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Model Identification Question

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by gcrick, Mar 21, 2008.

  1. gcrick

    gcrick Member

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    I bought my 81 650 Maxim sometime back (w/only 4K miles) and love it. good bike, good fun. But I don't really know Yamahas (former dealer of Kawasaki, Brit bikes, Husqvarna, etc.) and kinda dumb re: their precise model identification.

    Been searching hard online, finding sometimes conflicting information.

    My bike VIN is 4H7101698 - I think that means an XJ650. But I also read about 650 "S" models, Midnight Maxims, etc. And my bike looks cosmetically like this picture, identified as an XS650, except 4 cyl/shaft drive with spiral spoke wheels):
    http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/yamaha_xs_650_1981.php

    Any experts out there have guidance for an old biker but new Yamaha fan?

    Thanks
    gene
     
    gcrick, Mar 21, 2008
    #1
  2. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

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    If yours is a chain drive 2 cylinder it's not a 650 Maxim. If it's a V-twin it's probably a Virago.

    I don't have my VIN chart here at the shop, but your VIN looks like an XJ650 VIN.
     
    MiCarl, Mar 21, 2008
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  3. gcrick

    gcrick Member

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    nope, it's a 4 cylinder shaft drive. my old eyes missed the basics in that picture (already admitted I'm not all that bright). And has a "Maxim" trim plate.

    thanks for your keen-eyed, knowledgeable feedback; folks like you on this board are the greatest!

    I'll correct the prior post, then go shopping for stronger glasses. :)

    thanks again, gene
     
    gcrick, Mar 21, 2008
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  4. jeff4995

    jeff4995 Member

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    jeff4995, Mar 21, 2008
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  5. Nick

    Nick Member

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    Welcome to the site gcrick.

    Your vin number says your bike is a 1981 XJ650H Maxim produced for the US market.
     
    Nick, Mar 21, 2008
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  6. gcrick

    gcrick Member

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    Thanks, both for the kind welcome and for solving my XJ model question. I appreciate you folks.

    BTW, I tried the Yamaha VIN site and they required 17 digits, which I couldn't find. All I had was the numbers posted. I looked on my title and on the motorcycle's frame sticker.

    Didn't help that our motor vehicle department in Texas (the Land That Time Forgot) gives such skimpy information on titles. Under "Type" and "Model" the only entry is "MC" which I now suspect means "Mighty Confusing"

    Thanks again for the help. Now I feel a bit more qualified to hang out on the "XJ" site.
     
    gcrick, Mar 21, 2008
    #6

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