TECH TOPIC: Model ID and VIN's

FRAME AND MODEL AND VIN NUMBERS, OH MY!!!

Okay, gather 'round friends and prepare yourself, 'cause we're about to go down the rabbit hole......

It goes without saying that the proper and correct identification of your bike is important for a number of purposes----first and foremost, so that you can order the correct parts for it! But equally important is making sure that your title is correctly identifying your bike for registration, title, and licensing purposes, as well as for insurance registration purposes, etc.

Our STRONGEST advice is to not rely on the information on your title, bill of sale, insurance documents, state registration certificates, what the former owner claimed, or any other PIECE OF PAPER-----always go "right to the horse's mouth"----or in this case, your bike's frame and engine case, and absolutely verify 100% what bike you actually have! You'd would be quite surprised how many people we come across who are ordering parts, for example, for a 1981 model XJ-whatever because that's what it was sold to them as (or titled as), when in reality they have a 1982 model! YOUR FRAME AND ENGINE CASE ID NUMBERS ALWAYS SPEAKS THE REAL TRUTH! Some typed-up piece of paper from a government or insurance company clerk does not always fall into that same category of certainty!


ALSO: verify that the engine in your bike is the original engine! Since many of the XJ-series engines are physically interchangable with each other, you never know what's been done over the years as far as engine-swapping is concerned! Rings and pistons from a 650 model engine are NOT going to fit a 750 engine, even if the 750 engine is installed in an XJ650 frame!!! So please---spend the 90 seconds or so necessary to determine whether the engine is original to the bike, and if not, what year/make/model bike that the engine came from. The procedure for doing this is described completely further below.

And finally, if you take a little bit of study time all of the information below, then soon you, too, can start "code talking" about having a "1982 5N8 model" or a "750MK" and really impress the other guys at the shop with your intimate and devil-is-in-the-details knowledge about all things Yamaha......



Okay, as is proper with any good training video, we're going to start with the big picture and then work down to the nitty-gritty details.

So, buckle up, or hunker down, or whatever your favorite metaphor is------because there's going to be a pretty smooth take-off, but then expect some bumps in the road ahead.


Or, if you’re pressed for time like the rest of us, first go here:

http://www.xj4ever.com/catalog/frame-engine-id.pdf

and then here:

http://www.dissingermoto.com



NUMBERS, NUMBERS-----EVERYWHERE:

In order to provide a simple basis of communication both internally (between the engineering, sales, production, marketing, and other departments within a company) and also externally (retail dealers, customers, governmental and other outside parties), vehicle manufacturers of all kinds choose to (and are now required to) provide unique "shorthand" codes for each particular unit that they offer for sale. The most commonly used code is what is commonly known as a VIN or Vehicle Identification Number----a sort of "DNA fingerprint" for an individual product. Besides containing a unique serial number for an individual bike, the VIN number also identifies unique characteristics of a bike, such as the manufacturer, the model or "platform" identification, certain optional characteristics, the year of manufacture, etc.

Before we get down to deciphering a VIN number, let's take a brief step back in time, and recognize that prior to 1981, there was no real set standard for how VIN numbers had to be assigned.....in other words, the VIN Numbers used (by any vehicle manufacturer) prior to 1981 was more-or-less an internal-use number, and could be conjured up in whatever way struck a manufacturer's fancy and served their internal needs.

Starting in the late 1970's, with the proliferation of manufacturers, vehicle production volumes, and international sales, a solution to the "VIN dilemma" was suggested by the International Standards Organization (outlined in ISO Standard #3779, for the ultra-curious), and this standard was adopted and required to be used by all manufacturers that sold vehicles into the USA by the National Highway Traffic Saftey Administration (NHTSA) as of 1981. This is when the familiar, still-used-today 17-position VIN number came into use, and similar structured VIN formats were also adopted by Canada, the European countries, and many other countries around the world.

Prior to 1981, manufacturers could use a VIN number length of their choice, and Yamaha was no exception in this regard. In fact, because of the difficulty encountered with implementing this required 1981 changeover, Yamaha (and some other manufacturers) were granted a 9-month "stay of execution" for their 1981 model-year offerings, where they could still use their older (shorter) version VIN numbers to identify their products.

Thus 1980, 1981, and perhaps even some very early production 1982 model-year bikes use a shorter VIN number that appears on the frame of the bike (more about this later), and may also include a printed paper decal that lists a different (longer) VIN number that is the "extended", 17-posiiton version of the original, shorter VIN number.

Although for the purposes of absolutely, positively identifying your bike for exactly what it "is", the differences between the shorty VIN and the longer VIN are minor---although since the full 17-position VIN number contains more information, it makes the deciphering process a bit less time-consuming, but rest assured that----armed with the proper information---even a "shorty VIN" can be just as accurately and fully de-coded.

 

WHAT'S YOUR NAME, LITTLE XJ, BABY WHAT'S YOUR NAME?:

Okay, here is how Yamaha VIN's breakdown. We're going to start with the full 17-position VIN, and only later go backwards and look at the shorty VIN's and see how they inter-relate to each other.

As an example, we're going to play motorcycle manufacturer and we're going to build ourselves a 1981 XJ650 Maxim VIN.

Here is a standardized 17-position string of letters and characters that we'll use as an example:

1234567890abcdefg

Now, we're going to break up that 17-character string into its component bits and pieces, like this:

123 -45678- -9- -0- -a- -bcdefg

It's broken up this way because each sub-group of positions (as shown above) has a specific meaning, and here they are:

The first 3-position field ("123") is known as the WMI, or World Manufacturer Identifier code. For Yamaha, their WMI is "JYA", and thus all Yamaha motorcycle VIN numbers from this era begin with JYA:

JYA -45678- -9- -0- -a- -bcdefg

For the curious, the WMI code actually has a specific meaning for each position: the first position identifies the country in which the vehicle was manufactured (J = Japan), the second position identifies the unique manufacturer (Y = Yamaha), and the third position identifies the vehicle type or manufacturing division (A = motorcycle).

The next 5-position field ("45678") identifies the vehicle characteristics, such a body style, engine type, model, "platform", series, etc. Since Yamaha only identified these bikes by their general MODEL ID CODE, this field is always populated by the 3-position model ID code (5N8, 5G2, 4H7, etc.) followed by two zeros (thus 5N800, 5G200, 4H700, etc.). Although Yamaha could have coded engine size, or paint color, or whatever else they wanted to into those extra two positions, they chose not to, and thus they are always filled with zeros:

JYA4H700 -9- -0- -a- -bcdefg

By the way, the "4H7" model ID code is for a USA-destined 1980-81 XJ650 Maxim model, just so you can follow along more easily.

The next 1-position field---position "9" above---is always a mathematically calculated "check digit" that looks at all other positions of the full VIN number, performs a mathematical formula (multiplying, adding, and then dividing according to a pre-determined routine), and uses the remainder as the check digit. This process insures that transcribing errors and forgery efforts can be identified more easily.

For our example, we're going to use the number 6 as the check digit:

JYA4H7006 -0- -a- -bcdefg

Okay, the next position---the tenth position in the VIN number (designated by the number -0- above) identifies the year of your bike. NOTE: the "year" actually refers to the MODEL YEAR of your bike, and not the year in which it was produced. Since "next year's" models normally are available in dealer showrooms sometime around September of the previous calender year, the model year of the bike and the calender year of a bike's production can differ.

In fact, on the VIN decal on your bike, besides the 17-position VIN number, you will also find the date of the bike production in the format MM/YY, such as 10/80 (meaning October, 1980). A 10/80-built bike would be a 1981 MODEL YEAR vehicle.

The model YEAR code in the tenth position of the VIN are as follows:

A = 1980
B = 1981
C = 1982
D = 1983
E = 1984
F = 1985
G = 1986
and so on......

Since we've agreed that we're putting together a 1981 model, then of course the tenth position is---from the chart above---the letter "B":

NOTE: we're going to confuse you now----and it won't be the last time. The year-designation letter codes listed above ONLY PERTAIN TO THE MODEL YEAR CODE USED IN THE VIN.

There is an alternative way of identifying the year of your bike by the Yamaha marketing "model name" of your bike, and it also uses a letter code for such year-model identification purposes, BUT SUCH MODEL DESIGNATION "NAMES" USE A DIFFERENT LETTER CODE THAN WHAT IS THE VIN "YEAR" IDENTIFIER CODE!

Okay, deep breath now, keep going, and forget about that last paragraph for now----but, do keep it in mind for later.........

JYA4H7006B -a- -bcdefg

The 11th position of a VIN number (-a-) is the location of the ASSEMBLY PLANT where the bike was made. All bikes in this era were produced in Japan, probably at their Iwata City production facility, which was the "A" location. Thus the 11th position of all XJ model bikes will be the letter "A":

JYA4H7006BA -bcdefg

And now we're down to the last 6 positions of the full VIN, and this is the unique, sequential "serial number" of each individual bike. Your own bike has a serial number that is different than every other one ever produced for your model and year bike.

