Absolutely a newbie to Yamaha

Hi all
Need a few questions answered.
60 years old and been away from motorcycles for last ten years.
By no means am I a motorcycle mechanic but not afraid to get my hands dirty and watch videos to do things.
Found a 1981 maxim 650 going to look at tomorrow the bike runs everything works.
Just wanted to know if this bike is ok for me and wife to putt around on. The guy only wants 500.00. Is it a fun project to shine up and enjoy or am I wasting my time
Thanks for any help
Paul

 

Welcome to the board. I would say for me the XJ's bikes are more of a one up riding bike. You could do two up riding, not too sure how far I would go though. XJ's once they are tuned up and running correctly are wonderful bikes. Will give you yrs of smiles and be very reliable bikes.

Make sure you look at the tires, how new the battery is, and sign of fuel leak stains n the kickstand side under the carbs. These are older bikes and need TLC from the new owners or at least a good safety check before you ride. Good luck with the bike if you purchase it.

 

Thank you for the advice and information
I did buy it and looking forward to working on it

 

Awesome to hear you took the leap on the XJ, Paul! Hope you have a blast resurrecting that 1981 Maxim 650.

 

Xj650 maxim can usually carry two easily.

 

Nice talking to you hogfiddles
It turns out the bikes is a 650 but 1982,
It runs idles tank inside is clean no rust
But I am a couple of months from riding it more than on my street.
The list is as follows
New tires, brakes front and back, brake lines,
Carburetor boots, valve cover gasket,
Already ordered seat cover, I fabricated side cover plates . Clean and clean and clean and when I am done clean some more. Bike hasn’t been registered since 2017. I am surprised it runs the guy had it in storage and started it every month or two and took care of gas.
Thanks to check forums I can find information easily thank you
Paul

 

youd be wise to get new/better rear shocks if you’re gonna ride two-up a lot. Even just putting shock from an xj750 makes a difference. Also, while you are working on things, I’d recommend upgrading to progressive fork springs.

 

Thanks for the info
Appreciate it

 

Great to see you are taking care of all the safety items as you are getting the bike ready for the road. The XJ's sure are a fun bike to work on and bring back to life.

 

Quick question
Finally registered my 650 barn find. And after a looong list of fixes glad to say I am safely driving to and from work and around.
Have driven about 250 miles no problems knock on wood.
Around 3500 rpms the sounds like a whistle as they continue to rise whistle goes away and it does not whistle, is this normal? Otherwise plenty of power, smooth and a bunch of fun to ride

 

Normal sound. Learn to love that distinctive XJ whine

 

Yeah they whistle from the straight cut gears used between the crank to the clutch basket drive gear which I believe is a 1.6:1 reduction ratio... at least on the SECA. I'm a big proponent of wearing a helmet but the few times I have not the gear whine really gets to me, another reason to wear the bucket.

I've been on 2-wheels since the 70's and got on a real street bike the spring of 87 when I was 17. From there it was a mix of 250's and other oddballs including a 1980 Honda CBX Sport in all its 6-cylinder glory but I put the bucket away after a very close call in the mid-90's after getting stupid and wrecking the bike. I'd ride a highway cruiser on occasion but nothing serious until I recently picked up my 81 SECA 750 from a guy that was in several milk jug crates... $1000 some assy required but it did it all on my own with nothing but the factory manual and advice from the xjbikes forum.
Today I have over 43,775 miles on the clock and it has spanked a few "modern" bikes and a S&S powered Harley Sportster and when I say spanked I mean a bare-ass paddling! I've done a few things like running a wider rear shoe and some carb work that included running some richer jets, I recently shimmed down the valves adding another 0.25 MM to the factory clearance for that extra peace of mind. Mechanically the bike was in good condition to start with, had to rebuild the front calipers, replace all the linings and do the fork seals but other than that it's a daily runner and I'm not at all afraid to go full twist to the redline and beyond. Yamaha got them right in those days and I get a lot of complements on the old axe. Just take care of them and they will take care of you, that is a promise. Click on my avatar, that is the bike today minus the emblems.

 

Thanks for the info.
You have responded to a few of my questions and along with other members have really been helpful. From a newbie’s perspective it has been sound advice. The results speak for themselves, after 3 months of cpr on my 82 650
I am riding around the roads of New Hampshire having more fun than I deserve

 

No you earned the fun