Hi from Indiana - Looking to buy an XJ700X for my first bike

Hi,

I found this site while doing some research, and was hoping for some help! I posted a question about the bike here, but figured I'd introduce myself, too.

I've been a bicycle rider for a while, mostly for fun, but the exercise part helps, too. Once I graduated college and got a job I decided a motorcycle might be fun, so I've been looking around for a while. Passed on a wrecked '95 CB1000, wanted to buy a GS500 but was beaten to the punch, but I may have found one....an '85 or '86 Maxim X 700. It's a coworker's bike that he's selling pretty cheap, due to some engine issues and, well, it's kind of ugly. But probably good for a first bike, and I like working on stuff so it'll give me something to play with.

I've signed up for the ABATE class (Indiana's MSF equivalent) in June, so until then I'll pick up a helmet, clothes, etc, and get the bike running better. Then I'll start commuting when I can and hopefully ride with a couple of friends.

If anyone around Columbus wants to help me out, let me know!

Brian

 

Re: Hi from Indiana - Looking to buy an XJ700X for my first

Not sure how ugly an X is that's running, but I'm partial to my first ride and find the Maxim X a real nice ride. It may not look like much, but if it's a true X, it will pull you off the seat if your not careful, these machines FLY when running proper. Thou it's not real comfy for long distance riding for me, but great for running around town.

Good info can be found on these forums and of course if you haven't found it yet, check this site out: http://www.maxim-x.com/index.html

I found your other post and found you paid $450 more then I did, but I got a bike sitting for 19 years that didn't run from my BIL and had RickCoMatic clean up the carbs, and MiCarl helped me get it dialed in. At this point it needs a few minutes of warm up time, once summer hits it seems pretty easy to fire up and go, but in cooler temps it needs to warm up for 5 to 10 or so.

But being my first cycle with just over 3000 miles on it and a few bucks is a great and beautiful ride IMHO.

Good luck and be careful with your right hand while riding an X!

 

Re: Hi from Indiana - Looking to buy an XJ700X for my first

I just sold my '85 XJ700 for $2750 but I did get a new bike and I'm in Bloomington Indiana so if you want to ride sometime let me know.

 

Re: Hi from Indiana - Looking to buy an XJ700X for my first

Describe "running?" It needs help...seems like it's gotten worse since the other day. It doesn't want to idle unless the "choke" is in. Also, when choked, it idles around 4k...that seem normal for high idle?

I have found the maxim-x.com site and looked around. Hopefully that'll be of help once I start digging in....first will be the plugs, then I suppose I'll tear into the carbs once the service manual makes it here. Everyone seems to speak highly of them, though, so I have hopes for it!

Brian

 

My wife went the beginners ABATE and I went throught the advanced course. They really are worth it. You will be gald you paid the extra for it.

Stephen

 

Wish I could give you more info but I'm still trying to figure this out at times. Here's a link to a photo of the idle adjustment:
http://album.650wiki.org/view_photo.php ... =Carb_knob

If you reach under from the left side of the bike, the knob is between carb 2 and 3. Do it once its warmed up and wear a glove to help with the heat. If the previous owner messed with the pilot adjustments those could be out of wack too. RickCoMatic has post regarding carb tuning which may be helpful, just be careful not to strip the screws.

MiCarl helped adjust my carbs last week, and he was hearing differences I couldn't pick up, but of course he has a ton more experience then I.

Good luck

 

I grew up around Columbus (Greensburg, actually) and live in Indianapolis now.