For various reasons, Yamaha assigned a range of serial numbers for each bike year and model, and these numbers did not normally start with the number "000001". The starting point for each serial number differs by year and model. For the 1981 XJ650 Maxim used in this example, the serial number range starts with serial number "100101". Each subsequent 1981 XJ650 Maxim model 4H7 destined for the US marketplace got the next higher serial number, thus the second bike off the assembly line was #100102, etc.

Let's pretend that this was the 1,356th 1981 XJ650 Maxim destined for the US marketplace. So starting with the 100101 number, we add 1,356 to it, and get: 101456 ( = 1,356 + 100,100). Note that since the first unit of production was #100101, you "start counting" at 100,100 rather than at 100,101.

So our final VIN for this particular bike is:

JYA4H7006BA101457

which, breaking it down into its component, meaningful parts again, is this:

JYA -4H700- -6- -B- -A- -101457

Now, with all of the above in mind, we can see from the above 17-position VIN that most of the information that is USEFUL is really just the MODEL ID part (4H700), the year (B), and the unique serial number portion (101457).

In fact, in the model ID part, since positions 4 and 5 were not used by Yamaha to designate anything at all, and thus are always "00", then really only the model ID part (4H7) contain any useful information:

4H7---the model identification portion, in this case meaning a 1980 or 1981 XJ650 Maxim.

B---the model year, in this case 1981.

101457---the unique production number ("serial number") of this particular bike.

 

And Here's Where We Go Backwards:

From the example above, we see that although a full 17-position VIN number was required of Yamaha (and everyone else) beginning in 1981, all of the useful information contained in the 17-position VIN can just as easily be captured by a "shorty" version of the VIN, just as Yamaha used prior to 1981:

4H7-101457

That smaller string of numbers, above, is what was considered a "VIN" number for 1981 and prior years.

BUT WAIT!, I hear you cry.........where is that useful piece of information called the "YEAR"? (in the full "long VIN", recall that the 10th position uses a letter code to designate the model YEAR, and in our example it's the letter "B", since B = 1981).

Good question. And here's the good answer:

Recall this statement from above:

"For various reasons, Yamaha assigned a range of serial numbers for each bike year and model, and these numbers did not start with the number 000001."

Well, one of those reasons is that by assigning a defined RANGE of unique serial numbers to each year and model of bike, that unique serial number not only identifies the individual unit of production (thus completely serving the "serial number, DNA-fingerprint" purpose of that number), but also serves as a way of identifying the year of production, too!

Here, as an example, for the 1980 and 1981 XJ650 Maxim (4H7) models, we have:

1980: starting serial number of 000101
1981: starting serial number of 100101

Thus, if you come across this shorty VIN:

4H7-021338

then you know that since the "serial number" is less than the number 100,101 (which is the starting serial number for 1981 models), then it's a 1980 XJ650 Maxim.

But when you see this shorty VIN, as from our "Build-A-Bike" example above:

4H7-101457

then since that serial number is greater than the "100101" starting point for 1981 model year bikes, then you automatically know that it's a 1981 (and not a 1980) "4H7" bike (an XJ650 Maxim).



And In Confusion, Whoops, I Meant "Conclusion":

Because the rules changed in 1981, and forced vehicle builders to use a structured, standardized 17-position format for the VIN, the 1980 and 1981 model bikes can have both the long or the short (or both) VIN numbers on the bike. With a little bit of additional information (the serial number range), you can fully "translate" the shorty VIN into the longer 17-position VIN. The longer VIN is standardized, and I suppose that's good; and it also explicitly codes the model year (in the 10th position), which is really the ONLY feature that the shorty VIN does not clearly encode.

Now, onto the burning questions:

 

Where on my bike is this long, or short, or any other VIN's?:

I don't have the slightest idea.........

Just kidding. The number(s) are in at least two places, and on most bikes, three locations:

http://www.xj4ever.com/catalog/frame-engine-id.pdf

1) On the right side of the steering "neck" or tube (or "head pipe" as it is sometimes called), you'll find stamped the shorty VIN (1980 and early-1982 models) or the full 17-positions VIN (late-1981 and later years) is stamped, vertically, into the frame tube.

2) On the left side of the steering "neck" or tube, there will be a white printed decal that will have the full 17-position VIN, along with typical boilerplate "conforms with regulations blah-blah-blah" wording. NOTE: it is on this decal, and only on this decal, that the date of your bike's manufacture is also printed, in a MM/YY format (i.e. 10/81 = October 1981 = a 1982 model year bike).

Note that for late-1981 year bikes and on, that the full 17-position VIN number appears on both the left-side decal and right-side stamping of the frame's steering neck tube.

On some later model bikes----primarily late-model XJ900 models----this ID "decal" became a metal plate that was rivited to the right side frame down-tube.

3) On the engine case, just behind or beside the clutch cover on the right side of the engine, on a small, flat machined pad that faces up (towards the sky). On XJ550 models, this pad is oriented left-to-right on the engine case, while on all other models it is oriented front-to-back.

What will you find on this pad?

The "shorty" VIN, as described previously. In our 1981 XJ650 Maxim, example, this flat pad would have this number stamped into it (as long as the engine is the original engine that came with the bike):

4H7-101457

Note that it does not matter what year your bike is; even after 1981, the number stamped onto this engine case pad is ALWAYS the "shorty VIN" number, and never the 17-position VIN.

From our discussion above, it is clear that if the engine in the bike is the original engine, then this number on the engine case will match, exactly, the shorty VIN on the right side of frame neck tube (1980 to early-1981 models), or, working backwards, to the model ID (4H7) and unique serial number (101457) of the longer VIN on 1982-later models.

Also, in situations where the engine has been replaced, you can actually figure out not only what engine it is (from the shorty VIN stamped onto the engine case), but you can actually work out the actual VIN number of the bike that such engine came from! All you need to know is the model ID codes (listed below), the serial number ranges (also listed below), and from that you can figure out the YEAR of the engine (and thus the bike).......giving you that "missing" bit of information that the full 17-position VIN does explicitly code for.....and then, using the "check digit" computation routine, you can actually calculate the full, complete VIN for the bike that an engine came from!

Now that's some kinda special party trick, you gotta admit!



Some Other Semi-Useful Tidbits Of Information About VIN's:

* In order to avoid visual confusion errors, the letters I, O, and Q are not allowed in any position of a 1981-later VIN.

* In order to avoid visual confusion errors, the characters U, Z, and 0 (zero) are not used for the model-year designation (the 10th position); however, the letters U and Z and the number 0 can be used in any other positions of the VIN.

* Although you didn't ask, here is how you calculate the "check digit" that is in position #9 in the VIN:

A) All letters and characters in the long VIN are assigned a numerical value. Numbers, of course, keep their like-value (i.e. 1 = 1, 5 = 5, etc.) Letters are assigned the numerical values as follows:

1 = A or J
2 = B, K, or S
3 = C, L, or T
4 = D, M, or U
5 = E, N, or V
6 = F or W
7 = G, P, or X
8 = H or Y
9 = R or Z


B) A multiplication factor is assigned to each VIN character position:

1st position: x8
2nd position: x7
3rd position: x6
4th position: x5
5th position: x4
6th position: x3
7th position: x2
8th position: x10
9th position: unknown, this is what you're trying to figure out!
10th position: x9
11th position: x8
12th position: x7
13th position: x6
14th position: x5
15th position: x4
16th position: x3
17th position: x2


C) Okay, now convert the 17-position VIN to the numerical value as outlined in "A" above:

JYA4H700?BA101457 (the ? is the check digit we're trying to calculate)

becomes, from the coding routine in "A" above:

18148700?21101457

and multiply each position value by the multiplication factor in "B" above:

1st position: 1 x8 = 8
2nd position: 8 x7 = 56
3rd position: 1 x6 = 6
4th position: 4 x5 = 20
5th position: 8 x4 = 32
6th position: 7 x3 = 21
7th position: 0 x2 = 0
8th position: 0 x10 = 0
9th position: unknown, this is what you're trying to figure out!
10th position: 2 x9 = 18
11th position: 1 x8 = 8
12th position: 1 x7 = 7
13th position: 0 x6 = 0
14th position: 1 x5 = 5
15th position: 4 x4 = 16
16th position: 5 x3 = 15
17th position: 7 x2 = 14


D) Now, add up all those sums from above:

8 + 56 + 6 + 20 + 32 + 21 + 0 + 0 + 18 + 8 + 7 + 0 + 5 + 16 + 15 + 14 = 226

Divide the sum (226) by 11 and note what the "remainder" is:

226 divided by 11 = 20 with a "remainder" of 6.........here, I'd forgotten basic math, too, so here's what a "remainder" is!:

226 divided by 11 is 20.5455, but the ".5455" part is not important. What IS important is that 11 x 20 = 220, and the "remainder" is 6 (because 220 + 6 is = 226). The "remainder" is the amount "left over" when you are using just whole numbers, no decimal places or fractions allowed.........

So the check digit for this VIN is 6:

JYA4H7006BA101457

By the way, if the calculations for a particular VIN leaves a "remainder" of 10 or more, then the check digit becomes the letter "X".

 

NOW MY BRAIN HURTS.........PLEASE STOP!:

No, you're doing really good!

