1983 Yamaha XJ750MK Mid. Maxim Cruiser reviews

I'm just a novice: bought my 1983 XJ750 Midnight Maxim with about 34,000kms on it, a couple of months ago. And I have just passed my certification as a novice rider - took the course on a Honda 125. The change is quite noticible in the obvious size and power differences - but the Maxim is also smoother and easier (at lower speeds, anyway)to control. The upright seating arrangement means that you really feel the wind as you travel along - but that's the joy isn't it?? What a nice smooth feel... Maybe I'll report back after I get more experience... Meantime, I'm having fun learning the feel of the beastie... Show less

I bought this bike nearly four years ago from a local dealer who imported bikes from Canada,( he's since gone bust)and as I say, it cost me $2000 ( thats about $3ooo to you yanks)and it's never ever let me down.I've done quite a few rallies on it,done a six day tour in Ireland on it, loads of weekend ride outs with it, and of course I ride it to work every day,(thats 9 miles there, and 9 miles back.)through the British winters with all that salt & grit they lay down on the roads,and still it soldiers on.Its got a set of loud pipes on it, and sounds great,I personally love the dam thing, and I would say to anyone who's toying with the idea of getting one, "then do it" and see if it serves you as well as mine has.I know all about the problems their supposed to have(starter motors, mono shock etc)maybe I've been lucky, I don't know, but what I do know is that i'll give it another year, then have it stripped down, resprayed, new tyres, and see how much longer it goes for.Wish me luck. TTFN, Moffo. Show less

I bought this with 7500 miles on it. It had been dropped twice and left in a corner. I paid $450 for it, and use it for my 100 mile commute daily. V-Twins are real pretty, with lot's of rumbling type sounds, but when the rubber meets the road...I fly by 1450's & 1600's. I smoke the twisties in the local mountain range, I kick my feet up on the highway pegs and I keep going and going and going.............I now have aprox 50,000 miles on it, and I can see another 50k on the way!! Go ahead and spend the $10,000-$20,000. Enjoy looking at my $450.00 tail lights. Show less

Reliable I would feel comfortable taking my MAXIM anywhere. Show less

There are a couple of things to look for on this bike when purchasing. Starter, suspension. This model is prone to starter problems and, with its age, suspension problems can arise. It has a mono shock in the rear that should be looked at for leakage. Front forks should be obvious. The foam in the seat for this age is probably shot and should be rebuilt (Sargent, in Florida does a nice job for about $250) as there is vibration that will be transfered to the frame like any other Vtwin of its age. Great bike to learn on and keep, as the wheel base is short and easy to maneuver, plus plenty of power with 920cc worth of engine. Carrying a rider is no problem, but long trips are uncomfortable for two due to its short frame. As with any bike this age, carb carmelizing/gunking can be a problem along with rust in the tank if it wasn't taken care of. Not many after market options for this model as it was the last of its style made, 84 is totally different. For a single rider you will find this bike to have plenty of power and room, with some vibration, after market foot pegs for alternate foot placement is a must for those long trips. Gold chrome on this bike makes it expensive for any rechroming, due to corrosion. Show less