85 XJ700N Maxim aka XJ700X? What's X?

Seeking Progressive shocks, I find only XJ700X.

What's this X? Are there multiple models of '85 XJ700N?

The owner's manual calls it XJ700N and/or NC; I believe the N refers to the Year code in the VIN.

So what's the X all about?

 

The X factor is a different engine. The X engine has 5 valves per cylinder , 3 intake and 2 exhaust, with a shim under bucket camshaft design which means you have to remove the camshafts to replace a shim. The X engine is also water cooled.

 

On a somewhat related note. Does anyone know what is the distinguishing feature between the XJ700XN and the XJ700XNC?

 

The XNC is the California model. It has a charcoal canister and other stuff added for exhaust and fuel emissions.

 

That just makes too much sense! Thanks BlueMaxim!

 

Shocks are interchangeable between the XJ700N/NC (-85 model)S/SC(-86 model) and the XJ700XN/XNC/XS/XSC; same mounting holes, same lenght.

The originals have a slight difference in looks/design and the springs in the original -X shocks may be a bit stiffer/stronger (as it weighs 20 kg´s more) than the non-X´s springs.

Quality progressive shocks are far better and more adjustable than the originals - you´ll love the swap 8)

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2 ... =ikon.html

 

THANKS for noticing the shocks part of the question. I've always heard praise for progressive shocks, and understand I'm pursuing a technology, not a brand name. Google search for 'progressive shocks' gets me several hits leading to www.progressivesuspension.com which seems largely focused on HD. They list 1985 XJ700X, which leads to http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pr ... odelID=520 (watch the wrap!) and at which point I'm lost. I realize this is a black art, that we're talking about variable springs AND variable dampers. Is there a better place to look to figure out exactly what I want? (couldn't care less about chrome; I weigh 190lb, tend to ride pretty hard/fast but no racing and never a passenger)

Tracy Pierce
85 XJ700NC

 

You´re welcome...

Must say though, as Blue states, that the -X and non-X, though sharing the same chassis and a lot of other parts, engine- and carburettor-wise are totally different bikes (the -X IMO is not a Yamaha XJ but more of an FZ) - just to advice you that not all parts interchange..

The shocks (Maybe its a bit of an art but mostly it´s thorough investigation and comparing data 8):

As in the above link I went for the Ikon shocks; lots of offers in the German Ebay - found a pair for a XV750 Virago and compared the model# with the one for the Maxim, found in the application list here: http://www.ikonsuspension.com/content/a ... tion.shtml

Then I compared the specs (shock absorber details)(overall lenght, mounting holes, spring#), found here: http://www.ikonsuspension.com/content/s ... ails.shtml

- and finally compared the spring data (lenght, spring rate) here: http://www.ikonsuspension.com/content/7610-76.shtml

Here´s my (non-complete) list of comparable Ikon shocks:

Virago 535/750/1100-XJ900F:

M#:7610 1506(SP8) 2
Lenght (first#=OA lenght): 307 244 215
Mounting details: 70 52 25 108 0 70 52 25 108 0 14.1 26.0 20.0
70 52 11 367 0 (x2) 10.1 14.0 19.0

Spring Part#/(lenght+spring rate): 235-22/30/39(CH


XJ700Maxim/xj1100

7610 1542SP8 2
322 264 217
70 52 25 108 0 70 52 25 108 0
235-32/41/52CH

seca/XS1100

7610 1407 2
322 251 215
70 52 25 108 0 70 52 25 108 0
70 52 11 367 0 (x2)
235-22/30/39

vx800

7610 1511SP8
319 262 215
70 52 25 108 0 70 52 25 108 0
70 52 11 367 0 (x2)
235-18/25/33CH

My main concern was the OA lenght (1506 lowered the bike 15mm - which I wanted to try) and the the spring rate (actually the springs in the 1506 are softer than the ones in the 1542, which Ikon recommends for the Maxim - guess I didn´t notice (or didn´t care, as the 1506 is also used for the (heavier) XJ900)).

I found the Ikon datas pretty easy to compare, ones I got into it; whether the "Progressive Suspension" data compare the same way, I can´t say (think I saw an issue with HD shocks on the Maxim in here somewhere - you might wanna do a search on "progressive" and/or "shocks" in the forum).

And: Ikon has a few American distributors: http://www.ikonsuspension.com/content/i ... l#ikon-usa

Good luck with your search!

 

Wow! you really did your homework (mine too) THANKS! I'll ponder the options and proceed.

 

Again, you´re welcome;

- the Ebay-offers and the chance to save some $ motivated me - and along the way I realised I had to copy the essential specs and make my own data-sheet for comparison...and to keep me from getting lost in model#´s..