what year is my xj1100j

[Sandy H]

i understand you can tell the year from the engine serial no.
on my ownership it says 1983
i did not know they made the maxim in 83
can you help me out?
vin-11g010391

[John]

Here in the US all of the XJ11 serial numbers start with 10M, for a 1982 model, so it would make sense that the 83 ,odel would start with 11xxxxxx. Anybody have an 84? Does the serial number start with a 12?
The XJ was sold in the US in 82 only, but you Canucks had it for three years.

[Jerry]

This has come up a couple times. Technically, Yamaha considers your XJ an '82 regardless of what the registration says. In some states motorcycles were titled the year sold, so there are XJs registered as '83 and '84 models. Yamaha sold XJs in Canada and Mexico through '84, only difference is a speedo that reads in KPH instead of MPH. All US XJs should start with a model number of 10M, can't remember the Canadian number but it is a bit different. If your XJ engine or frame number starts with 10M then you need to look for parts for an '82 XJ, the only year Yamaha sold them in the US.

FWIW, when I was a kid I had a '46 Plymouth. Put a different engine in it, state of Wisconsin re-titled it as a '52 since that was the year of the engine I put in! In those days registration went by engine serial number. Somewhere there is still probably a '46 Plymouth sedan titled as a '52 running around. Vehicle registrations can be funny things.

[Jerry]

Sandy H:

Sorry, didn't look at your location until after my last post. Yes, your Canadian registration of '83 makes sense, since Yamaha sold the XJ in Canada and and Mexico though '84. However, all XJs are the same, parts-wise, as the '82 model year. If your dealer can't find a listing for an '83 XJ, use the '82 listing. Same with finding parts from other sources, like salvage yards or eBay; if it says parts for an '82 XJ they will fit your '83. As I mentioned, only difference I know of is KPH or MPH speedometer.

[Sandy H]

yes you were right
on my speedometer it has kmh so it must be a 83
how much is it worth
top notch shape

[Jerry]

how much is it worth

Tricky question. Much depends on the market in your area. Generally speaking, and XS or XJ 1100 in good running condition and good cosmetics run from $1,200 - $1,500. However, late in the riding season the price goes down, and individual tastes are different; some people will pay more if the bike has a windshield or fairing, some like a naked bike and will pay less. Modifications, like different seat, exhaust, engine guards, or any accessories like a luggage rack, or oil cooler will also have an effect on the price, somtimes raising it if all is good and clean, or lowering it if parts are rusty or the sound level is loud. Without seeing the bike and listening to it run it is hard to put a price on it.

You should know that many have found 'deals'; I paid $650.00 for my XJ a few years back, no accessories but was in good, stock condition. Seat had been recovered, but the job was done well. Others on this list have also found low or even no-cost rides.

The XJ is kind of an orphan in that several key parts were made just for it, like the ignition (tci) module, guage cluster, linked braking system, and square handlebars. As the bikes get older and parts get harder to find, the XJ's limited run makes the bikes look a little less appealing. This may affect the price you get.