Yamaha XJ550J Maxim reviews

Aa phenomenal. Machine genesis 5 valves of 90hp.they got their act together on point. Itss really does rev your heart. Its a blast from the past built to last aa nd very fast 0-100 in 3.3secondds. The style is very cool people who have owned this wisshh thhey hhaad it back. Its held its own aas it maintains its throne. Dont try to clone Show less

I bought my 85 maxim recently from a gentleman that had it sitting in his yard for over 10 years, and it starts everytime! Never seems to fail me, and if well maintained I think she could go another 10 years! Poweful bike! 'Lotta spunk! I love mine, and I won't ever part with it! Show less

This bike is the nicest bike I have ever owned, the only problem is hard to find parts. Mine has 3800 miles on it and the only thing I want is a factory backrest. Otherwise the bike is fast, comfy everything I want!!! A+++++ Show less

I purchased one of the 1985 Yamaha 700's new of course in 1985 and it still look's to be brand new. All I have done to it is put some higher bars on it because I have short arms. It has always been garaged and never been misused. The great thing about it is it has never leaked a drop of oil which also has been well maintained. Oh I did install some meg mufflers on it because I couldn't find the origional mufflers after they had burned through. It has only 15,000 miles on it at this time. What a great little bike with a lot of heart!!!!Any one owning one knows what I mean. If you had 10 stars I would give it a ten!!!! Show less

I did fall for her looks. Red, and the type of custom model I like: not too stretched. Handling is good for a custom. The front fork is a bit weak in the response, but I use another fork-oil now (thicker) and that helps. Never fails in starting even when its freezing. Second reason why I like it because it doesn't need any chain lubrication... The bike is of 1985 and for this kind of age it looks...er... say good enough for me! Show less

I hade one. Bought it in 1987 but it was new. This machine has a high tech whistleing sound to it's powerful engine. I have not driven a finer machine. It has medium torque at mid range, but get those RPM's to the lowe high range and hang the freak on. 11.2:1 compression means power. With 6 close ratio gears, it's s crotch rocket of beauty and style. This is one of the fines motorcycles ever made. Show less

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 my first " X" 3 years ago. It's a great bike to ride. As long as you keep the tachometer under 6000 rpm, it's a normal bike. But exeeding the 6000rpm the beast inside wakes up and you feel like taking off in a plane. I love this bike so much that I bought a second one after the first one had a blown engine. Show less

This machine is amazing. All the performance of a FZ and all the style of a cruiser. To me this is the epitome of form, function, and speed. I will never sell this bike. ( Maybe for a v-max someday ) the handling is great. looks great, reliable. Show less

I've recently discovered some background info on the 85/86 Maxim 700. This came from reliable dealership staff, but if someone told me it was bull I'd be okay with that too! Anyway... Apparently for the 1985 model year the U.S. imposed an embargo on foreign made (maybe Japanese only) motorcycles imported into the U.S. to boost the ailing American Harley Davidson Motorcycle company. This embargo charged heavy tariffs on all imported bikes above 700 cc's. Yamaha, in an effort to keep sales up and avoid excess taxation, downsized the XJ750 and came up with the XJ700N. It had many of the same features of it's slightly larger cousin but did not exceed the 700 cc limit. In late 1986, U.S. Courts rules the embargo illegal and cancelled it. This is why the Maxim 700 was only available in 85 and 86. Owners of Maxim 700's now sort of own a piece of U.S. Legal history, and a "limited edition" (so to speak) bike. Show less