1982 Yamaha Maxim 750 from United States of America

Summary:

Absolutely indestructible

Faults:

After nearly 100,000 miles, the nylon gears in the speedometer have worn out. Where the heck can I find replacements?

General Comments:

I bought this bike used 7 years ago with 18,000 miles. It now has over 98,000, and is running great!

Everything except the usual tires and brakes are stock.

I had to replace the alternator brushes just a couple months ago too.

No engine breakdowns and very little slippage on the stock clutch.

This bike is absolutely bullet proof! 30 years old and still holding up to my Iron Butt ride abuse. Amazing!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th February, 2012

1982 Yamaha Maxim 750 from United States of America

Summary:

Awesome, comfortable, economical, reliable daily driver!

Faults:

Tank interior rusted and developed pinholes by 1990, replaced with aftermarket tank. (More as a result of NOT being ridden and being stored in a shed in hot humid Florida).

Neck bearing replaced at 29K (a result again of being stored for many years, not used, then put into use and having to travel over dirt, washboard roads.)

Fork seals replaced at 32K. (See above reasons)

Front brakes intermittently would lock up, which again turned out to be related to its years of storage (master cylinder cleaned, return orifice cleaned - problem solved).

Fuel petcock leaking at 33000.

General Comments:

Bike originally purchased by my Dad in '82, I inherited it when he passed on. Dad took it for a trip from Florida to Canada and back in '85, and drove it intermittently until his disability prevented him from riding. The bike was parked in a shed with 19000 miles on it, then pretty much forgotten. At one point it sat outside for a few weeks, for sale. Then back into storage. Dad passed away in '06 and I got the bike and put it back in service.

Had the carbs cleaned and reset, bought a new battery, changed the oil, put a new rear tire on it and have been driving it every day since! It's a great bike, smooth riding, responsive. Big enough to feel comfortable on the highway, yet nimble enough to handle well in town.

Tone of exhaust is mellow, not so loud your thoughts get drowned, or that you cannot hear surrounding traffic. But not so quiet that surrounding traffic cannot hear you.

Lights are large and conspicuous.

Adjustable handlebars allow the rider to fine tune the reach and throw to make a very comfortable driving experience.

The gauge panel and cluster are very modern, with an LCD read out that checks all systems of the bike - headlight, tail light, oil, fuel, side stand.

The bike has a switch on the side stand that prevents forward movement if the side stand is still down when put into gear; the bike will shut off.

All in all, it was a very advanced bike for 1982, and still seems to be a VERY reliable transport!

I get about 40 mpg with it.

I wish they still made these style of bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2009

20th May 2009, 21:47

Do you know what the fuel tank capacity for this bike is?

7th Oct 2009, 18:17

If I remember correctly (mine has been parked for about 6 years), fuel tank capacity is about 4.5-5 US Gallons.

17th Nov 2010, 19:57

I used to own a 1982 Yamaha 750 Maxim. It was an awesome bike, fast, comfortable to ride and looked great.

I wish they still made this style of bike too!

13th May 2012, 10:55

Great review of the bike by the way. I have owned a 650, and currently a 750, I have the same issues with the gas tank as well. And have been searching high and low for an aftermarket tank. Was there a website or dealer you could recommend?

14th Apr 2013, 15:17

Its tank has a capacity of 13 litres. Exactly. Just bought a 750 Maxim in bad condition. Wanna build it up again.

Greetings from Germany!

Joerg

1st Jun 2013, 15:35

Tanks now can have a bladder put in them. Just mud up the outside for cosmetics and just bladder the inside.

3rd Jan 2015, 00:47

Ya might wanna look on eBay. Lots of folks have this year and style parts for sale. Just sayin'.

20th Aug 2020, 21:32

I am glad that I stumbled upon this site. It will be helpful going forward.

My neighbor moved and gave me his '82 750 Maxim. It was seized-up. After 2 weeks of MMO (Marvel Mystery Oil) soaking and recirculating it through the engine, it did turn over. Now on to making it run!

1982 Yamaha Maxim 750 from United States of America

Summary:

A lot of bang for the buck!

Faults:

I had a ignition box go out at 38,000 miles. Cheap fix.

Other than that, I've only had to replace wearable parts; tires, oil/filters, fluids etc...

General Comments:

I have enjoyed every mile I've put on this thing. It's reliable, handles well, performs well, love it!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th November, 2008

1982 Yamaha Maxim 750 from United States of America

Faults:

Actually nothing wrong with the bike yet. Just purchased (for a case of beer) a 1982 Yamaha 750 Maxim.

Removed the tank, put fuel into the carbs, new battery and she starts right up. Will change oil, filters, and brake pads this weekend.

Any ideas on other items to replace before I hits the road?

Ran smooth and easy, has 7,500 original miles and was garaged from 82 till 06, when it was moved to the driveway. New seat will be required.

General Comments:

I am having trouble finding info on the 750. Seems a lot of talk about the 650 Maxim, but little on the 750 Maxim? Any reasons??

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

Review Date: 8th April, 2008

12th Apr 2008, 23:29

I just got an Maxim XJ650J and checked the brake fluid all the way to the caliper. The condition was such that I would recommend any old bike buyer to check the brake fluid and change it even if it looks good. Mine looked like burned transmission fluid with solids in it. I got to spend some time to clean out all the deposits and gum from the piston and caliper itself. If not cleaned, it will start seizing the piston and dragging the brakes, and lead to replacement of the caliper.