1982 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim from United States of America - Comments

28th May 2006, 11:57

"None of today's flair, but solid nostalgic performance that still turns the eye!!!"

What things have gone wrong with the motorcycle?

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.


29th May 2006, 19:53

Reliable, fun-to-ride, good=looking.

Yes, this sums up my '82 Maxim, as well.

Who makes a "larger seat" for the Maxim?

And what style are they?


11th May 2007, 07:02

Do you know the power to weight ratio for this bike? Also, where did you get the windshield?

Add another comment

Note: A Comments RSS Feed RSS Feed is available.

All Yamaha XJ650 Maxim reviews