Yamaha XJ700XS Maxim X Cruiser Reviews on Cycle Insider (2)
Avg. Rating

I got my Maxim in May of 2001 (this '86 is mint). It had 8k miles on it. Now (Jan 02) If 14k miles on it. I ride it as a commuter bike - just Awesome in traffic and as a 1 rider curvy mountain road bike. Longest ride has been 500 miles. ZERO problems. Not quite a cruiser. Not quite a crotch rocket. But the best of both.

Against today's sport bikes, it's only fair but it's fun. And it's classed as a cruiser. If you own or have owned one you know where I'm coming from. It'll make you the envy of the cruiser crowd except for Mr. Max people. It handles great in the twisties and power to spare. Watch out when you hit around the 6K mark it explodes. I've had it since new and have enjoyed 30K + miles on it. Trips in the 200 to 300 mile range are the norm. The wife prefers our larger bike for serious mileage and I tend to agree with her. But for short trips and some playtime she'll still come out and play on the XJ. If you're a lone rider with a once in awhile passenger you won't go wrong. I haven't taken any long trips by myself so I can't give any information on that. If you can find one at blue book rates, I'd go for. Trouble is dealers want way over book but they know what they have. I've been more than pleased with mine and it'll be my favorite play bike. One word of caution, it's not for the new rider or someone wanting to move up in class. It's a serious performance cruiser. My problems have been minor. A starter and two exhaust pipes where the inner pipe broke loose and rattled. ENJOY