Brand New Member

Just registered as a member today. I have had my late Dad's motorcycle in my garage for about 8 years and have just recently had the time and interest to bring it out. I have never learned much about motorcycles and I don't have a key for the ignition or the gas tank. Everything on the bike looks old, dirty and a little rustic. Is it possible to get a new key made and if it is... Where should I start after that? I only recently (Today) found out the model of the bike... It is a Yamaha XJ700NC Maxim. I found that the 'C' is for California models but what is the specific difference between the California model and the non-california model? Thanks for any advice or guidance or answers!
Bart

 

A locksmith might be able to make you a key for it. You can take the ignition off and take it in and ask. Years ago the dealer used to be able to make you a key from a number off the ignition switch. I don't know if they still can.

Before you ever try to ride this bike make sure to look at the brakes. I would just replace the front and rears. The rears tend to delaminate over time. You will also need to read up on here on carb cleaning and engine tuning. Change all the fluids: brake, oil and gas if there is any in the tank. Once you get it running good, then concentrate on its appearance.

 

A dealer may be able to make a new key for you. Are you sure about the "NC"? I've never heard of that...

The only definite advise on a bike that has been sitting for that long is that you will need to completely disassemble the carbs and clean them. More to do and others chime in.

 

Thanks. I disassembled the carbs and cleaned them really well. I am waiting on a new fuel tank but I was able to use a water bottle as a make-shift fuel tank and I was able to start the engine. It ran for about 1 minute.

 

The NC models are "california" models, as you note. They have a few bits of emissions control equipment that the 49-state models did not have.....a non-vented gas cap, a special fuel tank that accepts a "rollover" valve in the bottom of it, a fuel vapor cannister (behind the right side frame cover), and associated hoses running from the rollover valve, to the cannister, and to the #2 carb (the #2 carb has an extra vacuum port on it that the 49-state models do not have).

The tanks between the 49-state and Cali models are the same size and shape, and can be interchanged; however, you need to use the proper fuel cap that is associated with each model.....in particular, do not use a Cali (non-vented) cap on a 49-state tank, it will cause the fuel flow to "lock up".

 

Good info. Thanks.

 

What are you planning on doing with this bike? restoration? Chop? Part out? Sell? Custom?

 

Any pics? How many miles? Get a manual and check for lubrication points, maybe check the valve clearances. After sitting for 8 years the tires are definitely shot, even if they were new just before it was put away.
Keep us updated, but don't just fire it up and go riding, you may regret it.

 

I am working on restoring it. I got it all put together last night for the most part. It starts but won't idle. Not sure what the problem is yet. I have my father-in-law helping me and we both think the petcock isn't working correctly... though I was able to stop the petcock from leaking by putting some sealer under and around the base. It has 33777 miles on it. I'll try to put a pic up in a little while. (Trying to send one from my phone to my work e-mail)

 

This is what it looked like when I pulled it out of the garage. Someone had spilled paint or something on the engine, seats are torn a little bit and the mufflers are dented on both sides. Needs a good cleaning too.