Unknown bike question

[Radiation]

I just went to look at a bike that someone had for sell. The kid I talked to did not know a thing about bikes, he said it was his dad's and he got it to try and fix it up. He decided it was too hard to do. He said it was an 650 maxim but when I got there it was a 4 cylinder shaft drive. Did the 650 maxim come this way or is this kid just unknowing. It looks to be a good deal and if it is an 1100, it would be an even better deal. The number stamped on the case started with 5N8. If you guys could please help me I would greatly appreciate it. I have to go out of town this evening for 5 days and would like to make an offer on the bike, but whether or not it is an 1100 plays a big role on the amount I offer.
Thanks in advance,

[DiverRay]

Bill,
That does sound like the 650 Maxim. I don't know the serial numbers for the bike, but that is NOT an 1100 serial number. The 650's DID have a shaft drive on some models, and are nice bikes for arouns town and short, under 1K mile trips. For someone smaller than me,(5'11", 230lbs) it would be a good all around bike.
JMHO,
Ray

[Radiation]

OH

So the 650 was a 4 cylinder shaft drive? I thought the 650 only had 2 cylinders and a chain drive?!

[jeffe]

The 650 seca and 650 maxmin shared pretty much the same engine and drive train. And they were shaft drive. With proper care that 650 engine can go a lot of miles. I had a shade over 100k miles on my 1982 650 Seca. Just have to keep up on stuff, especially oil and oil filters and air filter. While the 650 maxmin does not have the grunt that an XS11 has they still are pretty good

[DiverRay]

In '71, Yamaha came out with the 650 twin. The Maxim's are from the 80's, and are all, except for the 400, 4 cyl. engines.
In 82, Yamaha had the Seca 650 TURBO, that was one FUN bike to ride. It was also a shaft drive, as it was based on the 4 cyl. 640 they were building at the time.
Ray

[Radiation]

Thanks guys!

That clears up alot for me. It has been sitting for a few years, but it is in pretty good shape. He is asking $175 OBO. I think I will offer $125.

[jeffe]

Just as an FYI the bike I had was a 650 Seca not a turbo. It was what the turbo was based on. Official number was XJ650RJ, they only made them in 82. It was more of a practical "sport touring" bike. Non stepped seat, lower bars, larger gas tank, 8" headlight. It was not the fastest 650 so no one seemed to want one. Too bad ,it was a great all day long rider. I did one 1000 in 1 ride with it. Wish I could a new one still on the box.

[Do Lee]

5N8 vin# is for a 1982 XJ650J. Maxim 650.

[e.z.nightrider]

As an owner of an 82 650 Maxim that was a basket case when I bought it I can truly say the tech tips of this group go a long way to getting them rideable again the two bikes are alike in many respects and the differences aren't that major for the most part. An other good site for info is WWW.XJBIKES.COM