Need help indentifying a Maxim

I'm looking at what I believe to be a 1985 "750cc" Yamaha Maxim with an air cooled engine. It's a nice bike with 24K miles and it runs well. The owner has it advertised as a 1985 but I can't find any info substantiating the engine size.

I've fond other examples of 1985 and '86 700cc WATER cooled Maxim's and just one example of an air cooled version, all bikes had black engine paint. The one I'm looking at does not have a factory black painted engine.

Could it be that I'm looking at an early production run unit? Also, when or why did Yamaha switch to water cooled engines? Is one better over the other? One thing I've found is that the water cooled bikes command a higher price.

And, lastly, do any of you here have an opinion about this particular bike? I rode it and came away impressed with its smoothness, power is okay, it blows no smoke nor can I detect any adverse engine noises.

Thanks in advance.....

 

Well, in the time since I started this thread I've discovered that Yamaha made 7XX bike in J and X models, it looks like the J means it's an air cooled 700cc and the X is a 750cc water cooler. Still, I'd like to hear from owners of either of these bikes.

 

i own a 85 xj700n maxim air cooled model and it is a good reliable bike, it is also really easy to work on. i think the one you are looking at from what i can tell from your original post is a 85 xj700n maxim, I think the water cooled versions came in 86, i also know that the 86 xj700x maxim x was made for the american market and the 86 xj750x maxim x was made for the canadian market and the 750 x`s are allot harder to find.

am not sure there is a xj700j model?? but i could be wrong.

overall both these model are excellent bikes and i have owned both in fact i owned both at the same time and really didnt favor one over the other.

i sold the 86 xj750x maxim x because the price was to good to turn down and i kept the 85 xj700n maxim air cooled version and love riding the bike, the best way to describe it is it has the heart of a sport bike and the feel of a comfortable cruiser. If you can get your hands on one of em you will not be disapointed.

my model does not have the black painted engine (check my gallery) but i have seen here in canada the models that have black-out engines. yes the maxim x`s water cooled version is gonna be allot more money over the air cooled version but i wouldnt let the air cooled version scare you off simply because it is air cooled, the model design of these bikes were only made in 85 and 86 thats it, so you will not see too many of them around.

 

OU8I2,

Thanks! This is the kind of feedack I'm looking for and I encourage more. The bike in question has some cosmetic issues but not much and nothing I can't address myself. Overall I'm very impressed by my first ride and would have like to have ridden it on the interstate but weather (snow) prevented that.

For the record I'm looking at this bike as a replacement for my girlfriend's sweet 550 Maxim that she's already outgrown. The 550 was an experiment of sorts in that neither one of us was sure she'd take to the sport. She now wants to take longer rides with me including weekend/interstate trips. I found the 700cc Maxim to be solid but want her to ride it before I buy it.

The bike has a small windscreen mounted and we'd probably tie a small duffle bag to the pillion seat and set off to New Mexico or southwestern Colorado for longer trips. Everything else will be in the 100 to 300 mile kind of day.

Again, thanks for your input and please feel free to chime in with any thoughts that come to mind.

 

XJ700N USA Maxim begining with 1FG vin#
XJ700NC California emmisions model VIN #1JJ
XJ700N Canadian model VIN # 1FH
XJ700S 1986 USA model VIN# 1NH
XJ700S Canadian model VIN# 1NJ
XJ700SC California model VIN#1NK

XJ750J 1982 Canadian model VIN# 15T
XJ750J 1982 USA model Vin# 15R
XJ750K 1983 USA model VIN # 22R
XJ750L 1984 Canadian Model VIN# 22T
XJ750XN 1985 Canadian model VIN# 1FL
XJ750XS 1986 Canadian model VIN# 1MY
Didnot find an air cooled 85 or 86 Canadian model.

 

To my knowledge in 1985 & 1986 Yamaha sold an XJ700N and an XJ700X in the USA.
the XJ700N is air cooled bike

the XJ700X is the liquid cooled bike

 

Just buy it!

Worry about the nomenclature; later!

 

Classic Rick! Cutting the subject matter right to the quick! Yea, buy it!

 

Yea, no kidding. I've been looking to upgrade the SO's bike but most of what I'm finding has been beat to hell or generally mistreated.

I took this one for a test ride yesterday and the first thought that came to mind is that it ran as if I had owned it most of its life.

The bike needs some cosmetic TLC and I'll want to replace all fluids and give it my own intense inspection but overall I'm impressed. I had to remind myself not to gush over it in front of the owner else he might not deal on the price.

I'm thinking this bike will have a new home by the weekend!