And now we're going to get to the devil-details. NOW you're gonna' become a full-fledged XJ Fanatic!

Here's a review of the YEAR CODES in the 10th position of the full 17-position VIN's:

A = 1980
B = 1981
C = 1982
D = 1983
E = 1984
F = 1985
G = 1986
and so on......

Well, in the time before 1981---when there was no 17-position VIN's, and thus no "year codes" as defined above---Yamaha did have a way to "code" the year model of their bikes. Truth Be Told, they actually had two different ways.

The first method, we've already reviewed: the "serial number range" method. For the people who had access to, or just flat-out memorized serial number ranges by bike model, this method works fine. Remember this?:

"For various reasons, Yamaha assigned a range of serial numbers for each bike year and model, and these numbers did not start with the number 000001.

1980: starting serial number of 000101
1981: starting serial number of 100101"

Sure you do.

Now, since most people weren't about to memorize serial number ranges, a second method was devised by Yamaha to code the year model into an easy-to-understand code.

In naming their bikes, Yamaha would refer to bikes by their MODEL NAME (i.e. XJ550, XJ650, etc.) and then add a---you guessed it---a LETTER CODE to the end of the model name, as such:

XJ550H
XJ750J
XJ900RK

Unfortunately, the letter codes used in this manner bear no relation to the letter codes used in the 17-position VIN schemes.

Here's the Yamaha letter codes:

A = 1974
B = 1975
C = 1976
D = 1977
E = 1978
F = 1979
G = 1980
H = 1981
J = 1982
K = 1983
L = 1984
N = 1985
S = 1986

A couple of things to note here:

a) Prior to 1974, no code was used to designate the model year.

b) The letter I is skipped from the 1981-1982 sequence.

c) The letter M is skipped from the 1984-1985 sequence.

d) The letter O, P, Q, and R are skipped from the 1985-1986 sequence.


So the Yamaha coding system for identifying a particular bike was the use of the MODEL NAME (XJ550, XJ750, etc.) and then adding a year "suffix" at the end:

XJ550H is a 1981 XJ550 Maxim (the letter "H" = 1981)
XJ750J is a 1982 XJ750 Maxim (the letter "J" = 1982)
XJ900RK is a 1983 XJ900 Seca (the letter "K" = 1983)

Uh-oh........that last one is a bit confusing (there's two suffixes....R and K).

Well, to distinguish between a regular Maxim model and a Seca (or other) model, Yamaha also used other suffixes:

nothing = a regular base model (Maxim is the base model in the USA and Canada)
R = Seca
C = could mean Canadian, or could mean California. Nice, huh?
M = Midnight version of a Maxim, if it's an XJ750, but "L" if it's an XJ650 model, unless, of course, it's a 1982 or 1983 XJ650 model, in which case "L" refers to the Turbo Seca model, and..........
L = any one of a number of different things....

I think the best thing we can say is that "perhaps it's better than nothing".

Perhaps.........

The key point to remember is the letter codes above refer to the years. Here's the complete list of North-American MODEL NAMES:

550's:

XJ550H = 1981 XJ550 Maxim
XJ550RH = 1981 XJ550 Seca

XJ550J = 1982 XJ550 Maxim
XJ550RJ = 1982 XJ550 Seca

XJ550K = 1983 XJ550 Maxim
XJ550RK = 1983 XJ550 Seca


650's:

XJ650G = 1980 XJ650 Maxim

XJ650H = 1981 XJ650 Maxim
XJ650LH = 1981 XJ650 Midnight Maxim

XJ650J = 1982 XJ650 Maxim
XJ650RJ = 1982 XJ650 Seca, USA
XJ650RJC = 1982 XJ650 Seca, Canada
XJ650LJ = 1982 XJ650 Seca Turbo

XJ650K = 1983 XJ650 Maxim
XJ650LK = 1983 XJ650 Seca Turbo

XJ650L = 1984 XJ650 Maxim


700's:

XJ700N = 1985 XJ700 Maxim, 49-state version
XJ700NC = 1985 XJ700 Maxim, California models
XJ700XN = 1985 XJ700 Maxim X, 49-state version
XJ700XNC = 1985 XJ700 Maxim X, California models


XJ700S = 1986 XJ700 Maxim, 49-state version
XJ700SC = 1986 XJ700 Maxim, California models
XJ700XS = 1986 XJ700 Maxim X, 49-state version
XJ700XSC = 1986 XJ700 Maxim X, California models

As an aside, I've always secretly admired these 1986 "X" model codes, as the model - year designation (XS and XSC) phonetically sound out the word "excess"......and I'd congratulate Yamaha on such a clever marketing tactic, but alas, it just seems like it was a "luck of the draw" sorta thing.........


750's:

XJ750RH = 1981 XJ750 Seca

XJ750J = 1982 XJ750 Maxim
XJ750RJ = 1982 XJ750 Seca

XJ750K = 1983 XJ750 Maxim
XJ750MK = 1983 XJ750 Midnight Maxim
XJ750RK = 1983 XJ750 Seca

XJ750RL = 1984 XJ750 Seca, Canada and Australia only

XJ750XN = 1985 XJ750 Maxim X, Canada only

XJ750XS = 1986 XJ750 Maxim X, Canada only


900's:

XJ900RK = 1983 XJ900 Seca


1100's:

XJ1100J = 1982 XJ1100 Maxim

 

BUT WAIT! IF YOU ORDER RIGHT NOW, WE'LL THROW IN A FREE MODEL ID CODES BOOKLET........

Okay, from the above you can see what the Yamaha coding of the model and year was in their "marketing" descriptions of their bikes.

But there's another way, too.....the MODEL ID CODE. You've actually already been exposed to it within the VIN section previously; now, let's get serious about these codes!

The Model ID Codes are just another way of using a short code to substitute for a longer description. In our original example, "4H7" is a shorthand way or expressing 1980 or 1981 XJ650 Maxim model.

Here's the list of 3-position MODEL ID CODES for North American models. Later, we'll provide a complete list of all the worldwide codes:


550's:

1981-83 XJ550 Maxim USA: 5K5
1981-83 XJ550 Maxim Canada: 5K6

1981-83 XJ550 Seca USA: 4U8
1981-83 XJ550 Seca Canada: 4U9



650's:

1980-81 XJ650 Maxim USA: 4H7
1980-81 XJ650 Maxim Canada: 4H8

1981 XJ650 Midnight Maxim USA: 4W5
1981 XJ650 Midnight Maxim Canada: 4W6

1982-83 XJ650 Maxim USA: 5N8
1982-83 XJ650 Maxim Canada: 5N9

1982 XJ650RJ Seca USA : 5V2
1982 XJ650RJ Seca Canada: 5V3 (non-YICS engine)
1982 XJ650RHC Seca Canada: 15UI (YICS engine)

1982-83 XJ650 Seca Turbo USA : 16G
1982-83 XJ650 Seca Turbo Canada: 16H



700's:

1985 XJ700 Maxim USA: 1FG (49-state version)
1985 XJ700 Maxim USA: 1JJ (California version)
1985 XJ700 Maxim Canada: 1FH

1985 XJ700 Maxim X USA : 1AA (49-state version)
1985 XJ700 Maxim X USA: 1FJ (California version)


1986 XJ700 Maxim USA: 1NH (49-state version)
1986 XJ700 Maxim USA: 1NK (California version)
1986 XJ700 Maxim Canada: 1NJ

1986 XJ700 Maxim X USA: 1NW (49-state version)
1986 XJ700 Maxim X USA: 1LT (California version)



750's:

1982 XJ750 Maxim USA: 15R
1982 XJ750 Maxim Canada: 15T

1983 XJ750 Maxim USA: 22R
1983 XJ750 Maxim Canada: 22T

1983 XJ750 Midnight Maxim USA: 33N
1983 XJ750 Midnight Maxim Canada: 33U

1984 XJ750 Midnight Maxim Canada: 22T

1981-83 XJ750 Seca USA: 5G2
1981-83 XJ750 Seca Canada: 5H2

1985 XJ750 Maxim X Canada: 1FL
1986 XJ750 Maxim X Canada: 1MY



900's:

1983 XJ900 Seca USA: 35H
1983 XJ900 Seca Canada: 31E



1100's:

1982 XJ1100 Maxim USA: 10M
1982 XJ1100 Midnight Maxim Canada: 11G

1983 XJ1100 Maxim Canada: 11G

1984 XJ1100 Midnight Maxim Canada: 11G




Let's see, we can now identify your bike in at least four different ways! Using our original "Build-A-Bike" example from above, we have:

1) by the shorty VIN: 4H7-101457

From the chart above, we know that the "4H7" MODEL ID designation is a 1980 or 1981 XJ650 Maxim, and from the serial number (101457), we previously learned that this serial number falls into the 1981 model year range of serial numbers.


2) By the full VIN: JYA4H7006BA101457

This identifies it as a XJ650 Maxim (the "4H7" part), and a 1981 model (the letter "B" in the 10th position).


3) We can call it by the Yamaha MODEL NAME: XJ650H

Recalling from before, the "H" suffix means it's a 1981 XJ650 model.


