix. Valves are easy to get to and easy enough to adjust (just need new shims). Shaft drives are golden and I only have to change the oil every once in a while. There are a lot of annoying things on old bikes if you like the comfort and conveniences of new bikes. But to me this is well worth keeping.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st October, 2017

1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim

Summary:

Perfect motorcycle for beginners, but even better for experienced riders!

Faults:

The only problems I have experienced were small and insignificant.

The fuse holder for my head lights wore out (swapped another in about 30 seconds).

Small oil leak from one of the DOHC gaskets.

General Comments:

I have put just short of four thousand miles on the bike this year (July 2009 to November 2009). The bike has ran like a champion. As do some other riders, I wish the fuel capacity was bit more. Other than that, it is an absolutely fantastic ride. I will own this bike till the day it dies. If it ever does.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd November, 2009

1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim

Summary:

Fast and amazing!!!

Faults:

There is nothing wrong this bike yet. This is one of the most excellent bikes I owned.

General Comments:

I have this Maxim 650, and I just moved into a new neighborhood and I do not have a garage I can securely lock. I know I can lock the handlebars, but I would also like to know what else I can do to avoid someone stealing my motorcycle?

I noticed the bike has a power lock on the left side (opposite side of battery) and I was wondering if anyone could tell me what the power lock does to the motorcycle?

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th December, 2008

26th May 2009, 14:05

I can't see how long it's been since you made the post, but I've found one of those U-shaped bike locks clamped around a front wheel spoke wheel is a pretty good deterrent. The front wheel is best because it's easy to see for even the casual passerby.

4th Jun 2017, 22:20

Buy a disc brake lock; those cheap bicycle locks will fail you.

1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim

Summary:

This is a great first bike for a new rider such as me

Faults:

Difficulty in getting engine to stay idling well at proper RPM.

Original turn signal flasher failed.

Carburetor holders dry rotted and cracked.

Rubber intake tubes got hard and shrunk.

Plastic retaining ring that keeps rubber diaphragm mounted to carburetor slider split.

Carburetor floats out of adjustment.

Chrome has begun to rust bad in places.

Front brake caliper piston was seized.

Starting motor brushes worn down severely.

Headlight relay had corrosion inside and was hanging up.

Clutch cable frayed at hand lever end.

Fuse holders loose and broken.

Steering head bearings have a notch worn in the race.

General Comments:

At times when I've got the carburetors all synchronized and it seems to be idling well, this bike is a pleasure to ride.

Being a direct drive, it's very responsive when I crack the throttle out on the highway.

This is a relatively easy bike to work on.

I'm disappointed that I haven't found any accessories such as side boxes for this bike anywhere.

I am thinking about making custom boxes from fiberglass.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd September, 2008

5th Sep 2008, 11:36

I own a 1982 Maxim 650 (with about 4,000 original miles) and it has been a wonderful bike. (Review - A Real Blast From the Past)

I'm sure that you will enjoy your Maxim - one of the finest mid-size bikes ever built!

Ride Safely!