Would like feedback on the 650 Maxim

[Special Ed]

Those who have read my other thread "Fried my bike last night," know about my XS 11 meltdown: if not go check it out. I am seriously considering obtaining a 650 Maxim. I would even consider an XS 650, for that matter.

I've heard conflicting reports on the 650 Maxim. I have a neighbor who had one 20 some odd years ago, and he said he could keep up with or out run bikes up to 750's on acceleration up to 60 or 70 mph, and after that, displacement ruled. He also said that it handled quite well. I haven't been able to get my weight up over 120 lbs since my cancer operation and I've lost some muscle tone, so I am after a lighter bike, and the Maxim looks like a slightly smaller XS11. As much as I am intrigued by triples, I'm a bit concerned about parts availability.

I saw one for sale on the Cycle Trader site. It looks to be in show room condition with only 20,000+ miles on it for $875! Only problem is it's in Wisconsin. Guess I could fly there and ride it back. I wonder what rail shipping would cost?

Your feed back will be greatly appreciated.
Special Ed

[daveyg]

I had a 82 maxim xj650, it was my only transportation for a year and a half, and with a UNI foam filter, and a fresh sync, it was plain scary fast for my 150lb arse... Sadly I let it go about 2 years ago, but for your questions, it really isn't much lighter than the 11...

[motoman]

Those who have read my other thread "Fried my bike last night," know about my XS 11 meltdown: if not go check it out. I am seriously considering obtaining a 650 Maxim. I would even consider an XS 650, for that matter.

I've heard conflicting reports on the 650 Maxim. I have a neighbor who had one 20 some odd years ago, and he said he could keep up with or out run bikes up to 750's on acceleration up to 60 or 70 mph, and after that, displacement ruled. He also said that it handled quite well. I haven't been able to get my weight up over 120 lbs since my cancer operation and I've lost some muscle tone, so I am after a lighter bike, and the Maxim looks like a slightly smaller XS11. As much as I am intrigued by triples, I'm a bit concerned about parts availability.

I saw one for sale on the Cycle Trader site. It looks to be in show room condition with only 20,000+ miles on it for $875! Only problem is it's in Wisconsin. Guess I could fly there and ride it back. I wonder what rail shipping would cost?

Your feed back will be greatly appreciated.
Special Ed

Good friend south of here in durango has had one since new. Been garaged for several yrs. now, but has all three of the Samsonite luggage on it and windshield. Used to like swapping rides as the little XJ was way easier to handle, quick excellerating, and smooth to ride. It got alot of LD rides on it too. If a 'turn key' bike, would be an excellent buy Ed, but I have no idea what rail shipping would be to haul you there so's U could ride it back. For a $250 air ride, if turn key, still an excellent by. Find someone with one of the 550,650 or 850 Maxims, and ride one,,,,,,,,,,,,you will like.........

[jetmechmarty]

MaximPhil here on the forum has ridden a XJ650 all over North America. I'm sure he can tell you a thing or two.

I'm an XS650 fan. For that bike, parts are not an issue. Maybe because of that, the bikes are just a little on the pricey side. The XS650 is about 100 lbs lighter than the XS1100. It will cruise comfortably at 60 mph all day. It will go much faster, but it isn't fun. The XS650 will let you know it's running, as the parallel twin vibrates a bit. (a lot when out of tune) The down side to this machine is that the electric leg was an afterthought. It starts much more easily with a kick starter. The electricals had best be perfect if you want to rely on the electric starter. I've had my XS650 since new.

[DGXSER]

A good friend of mine had an XJ750. It belonged to his Brother-in-law before him when it was new. He had that bike and a V-Max. He eventually sold the V-Max and kept the XJ750. Had that bike for years, rode the heck out of it and it was very nice.

[daveyg]

I had an 81 XS650 also, and it was fun, but I didn't put 1/10th the miles on it as the XJ650 I had, before selling it to a buddy, but I second the thought that a XS650 prefers to be kicked, a lot of them have electric starter problems, but are an easy fix, either buy a new heavier spring, or rebend the old engagement spring, but it still slips off and on... Hence the kicker is a better way to go in reality. With a fresh sync, new plugs, air filter, and fresh oil, and very little freeway riding, my XJ got 52mpg one summer, if that is something else u wonder about...

[MaximPhil]

Hi SpecialEd,
I still have my XJ650 though it costs too much to insure two bikes here in Ontario so I can not ride it. Though not much lighter than an XS11 the centre of gravity is lower so much easier to handle. The 750 is only bigger in the head all the rest is the same making the 650 very durable.
Mine has run flawlessly up and down the east coast of USA. I have owned it since 1994 and other than Oil, Filter changes plus spark plugs , tires and batteries ofcourse NOTHING else has been replaced.
Engine runs 1000rpm higher than XS11 for the same road speed. i have attended numeorus XSrallies and have no trouble keeping up in either the twisties or the straights. Above 75 mph I find the buffeting bad but the bike will happily go over 100mph.
Highly recommend this model.
Phil