4) By the "STREET-NAME" common usage method:

"I've got a 1981 XJ650 Maxim".


Note how all of the following ways of expressing this one bike ARE ALL IDENTICAL:

1981 XJ650 Maxim
XJ650H
4H7-101457
JYA4H7006BA101457


Suppose we wanted to tell someone that the Atlanta Braves beat the Denver Rockies by a score of 3-2. We could say:

"The Braves beat the Rockies 3-2."
"Atlanta defeats Denver by 3-2."
"The final score is: The Braves 3, the Rockies 2."
"The Braves outscored the Rockies by 3-to-2."

and it all means the same thing.

The same thought applies to VINs, both long and short versions, and Model Names and Model ID Codes. They all mean the same thing. They all tell the same story. The all communicate the same essential information about your bike: make, model, and year.

 

OPERATORS ARE STANDING BY.........:

There's one other thing you need to know, but don't really want to know (I'm already ducking for cover as I write this......). It muddies the waters, it puts a fly in the ointment, and a monkey-wrench in the works, etc.

It's sad, but it's true, so here goes:

Remember way back when, we were talking about the long 17-position VIN, and we referred to positions 4-8 as the vehicle's "characteristics" field:

"The next 5-position field ("45678") identifies the vehicle characteristics, such a body style, engine type, MODEL, "platform", series, etc. Since Yamaha only identified these era bikes by their general MODEL TYPE, this field is always populated by the 3-position model (5N8, 5G2, 4H7, etc.) followed by two zeros (thus 5N800, 5G200, 4H700, etc.). Although Yamaha could have coded engine size, or paint color, or whatever else they wanted to into those extra two positions, they chose not to, and thus they are always filled with zeros."

Note that pesky word "platform". It has now come back to haunt us.

For a car, a "platform" refers to the basic standardized frame or unibody, and as you probably realize, many cars in the same "family" from a manufacturer all share the same basic frame, but with different body features (sheetmetal, trim, interiors, etc.) tacked on to create a different model.

Well, the same thought kinda-sorta applies to motorcycles, too......and in the two-wheeled word, the "platform" is the basic motorcycle frame.

The same frame can be used to create any number of different models. For example, think of a Midnight Maxim: it's the same as the standard Maxim model that it's based upon, but with a special paint scheme and other minor feature differences. HOWEVER, from a marketing point of view, it's a different "model", and thus carries a different MODEL NAME and a different MODEL ID code.

But it's the same frame underneath. And VIN's always carry the FRAME ID CODE within their sequence, rather than the MODEL ID CODE.

As an example for all those "curiosity kills the cat" type of fellas out there: the XJ750 Midnight Maxim DID (logically) share the same frame with a 1983 XJ750 Maxim but---obviously---not the same model ID:

1983 XJ750 Maxim = 22R MODEL ID
1983 XJ750 Midnight Maxim = 33N MODEL ID
But both bikes share the same FRAME ID = 22R

This is unlike the differences between, let's say, a 1982 XJ650 Maxim and a 1982 XJ650RJ Seca----although you might think that it's just minor cosmetic and feature differences (different seat, different gauge cluster, slightly different side covers and fuel tank and handlebars and other "bolt-on" items, etc.), in reality, their basic frame and structural components are different. Similar, perhaps, but quite unique: the steering head angle is different, as are the footpeg, sidestand, and engine mount locations and features (super-quick XJ-Factoid detour here: except for the XJ550 Seca models, all other Seca and the XJ650 Turbo model bikes do not use rubber insulators to mount the engine to the frame---as the Maxim models used---thus using the engine as an additional "stressed frame member" for additional frame rigidity.....and, also, as a sometimes added "buzz" and vibration-producing component!). Those two bikes are not only different marketing "models" (and thus use different MODEL NAMES and different MODEL ID Codes), but also use different "platforms" as well......meaning different FRAME ID Codes.

So let the truth be known, the number that is stamped into the steering neck tube is really the FRAME ID CODE, and not the MODEL ID CODE.

For most bikes.....meaning 99% of them on the NORTH AMERICAN XJ models.....the Frame ID Code and the Model ID Code are one and the same. It's why this is such a mis-understood and rarely-discussed issue.

But this distinction occurs very frequently in the "rest-of-the-world" (non-North American) models, and when you review the list of full bike codes below, you'll see these differences quite a bit on those models.

And now you know why.........



And one last issue that creeps in, to help make a mess of things, applies mainly to later model bikes (primarily 1988-later, which means it only applies to the XJ900 series of bikes in our beloved XJ-series), although this same issue manifests itself in the entire Yamaha line, and even continues to this day.......and that is, Yamaha apparently felt that they were going to run out of unique 3-position MODEL ID CODES, so they switched to 4-position Model ID Codes (such as the 4BB1, 4BB2, etc. codes that are seen on the 1990-later XJ900 models). HOWEVER, the FRAME ID's continued to be expressed as the same 3-position field as had always been used (example: 1989 XJ900 Model ID Code is a 3NG1, but the Frame ID Code is 58L).

Many of these type of variations seem to predominate in bikes made for the smaller markets, where some type of non-standardized modifications had to be made to the "standard" version of the bike to meet local laws, primarily for the European markets (since at that time, the EU began trying to standardize the often-varying laws that could be found in differing European countries, some of which still remain to this day.......for example, British headlights must be aimed left-of-center, French bikes are limited in their maximum horsepower ratings, etc.). Thus new Model ID Codes started proliferating to meet such challenges.

Just another tiny tidbit of information to keep in mind.......!

 

THE FULL MONTY:

Okay, what follows is the whole, fine kettle of fish, with all of the Model ID Codes, Frame ID Codes, frame serial number ranges, and Model Names all rolled into one chart. With this information at hand, you can properly identify your bike (or any other XJ-series bike) that you come across with absolute certainty. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IN ORDER TO PROPERLY ORDER PARTS FOR YOUR BIKE, IT IS NECESSARY TO KNOW WHICH MODEL YOU ACTUALLY HAVE, AS THERE CAN BE SUBTLE OR MAJOR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VARIOUS MODELS OF OTHERWISE SIMILAR BIKES!

Also, please note that certain models, such as the XJ250, XJ400, and XJ500 models, while being very similar to their larger North American "brothers", were never offered in the USA or Canadian marketplace, and therefore are not covered in much (if any) detail in our product listings (and unfortunately we do not have the product interchange information available for those models).

FINALLY: although many other Yamaha series of bikes from this era, such as the XS-series, XV-series, and others may have used some parts that are interchangeable with the XJ-series models, we generally do NOT have such information available. In many instances, parts that may seem to be "the same" between various model lines may indeed be the same parts, but most times there are small variations in design, fit, or specifications that make such components not suitable for interchange between different series of bikes.



XJ250 Models

1984 XJ250 MODELS:

COUNTRY: GUAM

MODEL NAME: XJ250L
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ250
MODEL ID CODE: 49W
FRAME ID: 5K5
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 200101



XS400 Models

NOTE: XS400 models were introduced in the 1976 model year, and up thru the 1981 model year, were truly part of the extensive “XS” series of bikes in both their design (engine, frame) and styling.

Starting in 1982, the XS400 models adopted the new engine design as in the XJ-series of bikes (narrow, DOHC, 389cc “YICS” engines, with the alternator above the tranny rather than at the end of the crankshaft) and took on the styling cues of the XJ models, also: the XS400 Maxim looks like an XJ550 Maxim (kinda), and the XS400R Seca models looking much like a “baby” XJ750 Seca……but, of course, these are not to be confused with the XJ400 models of this same era --- listed below --- which looked almost identical to the North American XJ550 Seca models (there was a lot of design and style overlap in this era as Yamaha transitioned away from older engineering and styling principles to the “modern” world of the 1980’s…………). These XS400 models have in-line 2-cylinder engines (the XJ400’s use in-line 4-cylinder engines) and the XS400 models lacked the full-cradle frames of the XJ-series bikes, and used a stressed member (no downtubes) frame design.

All of these 1982-84 XS400 (1984 models in Canada only) models were chain-driven (5-speed tranny on the Maxim, 6-speed on the Seca models), and used a cantilever arm rear suspension featuring a single, centrally-mounted rear shock absorber, rather unique for its time (except for the 1982 XS400S Special model, which retained the traditional dual rear shocks). The Maxim sported 19” wheels on the front and 16” on the rear, while the XS400R Seca models have 18" rims on both the front and the rear.

The 1982-84 XS400 models, besides sharing the “Maxim” and “Seca” nameplates with the XJ bikes, also share many common parts with the larger XJ-series bikes, but almost none with the XS family line.