 

Pretty much all 750 bikes were also sold as 700 bikes. It had to do with tariffs. Apparently somebody wanted to protect home grown Harley Davidson... so they made a tarrif on bikes over 750+ cc. Yamaha thumbed their noses at it, modified the head a bit and made the 750's 700s. No tarrifs.

The Maxim X (available in 750 and 700) is a water cooled genesis engine. If that sounds somewhat familiar, it's the origins of the yzf600r's genesis engine... I believe these had 5 valves per cylander

The Maxim 750/700 is essentially the same engine as the 650/900... aircooled and 4 valves per cylander.

The X is definately one of the more rare and sought after Maxim's made - quite a few more ponies.

All maxim engines are damn near bomb proof... keep oil to them, adjust the valves and keep the mixtures about right and she'll purr like a kitten for a long long time. Just watch out as the kitten turns into a lion in the fun zone.

Woot

 

You can pull into the garage, and do all the maintenance you need to do, on a 6,000 mile bike, during one NFL regular season game.

Dump the oil. Dump the rear-end fluid.
Bag trying to make your bike drip by upsetting the Middle Gear drain bolt. That oil changes itself faster than it can drain-out every time the engine's run.
(Tape on a "Drip-schute" to keep the old hypoid off the rear wheel and tire.)

Clean-out the Master and push new Brake Fluid through.

Play with all the personalization adjustments. Foot pegs adjust. Pedal height's adjust. Brake light switch adjustment.

Soap. Water. Wash.
McGuire's Quik-Wax.
Hit the Street.

 

Oh, I don't know about that. My attention span is about as long as my pecker. A 6K maintenance could take weeks or months if said NFL game is an interesting one.

I'm not sure I understand the part that says "bag trying to make your bike drip....." What kind of lingo is that? Please keep in mind I'm still a major league XJ noob and while I'll admit they're easy to work on there's still lots of undiscovered territory for me to explore. 'Splain this drain bolt thing you refer to. As for the drip chute for the rear wheel I'm up to speed on that one but what kind of lubricant should I use for this application?

Check. One other thing I noticed is that the front brake fluid reservoir's sight window is badly checked and discolored. I see this on just about any bike that's been stored outside and/or exposed to sun. I've been cruising various web sites in search of a replacement but no luck yet.

 

I was able to clean my site glass with my fingernail... Others have used really fine sandpaper to polish it clear again.

Someone here posted about replacing their glass. Hopefully they'll pipe up and we can find it.

 

Woot:

Just an FYI, the tarrif was imposed on bikes 700CC or larger, signed by Ronald Reagan in 1983. Yes, it was to help the suffering HD company. It was to last for 5 years but by 1987 HD was back on thier feet and in an unpreceidented move, they actually went to congress and had the tarrif lifted a year early. The '85 and '86 XJ700's were actually 698CC displacement which was enough to keep them under the 700CC limit.

Spanky:

The '85 XJ700N (air cooled) bikes came with unpainted engine cases whereas the '86 XJ700NS (air cooled) all came with blacked out engine cases.

Regards,
David Rea
Coopersburg, PA

'85 XJ700N (Original Owner)
'86 XJ700NS (Daily Driver)
'74 Honda CB360 (My first ride)

 

David,

Well, well, well, it looks like you have considerable experience with this model. The bike in question will be an upgrade for my SO from her current '82 550 Maxim. Our brief experience with the Maxim line has given me warm, fuzzy feelings about this sort of bike and I'm inclined to stay with it for the time being.

We want to do long weekend trips with her riding the XJ700 solo and me on one of my BMW's. I just got word that there will be a BMW rally (members of the BMWST.com web site) to be held in September of '07. I'm wondering if the XJ700 could handle that sort of trip (3500 miles round trip), your thoughts?

Some background before you answer that question; The bike has a clear windshield and leather-like saddle bags that I plan on removing. My plan would be to install a tail bag over the XJ's pillion seat and carry her additional gear on my bike.

 

Then restoring the face of the Master sight window; really extra-fine steel wool helps; too.

I meant to say for you not to struggle to remove the drain bolt from the Middle Gear to change that oil. It's not really all that necessary, unless you are pulling the engine and splitting cases. You risk creating a mess and a leak with that bolt awakwardly placed. My vote: Don't bother.

That oil changes all the while the engine's running.

There's plenty of High-tech lubes for the rear-ends. Pick one that exceeds the recommendations and handles high speeds well. I think I using Racing Formula Shell.

