Comments: 1-15, 16-21
With the age of my bike, the carbs have needed regular attention. I'm hoping a recent carb rebuild will cure those pains for a while.
Speaking of age and rebuild...
I recently rebuilt my "X" from the ground up, with the exception of the engine and drive-train. It was needed from normal wear and tear, age, my maniacal driving style, and the previous owners' lack of proper storage.
I didn't do the engine because she was (and is) running very strong. There is no obvious reason to open it up.
In spite of that, there was plenty to do on the rebuild. This included paint, bearings, gaskets, cables, coils, wires, fluids, and more.
I have ridden all varieties of motorcycles, and this by far is the best all around bike I've had the pleasure of riding. Most people are completely shocked to see just how quick she is, especially when they find out her age. It looks like a small cruiser, but has the heart and soul of a dragster/sport bike.
Maneuverability may not be quite on par as the super-bikes, but she's very close to it. I've seen photos of an X driven by a racer on a closed circuit, very nearly parallel to the ground in a turn. I definitely have fun with her, but not that kind of fun.
The first couple of years I owned her, I considered her just an ol' putt-putt bike. But more recently I've realized her performance and worth. They were only built for two years, 1985 and 1986 - XJ700XN and XJ700XS respectively. Those north of the border in Canada had the fortune to get the exact same bike, except theirs were 750cc X's.
The liquid cooled, five valve configuration on the MaximX sets her apart from all the other XJ's produced, namely the Maxim and Seca.
Hi there, I just wanted to correct one thing on your comment. I live in Canada and we were also fortunate to get the 700cc XJ. My bike is a xj700n (no rad) and was purcased brand new in 1985 here in Canada.
I have a 1985 XJ700n Maxim in great shape. I believe it is a 2 valve/cylinder as opposed to a 5 valve model. Ken.
I own an '85 Maxim X that I purchased with 200 miles on it back in 1986. It currently has 30,000 miles on and still runs great. It does go through tires pretty quickly (used to run Dunlop) so I switched to a harder compound the last time around - these have worn pretty well. Aside from oil changes, tune-ups, & brakes, bike has been very reliable and provided outstanding service. Only current issue is a small leak in drive shaft gasket / seal.
It is totally stock - including OEM pipes - and I plan to begin doing a major clean / polish / replenish effort on it this year and retire it from "active duty". A nephew is into bikes and once he gets old enough to appreciate it, I'll probably pass it along to him. I bought a new Star 1100 last summer - hopefully it will be as reliable as the Maxim.
Johnny
Hi, my name is James. I purchased my 85' Maxim from my dad; it was mine and his first street bike. I paid $800 for the bike.
I have had a few problems with the carbs. I was wondering if maybe someone might know where I can get rebuild kits for them? I actually work for a bike shop, but we don't carry any parts for anything older than ten years. I was also wondering how can you tell what cc the engine is?
This bike sat out in the weather for about seven years. I have done wonders with the carbs so far, but they are in dire need of a rebuild.
Hey James. Go to www.maxim-x.com. That website will tell you everything you need to know about the bike. I also recommend joining the mailing list, which allows you to talk to other maxim-x fanatics. Tell them about the issues you're having with the bike, and they'll walk you through some possible solutions. Those guys are great, and I'm sure they can lead you to some good websites to where you can order the rebuild kits.
I haven't ordered parts in a while for my maxim-x, but I've found that the best way is to go to the Yamaha website and through some links you will be able to search for parts for the bike. I recall that it gives you exploded views of the bike so you are able to pinpoint all the parts you need. Make a list of all the part numbers you need and then you can order them from a local dealer.
A website I've used in the past is https://www.zanottimotor.com/shopping/pLookUp.php That site allows you to do a direct part lookup via the part number. Good luck.
I own a 1985 Maxim X, blue in color. It has 31,000 miles on it.
I installed a Yamaha windshield on it in 1986. I use a tank bag, which I prefer, instead of saddlebags.
After all these years 'ole "max" still looks very new. I am always amused when riding with my friends on how many nice comments I get from other people on my bike. The x is truly a gem. A sport bike in a cruiser frame. A Wolf in Sheep's clothing.
I prefer it over a new motorcycle, or I wouldn't be riding it still. I would be riding a new bike.
Thanks for your time as I have to go pick up Max over at the shop - had the carbs redone and a general tune-up. See you out on the big road. God Bless. Big "E".
I purchased a 1985 Yamaha Maxim XJ700N a year ago. I was only able to ride it about a month before it became apparent the carbs needed some work, so I took it to the shop. They discovered one of the carbs was missing the spring diaphragm, and it is a discontinued part through Yamaha.
I have been looking for this part for 6 months now, and I have had no luck. Many places list it by part number, but when you call about it they say it is discontinued and they have no way of getting it. I have also searched motorcycle salvage yards across the U.S., but I have not had any luck. If anyone has any advice, it would be greatly appreciated.
Wow, I am trying to help a friend who has a Maxim 700. He needs carb kits for both carbs, and I can't find them anywhere. The local shop said can't get em. If ANYONE knows where to get a kit, please, please, please, email me the website/phone number djkados at gmail.com.
Hi if you're looking for parts try this web site. http://www.oldbikebarn.com
There are several places on the web that you can buy carburetors from private sellers. Rarely do you need carburetor kits, usually just a good cleaning, (which means they have to be dismantled), and if you are very careful, the gaskets do not break, and with a small amount of sealer can be used again. I have done a number of carburetors over the years.
I just bought a 1985 Yamaha XJ700 and need the spark plug wires and coils, and can't find them anywhere, can anyone help?
JCwhitney.com
Friends.
Is the 85 750cc Yamaha Maxim the same as the Xj700N? Sorry, I'm about to purchase one and I want to find out if this bike is okay?
Thanks.
I picked up a 1985 XJ700 Maxim X about 9 months ago for $500.00, boy did I get a deal. I love this bike. Aside from needing cosmetic work, she runs very strong. I would like to find another one.
I have one, they are the strongest of bikes. I need a carborator for it, it runs well but breaks up at 3500 rpms. If you can help with this, mail me at scoby632@hotmail.com