1982 XS400 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: X400J
STREET NAME: 1982 XS400 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 12R
FRAME ID: 12R
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: X400RJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XS400 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 16M
FRAME ID: 16M
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: X400SJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XS400 Special
MODEL ID CODE: 14V
FRAME ID: 14V
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: CANADA
MODEL NAME: X400J
STREET NAME: 1982 XS400 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE:
FRAME ID:
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT:

MODEL NAME: X400RJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XS400 Seca
MODEL ID CODE:
FRAME ID:
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT:

MODEL NAME: X400SJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XS400 Special
MODEL ID CODE:
FRAME ID:
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT:



1983 XS400 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: X400K
STREET NAME: 1983 XS400 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 12R
FRAME ID: 12R
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101

MODEL NAME: X400RK
STREET NAME: 1983 XS400 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 16M
FRAME ID: 16M
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 060101


COUNTRY: CANADA
MODEL NAME: X400K
STREET NAME: 1983 XS400 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE:
FRAME ID:
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT:

MODEL NAME: X400RK
STREET NAME: 1983 XS400 Seca
MODEL ID CODE:
FRAME ID:
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT:



1984 XS400 MODELS:

COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: X400L
STREET NAME: 1984 XS400 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE:
FRAME ID:
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT:

MODEL NAME: X400RL
STREET NAME: 1984 XS400 Seca
MODEL ID CODE:
FRAME ID:
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT:



XJ400 Models

NOTE: many XJ400 models were styled and equipped almost exactly like the North American XJ550 Seca model, but used the small 400cc YICS engine.

1980 XJ400 MODELS:

COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ400
STREET NAME: 1980 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE:
FRAME ID:
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: unknown
NOTE: the very first "XJ" series bike made, exclusive to the Japanese marketplace, although some probably escaped to New Zealand and Australia. Dual front disc brakes, dual rear shocks. Non-yics 389cc engine.



1981 XJ400 MODELS:

NOTES: YICS added to the 389cc engine. The XJ400D version (Japan) has 4 mufflers (two on each side) and a black-painted engine. All but the XJ400 Special model are styled similar to the North American XJ550 Seca models, but came equipped with slotted dual front disc brakes.

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ400
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 4V7
FRAME ID: 4V7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XJ400
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 5F8
FRAME ID: 4V7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101


COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ400
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 4G0
FRAME ID: 4G0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XJ400
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 5M8
FRAME ID: 4G0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 060101

MODEL NAME: XJ400H
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 5M9
FRAME ID: 4G0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 070101

MODEL NAME: XJ400
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ400 Special
MODEL ID CODE: 5L8
FRAME ID: 4G0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 050101
NOTE: unlike all the other 1981 XJ400 models, this version has the North American XJ550 Maxim fuel tank, handlebars, seating, side covers, "spiral spoke" wheels, single front disc brake, and other components



1982 XJ400 MODELS:

COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ400
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 5M8
FRAME ID: 4G0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 200101

MODEL NAME: XJ400
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 5M9
FRAME ID: 4G0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101



1983 XJ400 MODELS:

NOTES: 1983 models received a water-cooled 398cc engine, as opposed to the air-cooled engines used in the 1980-82 model year bikes.

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ400
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 28F
FRAME ID: 4V7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 210101


COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ400K
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 39N
FRAME ID: 4G0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 300101

MODEL NAME: XJ400Z
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 33M
FRAME ID: 33M
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: this version features a water-cooled, 398cc engine, has a rear mono-shock suspension, rear disc brake, and XJ750 Seca styling and XJ900 style wheels.

MODEL NAME: XJ400ZS
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 35J
FRAME ID: 33M
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 025101
NOTE: this version features a water-cooled, 398cc engine, has a rear mono-shock suspension, rear disc brake, and XJ750 Seca styling, XJ900 style wheels, bikini fairing and a rectangular headlight.


COUNTRY: OTHER

MODEL NAME: XJ400P
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 24H
FRAME ID: 24H
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101



1984 XJ400 MODELS:

COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ400ZE
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 53U
FRAME ID: 33M
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 080101



1992 XJ400 MODELS:

COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ400S
STREET NAME: 1992 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 4BP1
FRAME ID: 4BP
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: known as the Diversion, this is a down-sized version of the 600.


1993 XJ400 MODELS:

COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ400S
STREET NAME: 1993 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE: 4BP2
FRAME ID: 4BP
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 025101



2001 XJ400 MODELS:

COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ400R
STREET NAME: 2001 XJ400
MODEL ID CODE:
FRAME ID:
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT:
NOTE: 4-into-1 exhaust with a canister muffler, Bremo dual-piston calipers with drilled dual front discs. Very retro-looking.



XJ500 Models

1981 XJ500 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ500
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ500
MODEL ID CODE: 5N4
FRAME ID: 5N4
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


1983 XJ500 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ500
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ500
MODEL ID CODE: 27E
FRAME ID: 5N4
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 005101

 

XJ550 Models

NOTE: Although the North American market was treated to two different versions of the XJ550 model (Maxim and Seca versions), the rest of the world generally had only one version available, and that version is most similar to what is known as the XJ550 Seca model in North America. In addition, these "overseas" versions came equipped with dual front disc brakes, swirly wheels, an oil cooler and the factory "tail rail" which unfortunately was never offered on the USA or Canadian versions.

Although not generally referred to in the overseas markets as "Seca" models (since there was only one model available, there was no need to give it a "name" needed to differentiate it between a base Maxim model), these overseas versions came equipped with the "scalloped" design fuel tank, fuel gauge package, and other special components which are normally found in the North American XJ550 Seca models.

Also, although the XJ550 "evolved" over time into both the FJ600 and XJ600 bikes in various markets, these bikes---although sharing some features and components with the earlier XJ550 models----are different enough in most components and design to have very limited product or service interchange, and as such, are not listed nor covered by us.


1981 XJ550 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ550H Maxim
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ550 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 5K5
FRAME ID: 5K5
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,299.00

MODEL NAME: XJ550RH Seca
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ550 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 4U8
FRAME ID: 4U8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,529.00


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ550H Maxim
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ550 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 5K6
FRAME ID: 5K6
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XJ550RH Seca
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ550 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 4U9
FRAME ID: 4U9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ550
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 4V8
FRAME ID: 4V8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ550 Seca models, but has dual front disc brakes, no fairing, an oil cooler, “forward” style shifter pedal/linkage system (like the XJ750 Seca models), and “swirly spoke” wheels ((16” front and 18”rear).


COUNTRY: GERMANY

MODEL NAME: XJ550
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 4V9
FRAME ID: 4V9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ550 Seca models, but has dual front disc brakes, no fairing, an oil cooler, “forward” style shifter pedal/linkage system (like the XJ750 Seca models), and “swirly spoke” wheels ((16” front and 18”rear).


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XJ550RH
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 5F9
FRAME ID: 5F9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ550 Seca models, but has dual front disc brakes, no fairing, an oil cooler, “forward” style shifter pedal/linkage system (like the XJ750 Seca models), and “swirly spoke” wheels ((16” front and 18”rear).



1982 XJ550 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ550J
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ550 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 5K5
FRAME ID: 5K5
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 020101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 1,999.00

MODEL NAME: XJ550RJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ550 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 4U8
FRAME ID: 4U8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 020101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,599.00


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ550J
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ550 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 5K6
FRAME ID: 5K6
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 020101

MODEL NAME: XJ550RJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ550 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 4U9
FRAME ID: 4U9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 020101


COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ550
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 26Y
FRAME ID: 4V8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 200101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ550 Seca models, but has dual front disc brakes, no fairing, an oil cooler, “forward” style shifter pedal/linkage system (like the XJ750 Seca models), and “swirly spoke” wheels ((16” front and 18”rear).


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XJ550RJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 5F9
FRAME ID: 5F9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 020101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ550 Seca models, but has dual front disc brakes, no fairing, an oil cooler, “forward” style shifter pedal/linkage system (like the XJ750 Seca models), and “swirly spoke” wheels ((16” front and 18”rear).



1983 XJ550 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ550K
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ550 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 5K5
FRAME ID: 5K5
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,599.00

MODEL NAME: XJ550RK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ550 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 4U8
FRAME ID: 4U8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,699.00
NOTE: this year model did not have a front fairing.


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ550K
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ550 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 5K6
FRAME ID: 5K6
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101

MODEL NAME: XJ550RK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ550 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 4U9
FRAME ID: 4U9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 200101


COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ550
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 27A
FRAME ID: 4V8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 300101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ550 Seca models, but has dual front disc brakes, no fairing, an oil cooler, “forward” style shifter pedal/linkage system (like the XJ750 Seca models), and “swirly spoke” wheels ((16” front and 18”rear).


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XJ550RK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 31V
FRAME ID: 31V
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 001000
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ550 Seca models, but has dual front disc brakes, no fairing, an oil cooler, “forward” style shifter pedal/linkage system (like the XJ750 Seca models), and “swirly spoke” wheels ((16” front and 18”rear).


COUNTRY: OTHER

MODEL NAME: XJ550P
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 24J
FRAME ID: 24J
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100000
NOTE: this is a Police model.

View it here:
http://xjbikes.com/forums/index.php?threads/28181



1984 XJ550 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ550L
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 5K6
FRAME ID: 5K6
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 200101
NOTE: styling the same as North American XJ550 Maxim model.

 

XJ650 Models

NOTE: Although the North American market was treated to two major versions of the XJ650 model (Maxim and Seca versions), the rest of the world generally had only one version available, and that version is most similar to what is known as the XJ650RJ Seca model in North America.

