1982 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim from United States of America - Comments

I've owned a 1982 650 Maxim since 1982. Bought it used with less than 10,000 miles on it.

So far the only expense is replacing the batteries, tires, oil changes and gas.

I garage it in the winter and ride in spring, summer and fall till it is snowing. I now have over 35,000 miles on it, and it runs and looks like a new machine.

I AM WELL CONVINCED that I have gotten more than my money's worth from this trouble free Yamaha bike.

The more that I ride my 1982 XJ650, the more I'm convinced it is the best bike I've ever owned, & it's the only bike I've purchased used!

I've owned new Suzuki's, Harley's and other Yamaha's, and this old 650 is right up there with my 700 Maxim X in the fun to ride category, and ahead of my Harley FXE.

It's got a little less power than the Maxim X (but more than enough), and handles nearly as well. It's probably a little easier to ride, and is probably the most well-balanced bike in terms of power, handling & comfort - that I've ever had the pleasure of owning.

I'm amazed that this bike is 24 years old!!! (with only 4,400 original miles!)

This bike is a keeper that I'll be riding long after I retire!

Hi Fellow 650 Maxim owners,

I own Harley Fat Boy for my own ride, but have recently purchased a '81 Maxim 650 as a training bike for my son and my girlfriend to learn on.

My first ever bike was a Yamaha 650 Special, and I loved the bike so much, I was forced to buy the Maxim.

Can anyone tell me how to lower the bike by at least 2 inches or more for my short legged baby?

Harley makes lowering kits, but I have not seen any thing in regards to the 650?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Don't lower the bike - the pipes will be scraping on every turn. And it will handle like.. well.. a Harley!

Get your girlfriend a bike that fits her, like a Rebel or a 250 Virago. It's not like you're out to break any land speed records with your Fat Boy anyway!

Hey,

Thanks for the sarcasm, I love it!

In regards to lowering the bike, I disagree with your comments in regards to scraping the pipes on every turn.

By lowering the Maxim, front and rear, it will improve the cornering of the high sitting bike, as it is, with out affecting the pipes, in the least bit.

We are talking about my girlfriend riding the Maxim, not Valentino Rossi.

I have found two different lowering kits for the Maxim that will bring it down, by two inches.

The thing is sitting at 29 inches now, how ridiculous is that?

My Hummer, doesn't sit that high!

As far as the Fat Boy goes, it was not built to break any land speed records, it is after all, just a Harley!

But with the 280 Avon on the back, and the 145 inch S+S in its frame, it sure attracts a lot of babes and breaks a lot of hearts, if not speed records!

Thanks for the feedback!

I have a 1980 Yamaha Maxim XJ650G with more than 110,000 miles on it that I bought cheap last year. Yes, that's right. 110,000 plus miles. Bulletproof engine? You bet!

I had some minor electrical problems with it a month or so back, but they were quickly sorted out. Other than that, nothing to speak of.

It burns a little oil, but as far as acceleration and power, it has more than enough to make people sit up and notice.

It was fully inspected and drivable when I picked it up, and it had just made a 350 mile road trip. No engine rebuilds or major work on the bike to date.

Within a year or so I hope to have a rebuilt engine ready to swap out, and by that time the bike will have been repainted and most things cleaned/fixed/replaced.

Maybe I'm biased, but I think it’s one of the best bikes ever built.

I agree, I think that the XJ650 was one of the best bikes ever built, and I stand behind my statement that the engine is indeed "bullet-proof". Your's with 110,000 miles on it, is proof, wouldn't you say?

Gone are the days of making possible one of the BEST bikes EVER >>>> the Yamaha XJ650.

I own an 1982 Seca XJ650. I paid 500 for it. It has less than 11,000 miles and runs great. I have had lots of bikes, and this one is the best yet.

I own a 1980 XJ650G - I bought it off the showroom floor in 1980. It's a great bike - but I need to replace the exhaust and I can't find replacement parts. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I've seen new exhausts for sale on-line.

You might even try eBay.

I've tried the Internet several times to find exhaust pipes - with no luck. Most other exhaust parts I can find, but not OEM pipes. Any ideas out there?

For the person who was trying to find OEM exhaust parts for the XJ650: try this website-- http://www.alfaheaven.com/AHI_Text_Pages/YamExh.html.

As for the 650 Maxim, it's my first bike and I think it's awesome. I'm not a small man and this bike will haul my substantial body right down the road without any effort.

Try the Motorcycle Pro Shop for that muffler. I think they have a Vance and Hines system for you.

Hey all, I just got ownership of my late father's 1982 Maxim 650, and I had a few questions about it.

1. How can I tell the exact model (XJ, Seca, XJ650R, etc)?

2. Where can I find a good repair manual for this bike?

3. What are some good metal polishers for the aluminum engine parts (exterior)?

4. Where is a good on-line place to shop for aftermarket/OEM hoses, cables, etc?

That's all for now. I'm looking forward to getting this bike going, as it's fun to cruise on. It sat in my mom and dad's garage for about 10 years after last being ridden--by me, when my car was broken down. It's a clean, relatively rust-free bike (except the inside of the gas tank) with only 8900 miles on it.

Thanks in advance.