Comments: 1-15, 16-21
Seat vinyl was trashed.
Carburetors needed a thorough cleaning.
Air intake connectors were cracked.
Rusted mufflers.
Frayed cables.
XJ clutch springs (5) tend to weaken from age - easy and cheap to replace.
This is a great-looking and plush-riding cruzer. Not at all a speedster, as the acceleration sucks, and it is too low and wide for tight turns.
Mine had squishy wide foot rests with bumper studs on the bottom - very cool (after I got over the initial shock of scraping one on a seemingly shallow turn).
If you stick to bike's intended purpose, then it is very enjoyable.
Very low-maintenance after I fixed everything. Extra points for maintenance-free ignition.
Most parts are no longer available (like air tubes), so you better have the sources lined up before purchasing one.
I couldn't disagree with your assessment of the 650 Maxim's power & handling more.
If mid-12 second quarter mile times are SLOW to you, then you might be happy with a V-Max. The 650 has plenty of power for any real world situation.
As far as handling goes, my 650 is equipped with nice firm fork springs, and it handles nearly as well as my Maxim X did, which was just a notch below my RD350, which was the best handling bike I've ever ridden. I would rate the 650 Maxim above average in the handling department. It gets right down in the curves and handles the twisties effortlessly. Of course I drive reasonably, and don't go faster than the roads and conditions warrant.
Comfort wise it is top-notch. My personal preference would be for a flatter seat like on the older bikes of the 70's, so that I could stretch out a bit more on longer rides. But with cruisers, style seemed to outrank practicality when it came to seats, and in some cases handlebars too.
As far as cruisers go, I believe the XJ650 ranks among the best of it's period and beyond. Compare it to todays cruisers, which have less equipment (no tachs or center stands for example), & less power (most are V-Twins). I'll take a four cylinder shaftie any day!
I believe that the XJ650 is far, far, more than a "decent" bike, as the reviewer describes.
I believe it is an underrated classic just waiting for a resurgence.
I agree completely. People have forgotten the good'ol standard. I picked up my 1980 Maxim 650 for $400. After a bit of work, several trips to the salvage yard, and a lot of polishing, I have the best bike I've ever owned. I love its classic styling and low maintenance. Simple, straight forward and comfortable. And yes it's quick, granted it's not going to keep up with any of today's sport-rockets, but then I don't need that much "compensation" if you know what I mean.
I recently bought a 1982 650 Maxim. The bike was in very good condition.
I agree that it is a good handling bike and has plenty of speed. I have adjustable air shocks and the ride is comfortable. It was designed to be a cruiser, not a sport bike.
I like the classic look of this bike.
I have had my 1980 650 Maxim for 4 years now. It is my first bike ever. I bought it for 500 dollars and put 500 dollars into it. People tell me that this bike is a tough and rugged bike. I have taken this bike on 2 runs now and have not had any problems with it. As a matter of fact, I have gotten complements on it. I am glad that this is my first bike and it has shown me a lot about bikes. The respect and enjoyability of owning one.
Hi Folks,
I just picked up a 1980 xj650 and MAN WHAT A DREAM.
This machine has more power than I'll ever need (but it's nice to have it if you need it). I am chroming this classic from top to bottom. Will have some pictures soon.
//SLAYER\\
Okay, check this one out. I just purchased a 1980 xj500r (as titled), but this bike has a shaft drive. I have not found anything associating a 550 with shaft drive. As far as I have found 550's have chains, 650s have shafts. I dunno???
I just got my 1980 Maxim 650 back after 10 years. I bought it in 1988 from a guy in Illinois for $1300 and promptly wrecked it. My brother had it for ten years, redoing all the fuses, re-upholstering the seat, rebuilding the front end and replacing the carb boots. I did a custom airbrush job on the tank, and it looks great. I live on a twisty mountain road, and riding it is a dream. Would like to know of any sites that post photos of these classic bikes?
I am so glad to see that I am not the only person who still owns a Maxim... mine is a 1980 650 (true classic now) and I bought it in 1981. All is original, except the seat.
I love the looks I get when it's on the road. Love the way it handles, and the fact that I can easily touch the ground. At 5'4" and 120lbs it was a great bike that I could muscle around if necessary. Still love it!
I bought a Maxim XJ-650 for $800 last July, and after I put a charge on the battery, I drove it from New Hampshire to Cape Cod. This after the previous owner told me it hadn't been ridden in years.
It was/is/was all pitted and rusty, and needed some brake work, a new clutch lever and cable, 2 new tires and the old crystallized gas cleaned out of the carburetors, plus the requisite oil change, tune up etc...) All told I put maybe $500 more into the bike.
This is an amazing bike; very fast and very cool sounding, and I think it handles pretty great, but it is my first bike.
So far I put roughly 7,500 miles on it tearing up the roads of Southern New England.
It's nice to find other people with the same bike. I paid $500 for mind a few months ago, and put $400 in to it so far. It's been a great bike so far, although I have to rebuild the carbs for better take off and hopefully better mileage.
Just picked up a 81 Maxim 650 for 400 dollars. Been sitting a while. Replaced the gas, checked everything over. Cleaned the engine. And runs perfect at 24,000 miles.
I'm used to larger bikes, and my only complaint is I feel like I'm being pushed up on the tank with the stock seat. So another seat, and forward controls are my next project.
I love all the Maxims. My favorite being the yics motor 650; it had more h.p. than any other bike in its class that year. 10 to 15% more. I used that motor in a hillclimber frame, and it rocked!
I bought a 1980 650 Maxim (first bike ever) and couldn't be happier... awesome bike for speed, handling and cost (paid $1200 certified), and it looks good too!!!
I also just got a 1980 Yamaha Maxim this year, and paid a low $350 for it. I did have to replace the battery, and the front brakes need to be looked at, but all in all it runs great.
The handling on this bike is more than I could ask for, and the power is also more than sufficient. It's a fairly comfortable ride, although I've never gone more than 200 miles at a time with it. The MPG isn't the greatest, but it is an older bike, so we can't expect miracles.
I couldn't ask more out of a beginner bike, and even after I get my next bigger and better bike, I hope to keep this one!
It's been all around Vermont with me, and I've even gotten some nice compliments on it - I can't wait to chrome out the exhaust system.
I own a Maxim 650 (1982) with 20000 miles on it.
Now I have trouble with the carburetor. Any idea how to test it?
Thank you.