My project '81 Maxim(pic heavy)

Found a pretty good deal, this is an '81 750 Maxim I picked up the other day for 50 bucks, looks to have been laid on it's side but was spared major damage, just the handlebar and scratches. Hansn't run in over 2 years and has sat outside without carbs installed so it will need an engine rebuild for sure, or a donor engine. This is my first bike, don't even have a bike license yet, closest thing I've driven to one is the wife's Yamaha Vino lol.

I'll eventually sand blast the frame and see where I go from there but my first priority will be to get it running to see what I have to work with.

 

Good deal for 50bucks, but that is a Xj550 maxim not a 750.

 

Quite the project. Welcome to the site from the Great White North.

Its a good idea to include your location and the bike information in your signature.

I am sure that you will be addressing the brakes during your rebuild. There are several how to and even warnings listed here ie rear shoe de-lamination.

 

Greetings, Welcome, and nothing like jumping in with both feet!

As Ledicott said -- that's a 550, not 750 - hope it's not registered as a 750

To be honest with you, and so there's no illusions here, unless this is a labour of love, this WILL cost you a helluva lot more than you think it will -- even if you do most of the work.

Now MIGHT be the time to call this a parts special, and look for something a little closer to a runner -- your call.

From your pictures, some obvious things I notice:
- Gauges messed up (internally) -- might have to be replaced
- Needs a new petcock
- Needs a new handlebar (I hear the 'euro bed' ones are nicer than stock)
- Needs a new ignition switch
- I see loose wires poking from under the seat - never a good sign
- The rear signals are missing, need new
- The right side panel is missing (not major, but difficult to replace)
- The right muffler is missing - unless you're good with a welder it might be time for a new exhaust
And the biggie - carbs missing - sadly there is no cheap way out of that one.

This is on top of the usual "used bike" checklist to go over -- bearings, seals, hoses, fluids, rubber, electrical, etc....

Certainly a do-able project - just don't want to to be misled as to the difficulty level here -- this is going to be a time and money sink.

Whatever you decide - good luck, hang around, and learn tons!

Greg

 

If the carbs have been of that long out side they it will more than likely have seized even though I have never heard of a XJ seizing. Best way I have found to check is pull out the plugs, spray some WD-40 down the plug holes, and put the bike on its centre stand shift it in to 6th gear and spin the back wheel as best you can make sure the plugs are out when you are doing this.

Or pull the plugs spray WD-40 down all the holes; shift it in to first and role the bike backwards. As you are doing this put you had over each of the plug holes and feel if any air comes out(you should be able to feel it blowing your had off). If the wheel refuses to move it will probably have seized. If the electrics still work well and you can get a battery then you can just try cranking it over, but what ever you do you need to get some lubrication down those barrels.

Hope this helps and if I have missed any thing out with regards to engine seizure I am sure some one will correct me.

 

Good bike to pull apart, play around with and learn about XJ's. Don't start buying anything till you know what you are in for, it could be a long list. I would add that you need to strip it to the bare frame and inspect for cracks, dodgy weld repairs, straightness and general condition. It doesn't take much to twist these frames so pull it down and have a look. Good parts bike for $50 though.

 

Owner never registered it, they bought it as a project bike and let it sit, they thought it was a 750, but it doesnt matter really. I actually have the carbs, they were taken off and kept in a garage to be cleaned so that solves that, looked online and signals and ignition switches are dirt cheap. As far as it being a labour of love, I dont expect it to be roadworthy for at least a year, with the expensive parts being salvage parts. I have a lead on a handlebar from a seca for 5 bucks in Edmonton, so that goes to show you what you can find with some patience.

As far as the missing plastic, my plan is to weld nuts to the frame and make aluminum covers from scrap sheet aircraft aluminum at work (lots goes into the bin, far larger than what I need). Might even go further and use dzus fasteners or channel nuts.

I will bypass the ignition switch when I start and borrow a battery, re-install the carbs and as long as I can get it to start I will carry on, if it doesnt I have seen a running engine go for 200 bucks so it's not the end of the world.