Faults:

Clutch cable snapped at 20,000 miles, but then, the bike is 23 years old.

The foot pegs have worn. I cannot reasonably complain, this is normal wear and tear, and this is a great bike!

Cold starting: If the bike sits for a couple weeks, it takes a bit longer to crank, but when I ride it a couple times a week, I can simply touch the start button and presto, a one second button push gets her rumbling. Takes a few minutes to smooth the engine out, then can cruise like a bee!

General Comments:

I bought this bike for $800, they go often for about $1500 on Ebay.

It has plenty of power for a mid size bike, and the direct drive transmission is awesome. It is fast, oh yeah, very fast, and has surprised many, many a friend at the power it offers even with two riders on it.

Gas mileage is about 60-65 mpg if you ride like a sane old granny and keep it at 55 mph. However, even at the near $3 gallon price of today, it will perk out at 45 mpg for the insane, throttle thrushing, middle-agers who like to hot dog the bike in the 80 to 80mph range (I personally know).

Maintenance, about minimal. It is very dependabe. I have only had to do the typical bare, minimal maintenance one would expect: oil change, spark plug change, new battery. Oh yeah, replaced the clutch cable and a worn tire (had the original tires on it).

I did also buy a small windshield, a definite plus, adds a sporty look, without all the bulk of a faring, and it adds three thousand percent enjoyment to riding.

If you are thinking about getting a used one, do it now. These bikes I believe in a few years will be vintage worthy of higher dollars. They are a nice collectible. Most people don't realize they are over a quarter century old.

Oh, if you plan long rides, invest in a larger seat, otherwise it is a great bike, nothing else to explain.

John, North East TN.

Faults:

Nothing thus far (which is why I gave it a score of 10 for reliability). However, I've only owned the bike for a week and a half, and have put on approx. 250 miles.

The seat upholstery is cracked along a seam, however the bike is 23 years old.

General Comments:

I just purchased this bike (a 1982 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim) from the original owner. He had purchased the bike as a new leftover in 1984, and had only ridden it approximately 3,900 miles.

He kept it garaged, and usually only rode it 100-200 miles per year.

The bike's acceleration is great, its handling and comfort are very good.

I love the fact that it is a 4 cylinder, shaft driven motorcycle.

As far as I know, the bike has been problem-free, and I just had it checked out at a local bike shop and they were amazed at its like-new condition.

My previous bike was a 1985 Yamaha 700 Maxim X, which was a wonderful bike.

The 650 came equipped with a Tracy fairing, which was great for weather protection, however I felt it detracted from the bike's stabilty on the highway (It seemed to act as a sail, and was vunerable to cross winds etc. - Has anyone else experienced this with a fairing on the highway?)

I'm really enjoying my new-old cruiser, and I love its "old school" style.

Hey, retro is in, isn't it?