I'm new here!

hey y'all just picked up my first bike!! A 85 maxium 700 xj and I love it!!! I'm in northern va!!

 

Oh, it's pretty.
Welcome.
Let the "pod games" begin...

 

Here we go again.....

 

Welcome, and congratulations. Do yourself a favor and check those brake lines, believe it or not they actually have and expiration date.

 

Anyone know what kind of pipes I could use on this? Looking for something a bit louder. Or what kind of bars I can put it? Want to put some 12 or 14" apes on it

 

Can't help with pipes. The older I get, the more I appreciate quiet ones.
Regarding bars, you are probably fine with any you like as long as they have the same diameter and you are aware that you will have to replace cables and lines with longer ones. But that would be a great opportunity to replace brake lines (errkon mentioned it).

 

You want pods, AND pipes, AND ape hangers? Sounds like you want a Harley..... Go get a Harley

 

LOL!

Matt, i hate to tell you but you will find a lot more purists on this site than otherwise. Everyone is often super helpful if you are trying to get things running, but you'll need to wait a while for someone that has interest in helping you with "harleying out" a Japanese sport cruiser

 

I like it. That's not how I'd handle the intake, but I like it.

Louder pipes?
I can get you a set for free.
Unbolt the mufflers.
Done.

Save them though. Loud pipes don't save lives; they just piss off the neighbors and make you prematurely deaf.
If you want a deep rumble you will need a different machine. Inline fours don't do that.

 

Firematt, as you can see, its a tough crowd.

Just noticed that it was not mentioned:
Did you check the rear brakes? Might be a good idea to look what's inside. Go to the technical chat forum and look at the first thread.

There is a lot of good info on this site, definitely a good idea to browse around and read a lot of stuff.

Since it is your first bike, why not enjoy it for a bit before making changes? Maybe you just love it the way it is now. I think it's pretty cool, colors are awesome.
Or start with small things to get familiar with the bike. You could lose the passenger pegs, fabricate a clean looking cover for under the seat and get rid of that no idea what that lock is thing (helmet or no longer used seat latch?)

 

Welcome Firematt.

First bike? Of course you are loving it, just remember to be safe, brakes are a big part of that.

If the opportunity arises for you to ride a stock XJ700 Maxim and compare it to your cool looking modified one, you will understand some of the 'tough crowd's" responses. The Maxim in stock condition is one bad arse mamba jamba performance machine.

Again, first bike - safety first! If you haven't you should take a motorcycle safety course.