1980 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim from United States of America - Comments

Comments: 1-15, 16-28

11th Sep 2007, 08:59

I friend gave me his old 1982 XJ650 Maxim two years ago, after it had sat abandoned in his back yard outside in the rain, snow and dust storms of West Texas for 17 years. It only had 9,200 miles on it.

New tires, cleaned carbs, oil change, etc. and it runs great.

The only problem I have had was a broken clutch lever last week (something of a shock down-shifting from 5th gear!). It's my first bike (I'm 52), and couldn't be happier with the outcome.

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12th Sep 2007, 14:31

I noticed on my 1980 Maxim that the front brakes tend to wear unevenly, with quite a bit more wear on the "drivers" side of the rotor.

Any thoughts or fixes anyone can think of?

Thanks,

John.

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18th Oct 2007, 15:41

Just bought my 80 650 Maxium for $500, and after putting new tires on it, rear brakes and a few cosmetic items, I'm happy so far. Need to tune up the carb, but other than that, enjoying it quite well. Needs some polishing and cleaning, but every second I have, I'm riding it. One day I will stop and get it all cleaned up.

Any suggestions on locating some side covers?

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16th Nov 2007, 17:31

Probably a great bike if I could get it to run.

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23rd Jun 2008, 16:12

Just bought a used 1980 Yamaha 650 Maxim for $200. Needs some work on the chrome, but otherwise runs great!

Does this bike run on unleaded gas? I was told that it needed a lead additive, is this true?

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24th Jun 2008, 05:36

Hi, can anyone help? I have an old 78 Maxim, which has just had a 650 engine put into it, but I have a major oil leak and not entirely sure why. A lot of oil seems to be getting into the Air Filter box (I know that during the process of the engine running it will get some) but this is a lot! And it is then leaking out of the bottom of the airbox. Can anyone suggest what the cause of this is, and how to fix it please!!

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12th Jul 2008, 13:39

I'm looking at a 1980 Maxim 650. It has 64,000 miles and needs about $500 in carb. work since it spits gas. The seller wants $900, which seems high from what I've been reading. I know nothing about bikes, but this seems like a good, inexpensive and reliable first-timer's model from the posts. What do you think of this potential bike? Thanks!!

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30th Jul 2008, 03:47

A friend just gave me his 1980 650 Maxim. It has rust in the gas tank and the carborators need to be cleaned, but other than that it looks and feels great. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to clean the carbs? Is there a remedy for a rusty gas tank?

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23rd Oct 2008, 20:45

I just recently bought a 1980 Maxim. I probably paid more than I should have for it, but it is a one owner with low miles. I have cleaned out the gas tank, the carbs, air box, air filter, and changed the oil. The bike runs really good but I'm having trouble getting it idle. I've been told that it could be an intake leak or the carbs may need adjustment. I may have to let a motorcycle mechanic look at it. I just don't want to spend a lot of money at this time. With the exception of the problem with the idle, I'm really enjoying the bike.

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25th Dec 2008, 15:12

I just got a XJ 650 1980 for $700. It has 9000 miles on it and runs like new. I love the ride and the handling.

No rust found and lots of new parts on eBay.

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25th Aug 2009, 08:54

I just got an 80 Maxim for $300. I need to replace the rear tire, front rotor, and the tranny won't go into second. Oh yeah-and no side stand (kinda scary huh). Well I have got the back wheel off - you just have to use brute force - take off the castle nut and use a rod to hammer out the axle - and don't forget to unbolt the peg assembly on the right side to force your exhaust pipe out of the way - you'll see what I mean. And detach the rear brake assembly - cause it's comin' out. OK, I am also starting on the tranny as I wait for the 130-90-16 tire I ordered. I have gotten some manuals together for the job. Hopefully, I'll replace second gear and all is right with the world. We'll see. Take care!

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28th Sep 2009, 21:12

Just got a 1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim for $200. The guy wanted $400 but talked him down. It's got 17,000 miles and missing some cosmetic stuff, but is largely complete.

Ebay has been a great source to locate replacement parts on the cheap. Unfortunately the PO didn't have it on PNO like he claimed, so I'll end up spending just as much on the registration as I will in fixing up the bike.

Once I fix the floats in the carburators, this bike should be good to go.

I love the looks, and cleaning it up gives me something to do while I wait for my parts to arrive.

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28th Oct 2009, 20:35

I just got a 1980 XJ650 Maxim-i for free. It had been sitting in the guy's barn since 1986. He said it was running when he parked it. I am in the process of disassembling it for a complete bare frame restore to original quality. Having a hard time finding parts though. Mostly only in salvage yards.

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