 

Randy,

I have no doubt the bike will make a trip like that without problem. My concern would be your SO being comfortable. The most I've done in one stint is 350 miles and have to admit, I was a bit sore after. Not many of those miles were highway so it made for a long 350 miles. I have no wind screen which I believe adds to the fatigue. If you keep your stints to 300 miles per day or less your SO should be OK since the XJ your looking at has a wind screen. I would also recommend highway pegs so your SO can change seating positions.

HTH,

David Rea
Coopersburg, PA
'85 XJ700N (Original Owner)
'86 XJ700NS (Daily Driver)
'74 Honda CB360 (my first ride)

 

If you restore that bike to 100% - All Systems GO - all tuned-up right and ready ...

I'd put money down on the Max making the trip out and back without needing to stop for anything but fueling-up.

 

In the last year I have put over 20,000 trouble free miles on my 86 Maxim, kept the oil and rear gear oil changed at regular intervals and kept an eye,ear on the state of tune and all has been fine. I have owned just about every make of bike available here in the U.S. and none have been as reliable or as much fun as my Max. My 86 Suzuki race bike would roll in it's grave if it could read this.

 

David,

She's a tough chick but you raise a good point about her endurance. In a perfect 2007 world we will embark on a series of ever increasing mileage trips so she can get a feel for the road. She took to her 550 Maxim so well and has exhibited very good riding traits after earning her MSF certificate this past March that I feel compelled to bring her into the next level.

We'll start off with her accompanying me to adjacent states for some three-day rides. We're talking something in the range of 400 to 700 mile weekends including 150+ miles of day riding in the scenic areas we visit.

I mentioned the 3500 mile trip to the BMW rally to get some feedback from other XJ700 owners as to this bike's roadworthiness. I ride BMW's and my longest day has been 780 miles, I'd have gone longer but in all three such cases ran out of daylight. I've done several 300+ mile days on my Ducati and found it quite comfortable but that's me.

I'm not keen on night riding AFTER a long day in the saddle so I shut down late in the day. I realize my SO will have to discover her own limits and that's fine with me but I don't want her being deterred by her bike's limits.

Back to that so-called perfect world. By late summer of '07 we should have a pretty good idea if she and the bike can handle serious mileage days. The rally's in West Virginia and that's almost 1500 miles one way. We'll need to do at least 500 mile days to get there.

Another issue here is the XJ700's reliability. Based on a few replies it appears this is a rock solid bike, this is a good thing and imperative if we're to have a safe and fun summer and beyond. If for some reason we come to the conclusion a long trip isn't the smart thing to do we'll saddle up my BMW RT and go to the rally 2-up.

 

Does something sound wrong about a BMW rally in West Virginia?

 

your bike should handle that trip pretty easily. Power and motor wise. As far as comfort wise goes? All kinds of factors to factor. The 700 maxim is not a big bike structually. 3500 mile trip (damb I'm jeleous) is a long ride. If your a really tall person, you might feel a bit cramped on it and need to stretch your legs often, like when your fueling up. The fuel range on your bike should be about 100 miles before switching to reserve and you get an extra 10 -15 miles usung your reserve. If you are really heavy you may want to dial in those rear shocks to the max, as these bikes are sort of softly sprung. If your 700 maxim has all the kinks worked out of it and its ready to roll, you will easily keep up with most everone. These bikes make good power and torque and handle quite well too. Going into a bumpy corner will cause the forks to flex, but thats about it. Like someone mentioned earlier, if its well maintained, these engines are virtually bomb proof! Have fun and good luck!

 

Why do I suddenly hear banjo music in the background?? 8O

 

The XJ700 will be for my normal size (and very pretty) 5'-5" girlfriend. She can flat foot this bike and since it's not much heavier than her 550 Maxim she can make a smooth transition. I have the XJ CD's sold through this site and after reading a MC magazine ride report discovered the bike's range is about 140 miles before hitting reserve. My BMW R1150RT can easily go 250 miles between fill ups and that's when I stretch my legs. My riding style may not be a fit for my SO which means we'll have to factor in more frequent stops and that's not a bad thing, you know? Like I said earlier, we'll do lots of rides in '07 with each one increasing in mileage over the previous one. We should have a pretty good idea of both her and the bike's endurance levels by then and that's when we'll make the decision to ride to WV.

This is my sweety on her current ride:

The 700 Maxim may not be a big bike to a guy but to a petite lady it's a substantial machine. Assuming we do the rally out route will be part slab and part two-lane back roads, we'll ride at a moderate pace in the curves.

