Help me identify this XJ?

Hi,

First let me say, I'm glad I found this site before stepping into the XJ scene! I know it's gonna be invaluable..

I am looking at a bike on Friday, that I expect to buy. The guy has it listed as a "1984 Maxim XJ 700 ".

Now, from what I've read the maxim was only a 700 in 1985, and 86. So this either isn't a 700, or isn't an 84.. Can you help me out?

Possibilities:
84- XJ 750 S (Doesn't look like this one for sale)

85- Maxim X (Looks similar)
XJ 750 S (Doesn't look like this one for sale)
XJ 700 N Maxim (Can't see pic)
XJ 700 S Maxim (Can't see pic)
XJ 700 XN (Looks similar)
XJ 700 XNC (Can't see)

86- XJ 750 Maxim X
XJ 750 S

After typing all that out, I realize I shouldn't be as confused as I was.. haha

I'm leaning toward it being an '85, and one of the Maxims.. Is there a good way for me to differentiate the models when I go look at it? What is the difference?

Thanks a lot for any help you might offer, I really appreciate it. Can't wait to hit the road again after a year bike-less!

 

Welcome to the site !!
Where in the world are you??
Just post up the VIN or a pic and you'll get a positive answer.

 

does it have white faced guages or does it have black faced guages with an lcd moniter white is 85 or later 700 black is a 750 84 earlier. but get the vin to make sure

 

Thanks for the quick responses!

It looks to have white gauges, I have only seen pics, I'm going to look at it in the next couple days..

I think its one of three: an 85 Maxim X, Maxim XJ 700 S or Maxim XJ 700 N

I've read the Maxim X is liquid cooled, are there other differences?

I live in Seattle! (If anyone is in the area, and wants to show and eager mind how to clean/ sync carbs very soon, I'd be all for it!)

Thanks again for the help. Here is a pic of the bike, hopefully I can attach it properly.

 

85 or 6 maxim 700

 

Definitely not an X, as they were watercooled. If the motor was originally silver, it is a 1985 model. If it was originally black, it is a 1986 model. This applies to US models only, and is subject to verification, as I am drawing on knowledge that is now over a quarter of century old. Go ahead, correct me, I'll go xjrookie on your butt!

 

Yea, thats too bad.. I was kinda hoping for a water cooled because of the overheating nightmares I had in any traffic with my only other motorcycle (02 CBR 600F4i)

So, whats the difference between the S and N models? Should I care? Is there a way I could tell when I look at the bike in person in the next couple days?

Here is a close up of the engine.. I'm guessing 85, since he thought it was an 84..

 

I would put my money on it being a 1985. Can you find the production date on the steering head?

 

Those are the model year designations.
N=1985
S=1986

Sure you should. An N is 25 years old where an S is only 24!

The VIN sticker should indicate the manufacture date. The model year can be extracted from the VIN

 

Awesome.

Great information, thanks!

 

Pretty sure from research and ownership of the XJ700 from 86 that this is an 85 XJ700N that has been modified. Mine says on the stem manufactured in July 85, so he prob got the 84 from the stem label manufacture date on this bike too. Exhaust matches, engine color matches.

 

I don't care who you are, thats funny.

havakj: From the pictures it looks like it's missing the carb to airbox boots. The motor won't run properly until you close up the intake system with boots.

 

I am glad someone can appreciate my alcohol enhanced sense of humor ...