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New Maxim owner

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by jhuitt, Aug 18, 2005.

  1. jhuitt

    jhuitt New Member

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    Hello Everyone,

    I am the proud new owner of an 81 Maxim. Actually it is my first street bike I have ever owned. I got the bike about 2 weeks ago, it was given to me. It has 14K on it and has been sitting for 4 years, it is decent shape considering it has been sitting outside. So far I have cleaned out the tank and had to clean the start button, it was badly corroded, managed to get it to start and put in fresh gas with carb cleaner in it, and it is running pretty good now. still has slight idle problem, I think the carbs could still use a good cleaning. I changed the oil and filter, I put new Duro BLVD 100/90-19 front tire on today and finally got to ride it. It runs and drives great. I put about 30 miles on it, fairly slow, because back tire has slow leak, chain is rusty, and no front brakes, I'm not sure if I trust the back ones either. All electrical works perfect. There are still some issues that I would like to fix:
    Exhaust-It has dual pipes, but the crossover collector under the engine is totally rusted out, so it is very loud. The only exhaust kits I have seen are about $300. Does anyone know of a cheaper solution for the exhaust problem?

    Master Cylinder for front brake--Appears that the piston that the brake lever is supposed to push against is either gone or stuck in all the way. Can I buy a new master cylinder or should I try to rebuild this one?

    Chain--Should I buy a new chain or try to clean this one?

    Mirrors--Adjustments all rusted, Any suggestions for good replacements?

    Carb cleaning--How difficult is it to do a good carb cleaning? The service manual that I have doesn't address this very well. I think that one or more of my idle jets might be stopped up.

    Rear tire--I guess I will have to remove the rear tire to get leak fixed and possibly replace. Should I do anything to the rear brakes while it is off. I have never worked on drum brakes, so I don't know where to start?

    Sorry for the long post, thanks for any help or comments, this site is great and is the only site that I could could find specifically for the XJ's. Is this site new, because there seem to be very few posts?
     
  2. jhuitt

    jhuitt New Member

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    Sorry I forgot to mention it is a 550.
     
  3. SnoSheriff

    SnoSheriff Site Owner Staff Member Administrator

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    jhuitt, first of "Welcome" to XJBikes.com. Yes, the site is brand new but is growing nicely as we already have 30+ members. FYI, It’s best to put your XJ year and model in your signature so you don’t have to mention it with every post. I'm glad you found us and that you like the site. I’m also fairly new to XJ world but I already leaned tons from veteran XJ owners. So stick around and I’m sure we can get you the answers.

    You sure got an awesome deal on that bike. I read good reviews about SeaFoam carburetor cleaner. You may want to try in in your carbs.

    Exhaust: Loud is good to some :). Ebay or local motorcycle junk yard may be your best option for used parts. We do have a Sell forum so keep you eye out in there as well.

    Chain: I would try to clean it for now and go from there.

    Mirrors: Are you looking for originals? I guess it all depends on what look you like. Whatever you buy make sure it will fit the XJ. I believe XJs have left thread on one of the mirrors. Visit local Yamaha dealer and go through their catalog to see what you like.

    Rear tire: If the tire is punctured I recommend replacing it. Remember the only think between the road and your bike are the 2 tires so make sure you can depend on them!

    That’s it for now. I’ll post more tonight.
     
  4. zapperredtank

    zapperredtank Member

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    hi jhutt
    do you have any pics of your bike
     

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