Although not generally referred to in the overseas markets as "Seca" models (since there was only one model available, there was no need to give it a "name" needed to differentiate it between a base Maxim model), these overseas versions came equipped with the dual front disc brakes, "scalloped" design fuel tank, and other special components which are normally found in the North American XJ650RJ and XJ650RJC Seca models.

NOTE: it has been suggested (but not fully verified) that some late-production 1982 XJ650RJ and RJC Seca model bikes came equipped from the factory with 750 engines (rather than 650 engines). All 750 engines are YICS engines, of course; so if your XJ650RJ/RJC bike has a YICS engine in it, it would be wise to check and make sure that it is indeed a 650 engine rather than a 750 engine......this can be easily determined by looking on the forward side of the cylinder "jugs" casting. Along the centerline of the cylinders, towards the top edge (at the mating surface between top of jugs and bottom of head) will be the engine cc displacement cast into the metal.


1980 XJ650 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ650G Maxim
STREET NAME: 1980 XJ650 Maxim-I
MODEL ID CODE: 4H7
FRAME ID: 4H7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,749.00


MODEL NAME: XJ650G Turbo 1
STREET NAME: 1980 XJ650 Maxim Turbo 1 a/k/a The Forgotten XJ650 Turbo
MODEL ID CODE: 4H7
FRAME ID: 4H7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 4,000.00
NOTE: flat handlebars, bar-end mirrors, single carb, Borg-Warner turbo unit, orange wheels!

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/tmi...on-this-bike-i-have-had-for-over-2-t2608.html

and the following article, which takes a lo-o-o-n-g time to access:

http://www.xj-forum.de/brochures/Circuit_8_1981_150dpi.pdf


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ650G Maxim
STREET NAME: 1980 XJ650 Maxim-I
MODEL ID CODE: 4H8
FRAME ID: 4H8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ650
STREET NAME: 1980 XJ650
MODEL ID CODE: 4K0
FRAME ID: 4K0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ650RJ Seca model, has dual front disc brakes, an oil cooler, and uses the non-YICS 653cc engine.


COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ650 Special
STREET NAME: 1980 XJ650 Special
MODEL ID CODE: 4L6
FRAME ID: 4L6
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling the same as North American XJ650 Maxim model.





1981 XJ650 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ650H
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ650 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 4H7
FRAME ID: 4H7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,899.00

MODEL NAME: XJ650LH
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ650 Midnight Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 4W5
FRAME ID: 4W5
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000001
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 3,099.00


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ650H
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ650 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 4H8
FRAME ID: 4H8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101

MODEL NAME: XJ650LH
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ650 Midnight Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 4W6
FRAME ID: 4W6
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000001


COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ650 Special
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ650 Special
MODEL ID CODE: 10H
FRAME ID: 4L6
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 050101
NOTE: styling the same as North American XJ650 Maxim model.


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XJ650H
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ650
MODEL ID CODE: 4K1
FRAME ID: 4K1
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ650RJ Seca model, has dual front disc brakes, an oil cooler, and uses the non-YICS 653cc engine.


COUNTRY: OTHER

MODEL NAME: XJ650
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ650
MODEL ID CODE: 5K3
FRAME ID: 5K3
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ650RJ Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler.



1982 XJ650 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ650J
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 5N8
FRAME ID: 5N8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,498.00

MODEL NAME: XJ650RJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 5V2
FRAME ID: 5V2
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,899.00
NOTE: these bikes were painted silver, and did not use a YICS-equipped engine, but instead used the 1980-81 style non-YICS 653cc engine.

MODEL NAME: XJ650LJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650 Seca Turbo
MODEL ID CODE: 16G
FRAME ID: 16G
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 4,399.00
NOTE: approximately 3500 1982 Turbo models produced (worldwide).
NOTE: supposedly 8 units were factory-produced painted in a black color scheme rather than the standard crystal silver.
NOTE: Yamaha certainly had a creative advertising approach for this bike:




COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ650J
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 5N9
FRAME ID: 5N9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XJ650RJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 5V3
FRAME ID: 5V3
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: these bikes were always painted quartz silver, and did not use a YICS-equipped engine, but instead used the 1980-81 style non-YICS 653cc engine. Came with a factory-installed oil cooler.

MODEL NAME: XJ650RJC
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650 Seca Canadian
MODEL ID CODE: 15U
FRAME ID: 15U
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: these bikes were painted silver or red, had a YICS-equipped 653cc engine, and were released in September 1981 (at the earliest). Came with a factory-installed oil cooler. Some sources claim that there were only of these models produced.

MODEL NAME: XJ650LJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650 Seca Turbo
MODEL ID CODE: 16H
FRAME ID: 16H
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: approximately 3500 1982 Turbo models produced (worldwide).


COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ650
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650
MODEL ID CODE: 11N
FRAME ID: 4K0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 055101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ650RJ Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler. UK model.

MODEL NAME: XJ650
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650 Turbo
MODEL ID CODE: 11T
FRAME ID: 11T
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: approximately 3500 1982 Turbo models produced (worldwide).


COUNTRY: GERMANY

MODEL NAME: XJ650
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650
MODEL ID CODE: 11R
FRAME ID: 4K0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 050101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ650RJ Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler.


COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ650
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650
MODEL ID CODE: 16F
FRAME ID: 4L6
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 060101

MODEL NAME: XJ650LJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650 Seca Turbo
MODEL ID CODE: 17Y
FRAME ID: 17Y
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: approximately 3500 1982 Turbo models produced (worldwide).
NOTE: some sources seem to believe that the Turbo was a 1981 model:
www.xj650.de/dokumentation_17.htm


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XJ650RJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650
MODEL ID CODE: 14R
FRAME ID: 14R
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ650RJ Seca model, has dual front disc brakes, an oil cooler, and uses a YICS-equipped engine

MODEL NAME: XJ650LJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ650 Seca Turbo
MODEL ID CODE: 17Y
FRAME ID: 17Y
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: approximately 3500 1982 Turbo models produced (worldwide).



1983 XJ650 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ650K
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ650 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 5N8
FRAME ID: 5N8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 050101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,999.00

MODEL NAME: XJ650LK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ650 Seca Turbo
MODEL ID CODE: 16G
FRAME ID: 16G
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 4,999.00
NOTE: approximately 1500 1983 Turbo models produced (worldwide).


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ650K
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ650 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 5N9
FRAME ID: 5N9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 050101

MODEL NAME: XJ650RK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ650 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 20F
FRAME ID: 20F
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XJ650LK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ650 Seca Turbo
MODEL ID CODE: 16H
FRAME ID: 16H
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 050101
NOTE: approximately 1500 1983 Turbo models produced (worldwide).


COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ650
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ650
MODEL ID CODE: 27F
FRAME ID: 4K0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 070101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ650RJ Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler.

MODEL NAME: XJ650
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ650
MODEL ID CODE: 27G
FRAME ID: 4K0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 200101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ650RJ Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler.

MODEL NAME: XJ650
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ650
MODEL ID CODE: 30K
FRAME ID: 4K0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 300101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ650RJ Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler. Sold in Switzerland only.


COUNTRY: OTHER

MODEL NAME: XJ650K
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ650
MODEL ID CODE: 30U
FRAME ID: 30U
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ650RJ Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler.




1984 XJ650 MODELS:

COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ650L
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ650 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 5N9
FRAME ID: 5N9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101



1985 XJ650 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ650POLICE
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ650 Police Special
MODEL ID CODE: 1FF
FRAME ID: 37G
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 002101
NOTE: for the Spanish market.



1988 XJ650 MODELS:

COUNTRY: OTHER

MODEL NAME: XJ650P88
STREET NAME: 1988 XJ650 Police Special
MODEL ID CODE: 37G
FRAME ID: 37G
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: for the Hong Kong and Asian markets.

 

XJ700 Models

NOTE: The North American market was treated to two different versions of the "XJ700" models; the USA only received the smaller 700cc version of these bikes (due to the “Harley Tariff” on bikes 750cc or larger), while the Canadian market received both the XJ700cc and XJ750cc-engine versions. In addition, these bikes were produced in both a standard air-cooled version, and in a high-performance "Maxim-X" series that featured the 5-valves per cylinder "Genesis" engine, and these "X" models also featured a water-cooled engine block system.

Rumor has it that not all of the XJ700 air-cooled models were able to be sold in the USA, and that a good number of them were re-exported (new) to the European market for re-sale sometime in the late 80’s…..

Besides the engine-size and type differences, both the USA or Canadian versions are basically identical in design and features. The XJ750-engine versions of this bike (Canadian-only) are listed further below in the "XJ750 Models" section. ALL of the water-cooled, XJ750-engine versions of this "XJ700" style bike were the water-cooled versions and were "Maxim-X" models.


