Should I Buy It? (1980 XJ650 Maxim)

"The little Maxim with the BIG sissy bar." I just finished rennovating the Seca and really enjoyed it. I saw this Maxim on CL and thought maybe I should do it again. I would insist on doing a compression check prior to purchase. What kind of numbers should it have? Also, any other show stoppers to consider? Feedback?

 

RickB,

Remove the big "ugly" sissy bar and the little maxim will grow. Looks like a nice one. I'd say between 120~150 on the compression numbers would be decent. Don't know what it's "really" worth, but it looks like it's all there. It even has the side covers. If, in fact, it is that intact with a clear title I'd take $500 cash and offer $400 and go from there. Personally, I'd pay $500 for that bike providing it blows good compression and is clear. The offer of $400 would be some of that "basic negotiating" we learn when we are kids. And, of course, if he/she would take the $400...SOLD!

Gary

 

just go buy the damm thing, you know you want it

 

Buy it!

And while your at it, I'll trade you My square 82 xj gauges and headlights for that 650's!

I want to get a circular headlight!

 

(But honestly it looks to be in pretty good shape, would you consider a bobber project?)

 

If it's as clean and complete as it looks, I would likely rennovate to an unmolested original condition.

 

Clocks aren't faded and it's showing less than 20k so it looks promising in that respect. The front forks look a little weird to me though both the color and they don't look quite straight but it's hard to tell. If it has good comp#'s, over 120 and within 10% of each other I would offer $400.

But since you said you were going to do a full resto, hell yea go buy it!!!

 

I don't see anything wrong with the forks.......color is because the clearcoat has oxidized and faded. If you're gonna restore it, you're gonna strip,clean, polish, and recoat anyway.

The rest of the bike is so clean, and the gauges are beautiful! Give the 5 bills and take it home before someone else does.

Dave F

 

Very true, Still a fun bike either way. (more rideable as an orignal)

I would buy it! looks fun!

 

elGato, I found these for you...

 

You had so much fun with #1....you gotta buy #2. Go get her, have fun and enjoy a nice winter project.

 

Well, my son and I went to Baltimore today to see the Maxim. We ended up bringing it home for $400; not free, but a good value I believe. The bike has been sitting since 1994, not unlike the Seca I just finished. This Maxim however, is (cosmetically at least) in much better shape than the Seca was. It is complete down to the tool kit and power lock and almost completely rust free, no rusty fasteners, wheels look fantastic, good paint, all chrome looks good, and on and on... Compression was good. Should I check the valves?

 

Looks like a nice start. Good score Rick.

MN

 

Bigfitz will be on your but if you don't check the valves.

 

>Should I check the valves?

Long answer: - YES
Short answer:- YUP

Dave

 

The first thing to do is:

Pull the Plugs
Pour 2 Teaspoons of Marvel Mystery Oil in each Cylinder
Pull the Left Crank Cover.
Jack the Engine over by hand for a few revolutions. Slowly.
Good luck.

 

I was kidding about the valves...

 

I pretty much assumed that.

Good strike! Mufflers not rusted out or anything? Sounds like a good "garage find" with lots of potential.

I love a successful rescue.

 

Grey and rainy here in Southern Maryland but I took some pics in the garage...

 

Looks like you got a great deal and are poised to give live to a nice ride.

Since you are WAY ahead of the game, ... I suggest you get for yourself an Official YAMAHA Factory Workshop Manual.

You get:
The Workshop Manual ::: Invaluable asset.
Owners Manual ::: Maintenance Schedules and Orientation.

http://www.yamahapubs.com/index.do?pg=search&category=3

 

Thanks Rick. I did pick up an XJ Haynes manual when I bought the Seca, but I forgot to mention that included in the Maxim purchase, the PO threw in an official Yamaha factory manual; good stuff.