Is there much difference between a 1980 & 1982 Maxim 650?

I'm looking at a 1980 Maxim xj650 with 11400 miles. It looks pretty clean, sounds good, doesn't smoke, missing the tank lock, but otherwise seems pretty good.

But I'm wondering if I'd be better off holding out for a 1982 Maxim. Is there much difference in the brakes or anything?

The seller will let it go for $850.

What do you guys think?

 

850 sounds like a good deal to me. I have seen junk go for more on ebay.

 

Re: Is there much difference between a 1980 & 1982 Maxim 650

I can find 5 differences with the 82-83s over the 80-81 years:

1) 82-83 has YICS. I'm skeptical this accomplishes much besides making it harder to adjust carbs.

2) 82-83 has safety circuit preventing riding the motorcycle with the side stand down. Nice idea. Problems with this circuit can cause the bike to stall when put in gear.

3) 82-83 has electronic tachometer vs. mechanical on the older model. A bit more maintenance (cable needs periodic lubrication) and oil leakage where the drive cable goes into the head.

4) 82-83 has cam chain autotensioner. Less periodic maintenance.

5) 82-83 has air adjustable front forks. Consensus seems to be: YAWN.

Bottom line, if I were looking at identical condition 80 and 82 650 Maxims with the 82 being $100 higher, I'd buy the '80.

My $0.02

 

Re: Is there much difference between a 1980 & 1982 Maxim 650

Great! That's good to know. The differences aren't much. Here are some pics of the actual bike.

Thanks for your replies.

Edgar

 

Re: Is there much difference between a 1980 & 1982 Maxim 650

Well, I went back today and gave the bike a test drive. Seems like a strong bike.

On second inspection I realized that it's a YICS model. I asked the seller about that and he told me the production date stamp says 11/81, which I believe makes it an 82 model.

Lots of paint on the carbs, motor and drive train. He admitted it's for covering up the rust. How rusty? I don't know. The inside of the tank has some rust, but not that much.

Transmission is kind of clunky. I guess that's common for the XJs.
I haven't decided if I'm going to buy it yet.

 

Re: Is there much difference between a 1980 & 1982 Maxim 650

Yep, someone definitely went to town with the black paint.

Not much to rust on the engine and carbs. Just carb hats and bolt heads on the engine.

1st and 2nd gear may be a bit "clunky" when cold. After it warms up should be smooth as silk. If you ride it again freely let it rev up to 6K or so. After a few minutes see if the shifting smoothes out.