1985 XJ700 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ700N
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ700 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 1FG
FRAME ID: 1FG
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,899.00

MODEL NAME: XJ700NC
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ700 Maxim California
MODEL ID CODE: 1JJ
FRAME ID: 1JJ
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,999.00

MODEL NAME: XJ700XN
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ700 Maxim-X
MODEL ID CODE: 1AA
FRAME ID: 1AA
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 3,499.00

MODEL NAME: XJ700XNC
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ700 Maxim-X, California
MODEL ID CODE: 1FJ
FRAME ID: 1FJ
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 3,699.00


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ700N Maxim
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ700 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 1FH
FRAME ID: 1FH
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101



1986 XJ700 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ700S
STREET NAME: 1986 XJ700 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 1NH
FRAME ID: 1NH
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 3,059.00

MODEL NAME: XJ700SC
STREET NAME: 1986 XJ700 Maxim-X, California
MODEL ID CODE: 1NK
FRAME ID: 1NKJ
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 3,099.00

MODEL NAME: XJ700XS
STREET NAME: 1986 XJ700 Maxim-X
MODEL ID CODE: 1NW
FRAME ID: 1NW
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 3,799.00

MODEL NAME: XJ700XSC
STREET NAME: 1986 XJ700 Maxim-X, California
MODEL ID CODE: 1LT
FRAME ID: 1LT
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 3,899.00


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ700S Maxim
STREET NAME: 1986 XJ700 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 1NJ
FRAME ID: 1NJ
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

 

XJ750 Models

NOTE: Although the North American market was treated to three different versions of the XJ750 model (Maxim/Midnight Maxim, Seca, and the previously mentioned XJ750 Maxim-X versions), the rest of the world generally had only one version available, and that version is most similar to what is known as the XJ750 Seca model in North America.

Although not generally referred to in the overseas markets as a "Seca" model (since there was only one model available, there was no need to give it a "name" needed to differentiate it between a base Maxim model), these overseas versions came equipped with the "scalloped" design fuel tank, gauge package, and other special components which are normally found in the North American XJ750 Seca models.


1981 XJ750 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ750RH
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ750 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 5G2
FRAME ID: 5G2
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 3,150.00


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ750RH
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ750 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 5H2
FRAME ID: 5H2
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: UNITED KINGDOM

MODEL NAME: XJ750
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 5N1
FRAME ID: 5N1
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ750 Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler.


COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ750A
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 5G8
FRAME ID: 5G8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ750 Seca model, and some versions may have been equipped with an oil cooler.

MODEL NAME: XJ750E
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 5G9
FRAME ID: 5G8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 010101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ650RJ Seca model, and fitted with the 750cc engine. Unlike the RJ models, these feature air-assisted front forks.



1982 XJ750 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ750J
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ750 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 15R
FRAME ID: 15R
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,999.00

MODEL NAME: XJ750RJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ750 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 5G2
FRAME ID: 5G2
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 2,899.00


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ750J
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ750 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 15T
FRAME ID: 15T
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XJ750RJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ750 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 5H2
FRAME ID: 5H2
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101


COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ750
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 11M
FRAME ID: 11M
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ750 Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler.


COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ750D
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 22N
FRAME ID: 5G8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 020101
NOTE: this model features fuel injection and the same style appearance, bodywork, and wheels as the XJ650 Turbo models. Unique digital dash “Yamaha Cycle Communications System”. Front forks featured the XJ900 style anti-dive system. Here's one:



COUNTRY: OE

MODEL NAME: XJ750
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 5N1
FRAME ID: 5N1
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 003101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ750 Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler.



1983 XJ750 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ750K
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 22R
FRAME ID: 22R
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 3,299.00

MODEL NAME: XJ750MK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750 Midnight Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 33N
FRAME ID: 22R
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 3,599.00

MODEL NAME: XJ750RK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 5G2
FRAME ID: 5G2
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 150101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 4,099.00


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ750K
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 22T
FRAME ID: 22T
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XJ750MK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750 Midnight Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 33U
FRAME ID: 22T
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101

MODEL NAME: XJ750RK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 5H2
FRAME ID: 5H2
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 110101


COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ750
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 28J
FRAME ID: 11M
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 050101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ750 Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler.

MODEL NAME: XJ750
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 28M
FRAME ID: 11M
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 060101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ750 Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler.


COUNTRY: JAPAN

MODEL NAME: XJ750D-II
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 38X
FRAME ID: 5G8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 106101
NOTE: this model features fuel injection and the same style appearance, bodywork, and wheels as the XJ650 Turbo models. Unique digital dash “Yamaha Cycle Communications System”. Front forks featured the XJ900 style anti-dive system, and the lower tubes are painted black. First production motorcycle to come factory-equipped with radial tires. VERY rare.

MODEL NAME: XJ750E-II
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 29R
FRAME ID: 29R
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: this model had a slightly larger (by 1cc) 749cc engine with larger valves, hotter cams, and Hitachi HSC33 series carbs, all fitted into the XJ900 frame. Anti-dive front suspension, XJ900 style fairing, bodywork, striping. Basically an XJ900RK Seca with the 750cc engine. VERY rare. Rumor has it that the engine cases in these bikes are stamped only with the model ID (29R-) and no serial number.

MODEL NAME: XJ750
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750 Police Special
MODEL ID CODE: 33V
FRAME ID: 33V
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 103001
NOTE: this model is a Police Special.

MODEL NAME: XJ750P
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750 Police Special
MODEL ID CODE: 39Y
FRAME ID: 33V
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 110101
NOTE: this model is a Police Special.


COUNTRY: OE

MODEL NAME: XJ750
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 5N1
FRAME ID: 5N1
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101
NOTE: styling and features the same as North American XJ750 Seca model, has dual front disc brakes and an oil cooler.

MODEL NAME: XJ750P
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750 Police Special
MODEL ID CODE: 37H
FRAME ID: 37H
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: this model is a Western Australia Police Special model. White painted swingarm and steering crowns, may have used 900 cams. NOTE: the 1983 version had a white frame and a black frame on the 1985 models. Uses XJ900 anti-dive forks and XJ750 Maxim brake calipers


COUNTRY: OTHER

MODEL NAME: XJ750P
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ750 Police Special
MODEL ID CODE: 24L
FRAME ID: 24L
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: this model is a Police Special, New Zealand model.



1984 XJ750 MODELS:

COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ750ML
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ750 Midnight Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 22T
FRAME ID: 22T
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 110101

MODEL NAME: XJ750RL
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ750 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 44X
FRAME ID: 44X
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: XJ750 engine in an XJ900 frame. Only 601 made for the Canadian market. Engine actually displaces 749cc (1cc larger than standard XJ750 models, which were only 748cc's) and uses a hotter exhaust cam, larger (+1,00mm) intake valves, different crankcase, cylinder jugs, and pistons/rings, the XJ900 type clutch assembly and middle gears set, as well as the strengthened 2nd gear set as used in the XJ650 Turbo, XJ750-X, and XJ900 models. Uses XJ900 forks, but no anti-dive. Similar but not quite identical to the 1984 Australia-only XJ750RL (45T model). It has been noted that all the Red/Silver XJ750RL models (Canada) seem to have black motors while the Blue/White models (Australia) have silver motors


COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ750
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: 41Y
FRAME ID: 41Y
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: styling and features the same as XJ900 model, features the 79cc engine, and has an oil cooler.


COUNTRY: AUSTRALIA

MODEL NAME: XJ750RL
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ750 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 45T
FRAME ID: 45T
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
MODEL NAME: XJ750RL
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ750 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 45T
FRAME ID: 45T
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: XJ750 engine in an XJ900 frame. Only 286 made for the Australian market. Engine actually displaces 749cc (1cc larger than standard XJ750 models, which were only 748cc's) and uses a hotter exhaust cam, larger (+1,00mm) intake valves, different crankcase, cylinder jugs, and pistons/rings, the XJ900 type clutch assembly and middle gears set, as well as the strengthened 2nd gear set as used in the XJ650 Turbo, XJ750-X, and XJ900 models. Similar but not quite identical to the 1984 Canada-only XJ750RL (44X model). It has been noted that all the Red/Silver XJ750RL models (Canada) seem to have black motors while the Blue/White models (Australia) have silver motors.



1985 XJ750 MODELS:

COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ750XN Maxim
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ750 Maxim-X
MODEL ID CODE: 1FL
FRAME ID: 1FL
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: Switzerland

MODEL NAME: XJ750 Maxim
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ750
MODEL ID CODE: unknown
FRAME ID: 42M
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: Switzerland only. 750 engine in an XJ900 frame, bodywork and paint scheme appears identical to 1983 XJ750E-II model.



1986 XJ750 MODELS:

COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ750XS
STREET NAME: 1986 XJ750 Maxim-X
MODEL ID CODE: 1MY
FRAME ID: 1MY
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

 

XJ900 Models

NOTE: Although available in the North American market for only one year (1983), the XJ900 models were actually the longest-running production version of any XJ-series bike of this era, and since so many of the sales of these bikes occurred in the "overseas" markets, it is hard to gather and portray information on many of those models (since we here in the USA generally do not have access to those sources of information). However, here are some general guidelines on these bikes that may perhaps prove interesting, if not valuable:

Most 1983-84 XJ900 models had an 853cc engine, which was later increased in size to an 891cc engine in late 1984-on. The North American XJ900RK model used the 853cc engine.

All of the 1983 and some early 1984 XJ900RK and XJ900RL models had an anti-dive front suspension system and DeCarbon remote-canister rear shock absorbers, both of which were eliminated on the later models.

The 1983 XJ900RK models had a fork-mounted front fairing, which was prone to cause high-speed stability problems. The 1984-later models had a new, larger frame-mounted fairing, and some models were also fitted with a front "belly pan" surrounding the lower front exhaust header pipes and engine case area.


