What kind of XJ650 maxim do I have?

Just how can you tell what kind of XJ650 you have? I am talking about the letters after the 650. I need to get the valve adjustments specs for a 1982 XJ650 Maxim. It has a 5N8 engine in it. I am told I have tight valves as the piece of junk won't start. This is the worst bike as trying to fix it that I ever had. Can't find anything on the site about this.

 

Yo man, you're going to give yourself an aneurysm. The bike isn't what's wrong, it's how the POs handled and treated it that's wrong. These are great machines, they just need some lovin and we're all here to help you.

All the info you need on identifying and parts courtesy of Len aka Chacal:
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14561.html

 

The valve adjustment link I mentioned in your other thread:

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... tment.html

Deep breaths man, enjoy the process. Once you get one of these bikes running you'll be a master and can fix any problem you'll encounter. These bikes are designed for the owner to have the ability to fix.

 

Model Identification: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14577.html

Be nice to the old girl, or she might kick you off the saddle lol

 

"piece of junk won't start" - -

In addition to valves in spec, the "Pilot" and "Starter" circuit of your carbs could be all crusty and nasty.

There's a laundry list of other things that'll keep an XJ cold.

 

easiest way to search this site is using google. Just enter your search info into a google search bar and the put "site:xjbikes.com" after it without the quotes. It will look something like this...

valve adjustment site:xjbikes.com

or

bike identification site:xjbikes.com

sometimes it just makes it easier to do searching this way.

Hope this helps you..
(ps..the "J" behind the 650 in my signature represents the year of the bike, if it was a 1981 the it would be a 650H)

 

As linked above, figuring out the model number is easy.

Valve clearance specs are:

.11mm ~ .15mm intake, and .16mm ~ .20mm exhaust.

Somebody already gave you a link to the valve adjustment article, here's Part Deux: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29209.html

You're probably going to need to clean and service the carbs too; but get the valves in spec and let's get a compression test done and see what you have to work with.

Don't blame the bike because those that came before you didn't know what they were doing. It's a 30 year old motorcycle, not a used car.

 

You already know what your model is: You told us it's a 1982 XJ650 Maxim. That's the year, ,family, size, AND model of the bike right there. The letter after the number simply rereiterates the year. If you have a 1982, then the letter at the end would be a "J". So, if you WANT to get technical, you have an XJ650J Maxim. THAT also tells everyone that it is a 1982 XJ650 Maxim. The only time extra letters would mean anything is if you have:
Midnight -
C - California
R- Seca
L - turbo
X - Maxim X

Probably missing a few designations there...........

As others said.....the problem isn't the bike, its what previous owners DIDN'T do.

Tight valves area easily adjusted. I personally COMPLETELY DOUBT that is the reason is won't start. I DO firmly believe its that you must do a thorough carb removal and cleaning.

THAT being said, as you are doing the carb cleaning, DO make sure to get your valves back in spec, replace oil and filter, THEN fire it up to get it synced. THEN you'll have a platform to start with and you'll end up with an incredibly reliable ride to enjoy.

Dave F

 

Just realized I only have 18409 more posts to post to catch up with Big Fitz....lol