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Sarah's '80 Yamaha Xj650 Maxim

XJ Garage item created by Sarah, Nov 12, 2016

Average User Rating:
5/5,
Tags:
  • Year:
    1980
    Make:
    Yamaha
    Model:
    XJ650 Maxim
    Engine Size:
    653 cc
    Modifications & Accessories:
    Hella H4 headlight conversion
    6 blade fuse block upgrade
    SS brake lines, rebuilt master cylinder, rebuilt caliper, & new pads & shoes
    SS clutch and throttle cables
    Rebuilt carbs, new intake manifolds, new fuel petcock
    Progressive Suspension 418 series adjustable rear shock absorbers
    Rebuilt forks, with Progressive Suspension fork spring kit
    All Balls tapered steering head bearings
    Slipstreamer SS-28 Sport fairing
    Lindby Linbar engine guard
    Cortech Super 2.0 saddlebags
    Castle saddlebag supports
    Tourmaster Cruiser III tool bag
    KG Engineering luggage rack
    Kuryakyn helmet lock
    Kuryakyn LED 'tri-light' license plate frame
    LED accent lighting & LED turn signal side mirrors
    Akron cell phone mount
    Eklipes power port
    Go Cruise 2 cruise assist
    Michelin Commander II's
    + necessary replacement of wear items, spark plugs, air filter, fluids, gaskets, bearings, etc.. and hours and hours of cleaning and polishing aluminum!
    Acquired in 2012 in very good original condition; one owner, 6,454 miles, all originally included accessories and documents (toolkit, security chain with instruction tag, owner's manual, Yamaha "owner's card", original title) all nicely packaged in the original dealer paperwork folder.

    Since then, we've lovingly restored, repaired, upgraded and customized into such an awesomely fun, reliable, incredibly peppy little bike that I am in love with, and will hopefully never have to part with.

    Even though it's taken 3- 4 years to get here, I've been able to ride the during the entire process, amassing another 10,000 miles so far. My bike has never left me stranded.
Sarah, Nov 12, 2016
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  1. doc t
    200 characters is too little space, imho
    doc t, Sep 29, 2017
      Sarah and CactusJack578 like this.
    1. Sarah
      I agree completely
      Sarah, Sep 16, 2018
  2. josephkief311
    Question off subject I need help getting seat of a 1983 xj650 maxim back on. It latches on the right of course but not on the left side. How to do this would be helpful. Sorry off your subject.
    josephkief311, May 20, 2018
      Sarah likes this.
    1. Sarah
      The seat has to be lined up just right to snap in, once it's lined up right it should almost just fall into place. Push down in the middle back of the seat after sliding the front under the gas tank, and that should put even pressure on the seat by the latch and get it latched evenly. Make sure you have enough clearance under the seat, (nothing blocking the latch or sticking up too far) and that the latch/helmet lock is clean and lubed and functioning properly.
      Sarah, Sep 16, 2018
  3. CactusJack578
    Love the bags. The bike is all shined up like a new one. You must be headed to faraway places. Do you have a destination planned or will you just follow the wind? I love an adventure.
    CactusJack578, Apr 12, 2018
      Sarah likes this.
    1. Sarah
      Unfortunately I have a bad back so I have to limit my riding time and take plenty of breaks. Eventually the old man and I plan to do a little touring, when we're older and have the time and money to invest in a more comfortable touring motorcycle. I use all of the luggage so I can take my bike shopping ;-)
      Sarah, Sep 16, 2018
  4. Sarah
    Sarah, Apr 9, 2018
      CactusJack578 likes this.
  5. TurkBroda182
    Nice work Sarah, I just started on my journey with one of these. Mine was left in the rain for a spell so I started a little lwer on the chain than you did. I am sure it will last you quite some time.
    TurkBroda182, Oct 25, 2017
      Sarah likes this.
    1. Sarah
      Thanks, good luck with yours!
      Sarah, Apr 9, 2018
  6. Ray B
    Thank for the reply. Its great to get some advise from someone who has actually used the shocks. I hope that I can get my bike in as nice a condition as yours.
    Ray B, Sep 9, 2017
      Sarah likes this.
  7. Ray B
    Looks like a cracking bike. Don't know if you still have it but I was wondering if the 418 series shocks made a big difference to the handling/ ride quality?
    Ray B, Sep 8, 2017
      Sarah likes this.
    1. Sarah
      I absolutely LOVE the progressive suspension 418 series shocks! They make a huge difference over the stock KYB's. Much better performance and handling, and I love all the adjustments. Really sucks they discontinued the 418 series. I got mine slightly used off eBay for a great price, they were technically for a Sportster but the correct spring rate and everything. Just needed slightly larger bushings.
      Sarah, Sep 9, 2017
    2. Sarah
      So far I've put about 20,000 miles on those shocks, too so I've tested them pretty thoroughly
      Sarah, Sep 9, 2017
  8. 83Max
    The engine guard / crash bars you have are Lindby Lindbars? Are they xj-specific, or did they require modification? I've been looking for something similar but have only found "universal" sets.
    83Max, Aug 22, 2017
      Sarah likes this.
    1. Sarah
      They're universal, a local bike shop made the brackets for me
      Sarah, Sep 9, 2017
  9. shaw34sg
    Hi Sarah nice job on bike!!! What KG Luggage rack model did u get and which model castle saddle bags supportss Please help. thanks
    shaw34sg, Jul 10, 2017
      Jordan Young likes this.
    1. Sarah
      The luggage rack came with the bike, from what I can find KG Engineering doesn't exist anymore :-( it looks to be a fairly universal rack, though. The saddlebag supports are Castle brand universal "double joint" bag supports.
      Sarah, Aug 13, 2017
  10. Mop
    I've a good bit to go before mines as nice ! Superb!!
    Mop, Feb 1, 2017
      Sarah likes this.
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