1983 XJ900 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ900RK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ900 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 35H
FRAME ID: 35H
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 3,699.00
NOTE: 853cc engine, handlebar-mounted fairing.


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ900RK
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ900 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 31E
FRAME ID: 31E
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: 853cc engine, handlebar-mounted fairing.


COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ900F
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 31A
FRAME ID: 31A
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: 853cc engine, handlebar-mounted fairing, belly pan.

MODEL NAME: XJ900F
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 32F
FRAME ID: 31A
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 030101
NOTE: Switzerland. 853cc engine, handlebar-mounted fairing, belly pan.


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XJ900U
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 33F
FRAME ID: 33F
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: 853cc engine, handlebar-mounted fairing.




1984 XJ900 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ900
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 42R
FRAME ID: 31A
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 032101
NOTE: Switzerland. 853cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.

MODEL NAME: XJ900
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 42N
FRAME ID: 31A
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 034101
NOTE: 853cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.


COUNTRY: OTHER

MODEL NAME: XJ900
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 48G
FRAME ID: 31A
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 003101
NOTE: Switzerland. 853cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XJ900RL
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ900 Seca
MODEL ID CODE: 47L
FRAME ID: 33F
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 001101
NOTE: 853cc engine, frame-mounted fairing, belly pan.



1985 XJ900 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ900
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 58L
FRAME ID: 58L
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: Finland, Germany, Sweden, and England. 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.

MODEL NAME: XJ900
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 1FW
FRAME ID: 58L
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 010101
NOTE: France. 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.

MODEL NAME: XJ900
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 1FW
FRAME ID: ???
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 013101
NOTE: Denmark, Germany, Norway, Sweden. 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.

MODEL NAME: XJ900
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 58N
FRAME ID: 31A
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 050101
NOTE: Switzerland. 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XJ900N
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 1FX
FRAME ID: 1FX
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: 891cc engine, no fairing, XJ650RJ Seca style instrumentation, the big 8" round headlight, and traditional round-tube handlebars.

MODEL NAME: XJ900FN
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 58M
FRAME ID: 58M
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing, non-air adjustable forks, non anti-dive system, belly pan.

MODEL NAME: XJ900Police
STREET NAME: 1985 XJ900 Police Special
MODEL ID CODE: 53M
FRAME ID: 33F
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 005101
NOTE: 853cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.



1986 XJ900 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ900
STREET NAME: 1986 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 1FW
FRAME ID: 58L
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 013101
NOTE: France. 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.



1987 XJ900 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ900F
STREET NAME: 1987 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 2HL
FRAME ID: 58L
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 020101
NOTE: Greece. 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing, non-air adjustable forks, non anti-dive system, belly pan.

MODEL NAME: XJ900F
STREET NAME: 1987 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 58N
FRAME ID: 31A
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 051101
NOTE: Switzerland. 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing, non-air adjustable forks, non anti-dive system, belly pan.


COUNTRY: OTHER

MODEL NAME: XJ900
STREET NAME: 1987 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 2UR
FRAME ID: 2UR
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XJ900T
STREET NAME: 1987 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 2HM
FRAME ID: 1FX
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 003101
NOTE: 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.



1989 XJ900 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ900
STREET NAME: 1989 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 3NG1
FRAME ID: 58L
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 029101
NOTE: 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.



1990 XJ900 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ900
STREET NAME: 1990 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 3NG2
FRAME ID: 58L
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 037101
NOTE: 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.



1991 XJ900 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ900F
STREET NAME: 1991 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 4BB1
FRAME ID: 4BB
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
NOTE: 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.



1992 XJ900 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ900F
STREET NAME: 1992 XJ900
MODEL ID CODE: 4BB2
FRAME ID: 4BB
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 008101
NOTE: 891cc engine, frame-mounted fairing.


NOTE: XJ900 models were sold off-and-on in other parts of the world up until 1994, and in some countries was marketed under the name of the XJ900S Diversion series of bikes.

 

XJ1100 and XS1100 Models

1982 XJ1100 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XJ1100J
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ1100 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 10M
FRAME ID: 10M
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101
USA MSRP PRICE: $ 4,099.00


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ110MJ
STREET NAME: 1982 XJ1100 Midnight Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 11G
FRAME ID: 11G
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101



1983 XJ1100 MODELS:

COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ1100K
STREET NAME: 1983 XJ1100 Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 11G
FRAME ID: 11G
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 010101



1984 XJ1100 MODELS:

COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XJ110ML
STREET NAME: 1984 XJ1100 Midnight Maxim
MODEL ID CODE: 11G
FRAME ID: 11G
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101


NOTE: many people get the XS1100 and XJ1100 models confused.....basically, because they appear to be very similar bikes, visually. And, it's true, the XJ1100 model was drawn from the 1981 XS1100 model (which was discontinued in 1982 and replaced by the XJ1100 model). However, be aware that the XS model bikes are, in many ways, different from their XJ cousins. Here's the VIN breakdowns on the XS1100 models, so you can be sure what bike you actually have:

1978 XS1100 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XS1100E
STREET NAME: 1978 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 2H7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: EUROPA

MODEL NAME: XS1100
STREET NAME: 1978 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H9
FRAME ID: 2H9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XS1100
STREET NAME: 1978 XS1100E
MODEL ID CODE: 2H9
FRAME ID: 2H9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 100101


COUNTRY: OTHER

MODEL NAME: XS1100
STREET NAME: 1978 XS1100E
MODEL ID CODE: 2H8
FRAME ID: 2H8
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101



1979 XS1100 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XS1100F
STREET NAME: 1979 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 2H7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 020101

MODEL NAME: XS1100SF
STREET NAME: 1979 XS1100 SPECIAL
MODEL ID CODE: 3H3
FRAME ID: 2H7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 020101


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XS1100F
STREET NAME: 1979 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 2H7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 110101

MODEL NAME: XS1100SF
STREET NAME: 1979 XS1100 SPECIAL
MODEL ID CODE: 3H4
FRAME ID: 3H4
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: EUROPA

MODEL NAME: XS1100
STREET NAME: 1979 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H9
FRAME ID: 2H9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 020101


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XS1100
STREET NAME: 1979 XS1100F
MODEL ID CODE: 2H9
FRAME ID: 2H9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 110101



1980 XS1100 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XS1100G
STREET NAME: 1980 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 3H5
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XS1100SG
STREET NAME: 1980 XS1100 SPECIAL
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 3J6
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XS1100LG
STREET NAME: 1980 XS1100 MIDNIGHT
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 4H3
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XS1100G
STREET NAME: 1980 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 3U7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XS1100SG
STREET NAME: 1980 XS1100 SPECIAL
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 3U9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: EUROPA

MODEL NAME: XS1100G
STREET NAME: 1980 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H9
FRAME ID: 2H7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 130101


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XS1100G
STREET NAME: 1980 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 3X1
FRAME ID: 2H7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: OTHER

MODEL NAME: XS1100P
STREET NAME: 1980 XS1100 Police
MODEL ID CODE: 4H9
FRAME ID: 2H7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000001
NOTE: this is a Police model.



1981 XS1100 MODELS:

COUNTRY: USA

MODEL NAME: XS1100H
STREET NAME: 1981 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 4R1
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XS1100SH
STREET NAME: 1981 XS1100 SPECIAL
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 4R0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XS1100LH
STREET NAME: 1981 XS1100 MIDNIGHT
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 4W1
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000001


COUNTRY: CANADA

MODEL NAME: XS1100H
STREET NAME: 1981 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 4T1
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XS1100SH
STREET NAME: 1981 XS1100 SPECIAL
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 4T0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XS1100LH
STREET NAME: 1981 XS1100 MIDNIGHT
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 4W2
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000001


COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XS1100H
STREET NAME: 1981 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 3X0
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

MODEL NAME: XS1100SH
STREET NAME: 1981 XS1100 SPECIAL
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 5K7
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 010101


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XS1100H
STREET NAME: 1981 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 3X1
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 003101

MODEL NAME: XS1100RH
STREET NAME: 1981 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 5H5
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101



1982 XS1100 MODELS:

COUNTRY: EUROPA

MODEL NAME: XS1100H
STREET NAME: 1982 XS1100
MODEL ID CODE: 2H9
FRAME ID: 2H9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 140101


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XS1100P
STREET NAME: 1982 XS1100 Police
MODEL ID CODE: 2H7
FRAME ID: 5H4
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101



ALL other Yamaha Models:

http://davesbikes.weebly.com/uploads/4/8/4/5/4845046/yamaha_model_codes.pdf

 

THE TEST:

Here are a couple of real XJ bike VIN's (mostly culled from bikes listed for sale from eBay). Go ahead and identify them for what they really are.

16G004078

JYA1FH009FA000241

JYA10M006CA004270

5G2-107546

JYA4U8004BA004890


For extra credit, determine the missing VIN "check digit" in the following VIN's:

JYA4H700?AA00638

JYA5K500?CA027661

JYA5V300?CA000432


Anyone who got all the answers correct should stay after class and clean the erasers.




CONCLUSIONS:

If you're not confused yet, then you haven't studied carefully enough.

 

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