As for the 3500 mile round trip itself I will tell you this; You cannot find a cheaper, more fun way of discovering America than on a motorcycle. Out on the open road I see three primary manufacturers represented - Harley, Honda, and BMW with a smattering of Yamaha's (mostly FJR's). You can tell the long haul folks by the gear loaded on their bike and the smile on their face and you'll never get as hearty a wave as when you're in the middle of no where and you come across a fellow motorcyclist. You both know what you're doing and why you're there, 'nuff said. If you've never ventured far from home I suggest you try it some day. Start with an overnight trip in your home state then try riding to a neighboring state. Yes, I know the XJ line wasn't made for this kind of riding but what the heck, the bike doesn't know that and you'll be all the better for the experience!

This photo was taken this past June near Muddy Gap, WY, while on the way to a friend's wedding in Bozeman, Montana:

 

Randy, just a heads up. I think 140 miles before hitting reserve is a bit optimistic. On a good day I'm at about 105 miles before switching to reserve and it's the same for both my 700's. But as you said, stopping more often might not be a bad thing.

 

I agree, 140 miles before hitting reserve is very opptimistic. I have the 86 700x , which is not very far off ( mileage wise)to the air cooled 700 maxim. It just had a tune up, carbs cleaned and synced, and valves checked and I get pretty much the same as davey before switching to reserve. If I horse around between 95 and 100 miles. You got to figure thats still in the mid to high 40's per gallon! I know the magazines say they had beween 140 to 150 total touring range, and I'm sure those specs were with my grandmother riding. Of course I'm sure the magazine staff topped their test bike back then with fuel that was not treated with MTBE as it is around here today and filled it up to the brim, which I find to be tricky if I dont want fuel running over when I stand the bike up straight. Im sure your girl is gonna love the extra power and the bike completly! I only get chances to ride 300 to 500 miles a day once in a while. So enjoy your trip, your sweet k12, your girl and her maxim! and may the roads treat you well!

 

Okay, here we are. My sweety now has a second Maxim and she is very, very happy:



Thanks to all who responded to my questions. She loves the bike and took to it immediately. For the record our first ride was 137 miles round trip and she didn't have to switch to reserve.

 

I cant imagine 125 miles at a stretch and 500 miles a day.

some really tired nites!!!

My XJ seat is more of a saddle and my butt wouldnt take it!

Of course age IS a factor and she is about 1/2 foot shorter..... maybe she'll be ok!

Hope it works out well

Best of luck on those rides.... be careful & enjoy!

 

Wow! that is one sweet looking maxim. Very clean and most excellent shape for the age. I'm sure she'll have a ball on both of her maxims. 135 miles to th tank, before reserve? Thats great too! I'm probably a little too heavy on the throttle more often than not, so I guess I deserve my lower fuel range distance. I keep forgetting I'm not 20 any more!

 

Soooo your not 20 any more?

I hope it's not catchy

 

Congrats with the new bike; it´s so much fun to ride. This summer we did a 1600 Miles ride to Sweden/Norway - 11 days, 150-200 Miles/day. We were 2 on the bike + gear (2 saddlebags, large sissybag + tankbag) and I could easily have extended the daily mileage (actually felt more relaxed on the the bike than off..) but I know my wife (rear passenger) doesn´t feel the same way.

I´m 185 cm´s tall with fairly long legs and I´m missing a pair of forward footrests for longer trips.

Only problem with mine (1.st season owning it, put 7000 miles on it so far) is some oilconsumption, especially when driving above 100 Mph for a longer period; gotta have the valves/pistonrings checked..

Mine is running approx. 130 Miles on a full tank; discovered when i checked my fueltap that the filterscreen had fallen off - so no reserve...

How´s your girlfriend liking her extra ccm´s/HP?

Heres´a pic from Sweden with the 2 bikes (My -85 XJ700N and my buddy´s -86 XJ700 -X)

 

I think it is hvnbnd... I caught it about 16 years ago, from this 75 year old dragging his brand new aspencade at the local drag strip. Since then, I've always gotten terrible fuel mileage..Heh Heh!

 

She notices the difference but seems to be more impressed by the bike's smoothness. I am too. I love her 550 Maxim and find it a peppy bike for its size. What I find interesting is now that she has a new bike several of our friends have asked her to sell them the 550 - it's that sweet of a bike. We're not inclined to do that though, at least not at this time.

 

I dont think I'd sell it either spanky. That 550 is a great spare to have kicking around if you have the room.

 

I dont think I'd sell it either spanky. That 550 is a great spare to have kicking around if you have the room.

 

my bike has none of those vin #s and rather is a 1fj? whats this mean? i bought it two days ago and stumbled on this site. it doesnt run yet but im workin on it i need a starter and brake/clutch levers and possibly a new tank.everything else looks ok so far.

 

that means you have an fj series model. Is yours a 600,1100, or 1200? Either way any fj was and still is an awesome bike! Got any pics yet?