FOR SALE: 1982 XJ650 MAXIM!!!!! MUST SELL ASAP!!!!

I'm selling a maroon 1982 Yamaha Maxim XJ650, a classic cruiser that's been great fun to ride. This bike would be perfect for someone who wants to learn how to ride (it was for me), or for someone who wants a fixer-upper. Overall, I think this bike rides OK for being 25 years old, but it will need some repairs. If you're still interested, please read on...and, see my gallery page for photos. I'll be happy to take more photos and send them if you want.

I live at Fort Campbell, KY (close to Nashville, TN) and would be willing to deliver the bike up to 200 miles if you'll agree to pay for the gas. Otherwise, I'd prefer a local pickup. I'm also willing to sell parts from it depending on what you need. The Tennessee title is clear. Mileage is 36250.

I tried selling this on eBay and didn't get what I had hoped for it, so a nice eBayer named Dan recommended that I check out this XJ site and become a member so that other XJers out there can take advantage of my need to sell the bike this fall.

I bought the bike in August this year as my first bike so I could learn how to ride before moving to L.A. this winter where the daily commute in our SUV will be sucking up lots of extra cash. The previous owner sold to me because he was wanting a bigger bike. The reason I'm selling the bike is because I'm sure it won't pass California emissions inspections, so I need to find it a new home now before I move out West. I'm no motorcycle expert, so my goal is to describe as best I can all the plusses and minuses with this bike so that if you want to buy all or part of this bike, you'll know exactly what you're getting and won't discover some hidden problems you didn't know about. Please email me if you have ANY questions or want me to email you additional pictures or descriptions of the bike.

I paid $900 for the bike this summer. I've invested over $200 in the bike since then on routine maintenance and some minor fix-ups. I replaced the air filter with a K&N ($45), changed the oil & filter ($15), replaced the battery ($30), replaced the plugs and some of the fuses (I'll throw in the plug socket for you) ($15), bought a user's manual ($25), replaced the front brake pads ($25), and attempted to fix the exhaust leak by replacing the ring nuts and gaskets ($65). (As you'll read shortly, I didn't get the exhaust mission fully completed, but I still have the parts to give you. I also have receipts for all of the parts and supplies for these repairs.)

Some other features of interest are the highway pegs and crash bar, saddle bags, large rear bag (big enough for a large size helmet), sissy bar, seat in good condition, tires also in good shape although the rear tire is probably a lot closer to needing replaced than the front one. This bike is perfectly suited to drive to and from work, which is what I used it for after I took a rider's safety course.

I just discovered this week that the bike has some sort of short in the wiring because I've toasted 3 batteries since I bought it...I finally figured out what the deal was when I bought a 12V tester. This problem will obviously require some investigation and work in order to fix. I can tell you about this in more detail if you have any specific questions.

As you'll see in the photos, I created some superficial damage to the gas tank and windshield when I parked the bike on the grass overnight without something under the stand (rookie move! "d'oh!") and came back to find it on the ground with the gas having peeled the clearcoat paint off the tank and the windshield cracked. I glued the windshield back into place and it works the same, but obviously is not as attractive now. I haven't fixed the gas tank paint yet because I would probably spend more on painting it than I would get from additional sale value...besides, that way you can paint it whatever color you want! (work with me here...!)

See the photos for the exhaust issues. Unfortunately, I was only able to replace the leftmost ring nut and gasket because the three other pipes are rusted to the actual tailpipe / header extension under the bike and I couldn't WD-40 them off. The other problem is that on the two left ring nuts, some of the studs that stick out of the engine to allow the ring nuts and gaskets to be secured are missing (hence, the one ring nut hanging freely down on the pipe). When I bought the bike, I didn't notice that the previous owner had apparently jerry-rigged the ring nuts into place with screws and I realized what had happened when the screws fell off or broke. I tried to do this myself to at least stop it from discharging so much exhaust and stinking, but the bottom line is that the wells will probably have to be re-tapped and new studs ordered. It looks like the previous owner tried to drill out one of the holes and may have done more harm than good. If you want a closer-up picture of that part of the motor, let me know and I'll send one. I have the ring nuts, gaskets, and hexhead nuts to replace the three exhaust ports that I couldn't get to due to rusty pipes, and of course I will include these parts with the sale of the bike. (Hope that all made sense! The bottom line is the bike runs, just with some more noise and smell than it normally would.)

Some other notes: the forks have some superficial rust and will need the oil changed (see photo). Also, the starter button has been modified to a different button but it works perfectly (see photo also).

I've gotten around 25-30 mpg, but I drive it mostly to and from work, which is only a couple miles away here on post. I'm sure it will do better on roads that aren't stop-and-go. The bike will need the carbs to be cleaned and inspected--I suspect that is also what has kept the gas mileage lower than expected. The exhaust leak probably has something to do with it as well. The bike starts up with some coaxing on the throttle and choke, but it can always get going with the help of some starting fluid spray. Usually if it sits more than a day or so, it takes a few tries to get going, but nothing ridiculous. Once it starts for the first time, it does fine the rest of the day.

Given the price I paid for it, plus the improvements I've done, minus the damages and work that will still have to be done, I'd like to get at least the amount I put into it to begin with, but I'll entertain any offer since I need to get this bike to a new owner now before we start the moving process.

Thanks for reading my super-long description. I just want to be totally honest and make sure that if you buy this bike like I hope you will, you won't be surprised by anything. Please let me know if you're interested, and thanks for checking out my XJ!!! -Dana

 

Good news for you Dana!!! There is no emissions test for motorcycles in the state of California! Keep the machine and come ride with us! I'm curious to know where your headed too out here, I'd be happy to help with the wiring if you make it out this way.

 

Robert,
I checked the California DMV site and saw the regulation...I thought it was required? Apparently not because it's a more gasoline efficient machine than an SUV? That is great news! I'm going to try to get it fixed up by a trusted dude here. I'm past my skill level. Maybe I will keep it after all...

Thanks for all your help!!! I'll stay in touch.

Dana

p.s. We're headed to Pasadena...hope my other email made it to you with the details of that...

 

Toasted 3 Batteries, huh? You shoulda been here last month ... when I had all of XJ-Nation checkin-out their Alternator Brushes.

You seem a perfect candidate for doing the same.

Bring the bike out there with you. You'll have fun tooling around on it. Then, when you're ready to sell ... you just make a sign and hang it on the bike!

FOR SALE $800.00 Free riding lessons to well-stacked, leggy blonds.

 

Got your PM, hope you got mine. No troubles bud, I think you should hang on to it (I'm a little biased here, unabashedly).