Motorcycles
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 52
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I've never owned one but my cousin did. The maxim 750 had performance pretty typical of early 80s air-cooled bikes. Quarter mile times were just under 13 seconds and top speed about 130mph.
These were shaft drive bikes if I remember correctly, which means maintenance is a little easier. Handling was only so so by the standards of the day which means it really sucks compared to modern bikes. But on the other hand it was fairly comfortable for people under 5'10". Not so good for really tall people.
These were shaft drive bikes if I remember correctly, which means maintenance is a little easier. Handling was only so so by the standards of the day which means it really sucks compared to modern bikes. But on the other hand it was fairly comfortable for people under 5'10". Not so good for really tall people.
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,499
Likes: 2,811
Make sure it's a runner, not a fixer. I was chatting with a dealer/mechanic years ago, and we added up the cost of a replace the valves valve job on a 4 valve 4 cylinder Honda.....you soon get way past the value of the bike.
As I recall, having read several m/c magazines in the day, these were pretty good scoots. As with any bike like that, 0 to deep do-do comes up in less than 4 seconds.
I'd do compression check and a serious look at it.
Also, consider trying to get parts for a 20 year old bike. Call a Yamahammer dealer and ask if he has a clutch cable.....
It's probably a bargain if it doesn't need fixing. Stay away if it's a fixer.
As I recall, having read several m/c magazines in the day, these were pretty good scoots. As with any bike like that, 0 to deep do-do comes up in less than 4 seconds.
I'd do compression check and a serious look at it.
Also, consider trying to get parts for a 20 year old bike. Call a Yamahammer dealer and ask if he has a clutch cable.....
It's probably a bargain if it doesn't need fixing. Stay away if it's a fixer.
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 540
Likes: 0
From: Northern MD
My buddy had one. It was a good reliable bike. Comfortable riding position. Good for cruising. If you ride it for more than an hour, you won't get off the thing stiff and sore. Not a crotch rocket, but it's no slug either. A good all-around bike. The shaft drive was pretty neat too.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 207
Likes: 0
From: Missouri
hey, i have an '81 750 Maxim, needs a bit of work, like tires, brakes, and a coupla lights/reflectors, also needs tuned up, as it sat for about 5 years, been aimin' to get to it when i get a bit of cash, paid 350 bucks for it, so if i spend a grand to get it runnin, that's fine with me, even if i do get ripped lol
i did have it runni once, and it was loud as heck , btw, do any of y'all know where i could get a gas tank for it...?
i did have it runni once, and it was loud as heck , btw, do any of y'all know where i could get a gas tank for it...?
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: Cheyenne Wy.
I had the "sister" bike. a 1981 SECA 750 that I used for commuting 600 miles/week. I used nothing but synthetic oil (boy was that comparitively expensive in the 80's) and it had 131,000 miles on it when I sold it
(yep...that number is real....kept saying I would replace it when it blew up.... but it kept going)
The electronic instrument cluster sucked (and was expensive to fix - not available on all bikes though), the petcock was changed out twice, exhaust once (rusted out) and I ended up changing clutch cables once a year but other than that, it was just all regular maintenance. Valves adjusted once a year, carbs synced at the same time. Oil changes every 3000 (synthetic), gear lube for the shaft drive, battery when needed etc.....
Sure I did some creature comfort stuff to it along the way too (new seat, saddlebags etc) But those did not affect the run-ability.
The YICS engines are good for the era, just maintain it.
Power was good for 1981. Now 600's produce more, but the SECA would cruise down the hihway all day long.
Jim
(yep...that number is real....kept saying I would replace it when it blew up.... but it kept going)
The electronic instrument cluster sucked (and was expensive to fix - not available on all bikes though), the petcock was changed out twice, exhaust once (rusted out) and I ended up changing clutch cables once a year but other than that, it was just all regular maintenance. Valves adjusted once a year, carbs synced at the same time. Oil changes every 3000 (synthetic), gear lube for the shaft drive, battery when needed etc.....
Sure I did some creature comfort stuff to it along the way too (new seat, saddlebags etc) But those did not affect the run-ability.
The YICS engines are good for the era, just maintain it.
Power was good for 1981. Now 600's produce more, but the SECA would cruise down the hihway all day long.
Jim
Senior User
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 244
Likes: 1
My father bought a 82 650 XJ in 1985. Still has it. I used it while I was in school at Auburn because you can park on campus with a motorcycle, not a car. I went on a 6hr ride one Saturday and it did well. It came with a Pacifico fairing.
The only problem with these is they are very cold natured. It seems to have something to do with the electrical system.
Overall, a good bike though. However, I wouldn't trade my Hayabusa for one
The only problem with these is they are very cold natured. It seems to have something to do with the electrical system.
Overall, a good bike though. However, I wouldn't trade my Hayabusa for one
