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Message started by Jack_650 on 10/09/10 at 09:07:33

Title: Other bikes?
Post by Jack_650 on 10/09/10 at 09:07:33

I'm possibly going to be offered a Yamaha 550 Maxim with 17k on it in a partial trade/cash for a car I'm getting rid of. Any of you more "experienced" folks know anything about these early 80's bikes?

What I've read from some online sources say they're reliable, if a bit under-performing. The sources though are Yamaha enthusiasts and not necessarily as open minded and honest about their bikes as those of us on this site.

Just curious as to if I should show any interest in this part of the deal.

Jack

Title: Re: Other bikes?
Post by WD on 10/09/10 at 09:52:09

It is a miniature XS1100 engine. Keep fresh oil in it, at least a 15W40, and they are nearly bullet proof.

As for the other components... they tended to eat the front brakes. Carbs are a bit "touchy". Fork seals are UJM standard leakers.

Basic 1980s Japanese motorcycle. No better or worse than any other midsized metric from the same era. Basic, boring, reliable.

Title: Re: Other bikes?
Post by Oldfeller on 10/09/10 at 12:07:53

Be aware that you will NEED a good internet community with active sources for break-down-an-old-bike type parts.

Yamaha DOES NOT SUPPLY ANY NEW PARTS past the 15 year mark.

This bike has NO SUPPLY OF NEW PARTS AT ALL and hasn't had any for the last 10 plus years .....

Unless you have a GOOD community with lots of people busting up old bikes all the time or you have the ability (electrical and mechanical) to fabricate or fake up what you need, consider not taking on a "mission impossible" bike.

The ultimate failure point on these old Yamaha bikes is electrical
(as in black box type electrical)

Go on line and find out what kills your particular old bike (they have discussed it to death and ether have a way around it or some alternate part identified that will work in place of it)

Speaking as the current owner of a vintage Yamaha XV535, done been there and done that, got all the various tee shirts too. I am currently running a starter relay off a riding lawnmower and a 7 wire voltage rectifier regulator off a Suzuki GSXR modded to go on a 4 wire Yamaha electrical system. ::) :o :(

Title: Re: Other bikes?
Post by Demin on 10/09/10 at 15:13:56

I've had a couple of them.They are good running bikes.Plus they make kool bobbers 8-).Go figure,huh?
Just don't put the flamethrower button in the MIDDLE of the handlebars ::)
The other one was a dresser....for awhile ::)
http://p1.bikepics.com/pics/2007/09/08/bikepics-1017211-full.jpg

Title: Re: Other bikes?
Post by 12Bravo on 10/10/10 at 10:29:25

I had a 83 XJ750 Maxim for a while, they are pretty good bikes as long as they are taken care of. Here is a link to a forum for the XJ series Yamaha's, covers both the XJ Maxim and XJ Seca. http://xjbikes.com/Forums.html

Title: Re: Other bikes?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 10/10/10 at 10:51:37

I suspect that it would only require the death of some obscure electronical doohickey to make a daily rider a playground toy for kids to sit on. Unless youre certain of parts being available,, well,, you know.