Another Noob, 1980 Maxim 650

Hi all. I have a 1980 Maxim 650 I recently retrieved from its long stay in a barn. The price was right (free) and the title was clear, so regardless of how it turns out, I'm gonna call it a win. It's in...uhm...less than concours condition:
But hey--did I mention it was free?
I'm told it's complete (not shown in picture--large plastic bin of Maxim 650 parts...and a few miscellaneous 2002 Warrior parts thrown in for good measure.) Also, engine allegedly has only 7K on it.
I haven't had much time to peruse this site, but from what I've seen here I'm already feeling better about the chore ahead of me. This isn't my first priority project (that skeletized `68 Mustang convertible behind the bike in the picture is at the top of my list) but I do have hopes of making it rideable some time in the foreseeable future.
I plan on ordering the XJCD this weekend (what an excellent idea--more forums should do this!) And I plan on trolling around here as often as I can. Beyond that, hit me with your best advice. Ever seen a bike as far gone as this one rise from the ashes? Am I crazy to take this on?
-Fletcher

 

Welcome to you Fletcher, you have no idea how much I would love to happen into a little gem like the one you have. It, by my estimation, is about a weekend away from riding. I've seen much worse (heck, fool that I am I took on a stripped basket case and won!) and given the physical appearance, I'd say this bike has easy potential. Get it cleaned up, get a book (factory manual has more info on measurements so get it as well as the XJCD), flush the fluids (including the fuel tank and carbs), pop in a new battery and Bobs' your uncle! The Mustang won't give you the same satisfaction the Maxim will, so don't sweat it. Go get them and throw any questions you may have at us, we're here to help!

 

Nice Find! We'll try to help you out. Should be a really nice machine once you get through it.

 

Welcome. Nice find! I'll agree with Robert that there are certainly bikes in much worse condition that were worth taking on. Sounds like the most difficult part is already taken care of, since you have a box of parts to work with. I think it would take me longer than a single weekend, but honestly doesn't look like it would much longer though. You've found the right spot for help for sure. Cheers!

Brett

 

With the engine all-together and sitting in the frame, like your's is ... I can say that I've seen one or two diamonds a little more in the rough.

Tires, battery, seat, headlight bucket and a few things to plug-in and clean-up.

If I'm seeing a ruined rear tire because somebody was doing burn-outs ... I'd say your engine is going to be running pretty good, real soon.

If you've never worked on these bikes before and are thinking about jumping right-in and giving it hell for a few days ... just let me offer this one very, very important caution and warning.

The Cap Screws holding the Intake Manifolds to the Cylinder Head are SOFT steel. If they're seized ... and you apply force to see if you can break it loose ... you'll break it off.

If it don't come right out ... and you try to persuade it out ... you'll be pulling the head and drilling it out.

Leave 'em alone. Work around them.

Good luck with the bike!

 

now that is a sweet find... Why don't these show up for me???

That bike has alot of potential... keep us in the loop of the rebuild.

 

Thanks for the words of encouragement! Between various obligations, my weekends from now until the spring thaw are pretty much already spoken for, so there's not going to be much progress for a while. You can be certain any progress--and questions for the problems that slow me down--will turn up in these forums.

 

I can't see any pictures??!! where are they?? Thanks




1985 Maxim X

 

Try this link: http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/ ... 110601.jpg