Intro

Hi, I'm going to look at a 1983 Yamaha 750 Maxim this weekend. The owner said he's had it for over 20 years. It had been sitting in his garage for a long time because he had purchased a Yamaha Venture in 1984 and now has bought a Goldwing. Anyway, he's selling the Venture and Maxim.

He had taken the Maxim to the local Yamaha dealer and had the bike completely gone through. He said the dealer did over $2500 in service/parts which included: New seat, new fenders, new tires, near wheel bearings, replaced shaftdrive system, new brakes, new fork seals and oil, new rear shock, rebuilt carbs, new carb boots, new exhaust from heads back, new clutch and new stator. All fluids were changed and they checked out engine and tranny and serviced them.

I asked him why all the work and he said that it had been sitting in the garage for several years and that his son said he wanted it to ride. So, he had it serviced and now the son decided on a Harley or something. The guy says it looks showroom new.

I have owned alot of bikes but never a 24 year old bike and I have never owned a Maxim. Can you guys give me a few things to look for? Any hidden weak spots to look for? I have never owned a bike with a shaft drive. Will these bikes haul around a guy that's 6'4" and 240#?

He said he would take $1500 for it or would do some horsetrading!

BTW, he said the 84 Venture was even nicer and is asking $1700 for it.

I'm interested in your thoughts, suggestions and advice.

Thanks,

Chris

 

If what he says is true, then this is a steal of a deal. The XJ's are reliable bikes and after that type of servicing you shouldn't get any trouble from it for a long time. That said there are many checklists you can find on the internet for buying used bikes. I just clicked the first link I found when googling "buying used motorcycle check list" and came up with this:
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/buying-bike.html

 

Todd,

Thanks for the advice. He said he has all the documentation and receipts to back him up. We'll see how it looks!
Chris

 

That's a great reference for new-old bike buyers!

 

It sounds like a great buy. I also started with a Maxim (650 for me) and then went to a Venture. So I am acquainted with both. The maxim is a great bike around town and fast. But if you want to do long distance riding, I mean riding 8 to 10 hours a day without getting butt beat, get the Venture. That is a good price for it. The Venture is a V-four, water cooled, 1200 cc engine. They changed to 1300 cc in 1985, but is the same engine used in the V-Max and they still use it today in the Royal Stars. I've put 12600 miles on my Maxim but I have put over 85000 miles on two Ventures an '83 & a '86. If you can afford it buy them both. Both are good bikes, Have fun.

 

that is a great deal, if what he says is true....then believe me that ol iron horse has more than enough power to get you where you need to go!
Is the bike water cooled or air cooled?...great deal enjoy and be safe.....Ridz

 

Heck, for the prices he's quoting you, you ought to score them both! I loved my Venture and love my Maxim. I'm 6 1/2 170 and they both fit well.

 

I'm 5'9" 260 and my 25 year old Maxim has no problems carrying me around all day.

 

You know, I was thinking about getting both of them. Since he's wanting to horsetrade, I might have something he wants. I own a custom cabinet shop and have some tools from where I shut down our millshop that I might be able to offer. I'll have to take inventory here...

Chris

 

I have an '83 750 Max and I would say that's definitely a good deal. The bike is definitely worth that.

 

I'd have to call Jenny Craig to get-down to 240 ... but, my Max hauls me around with ease.

Get it tuned-up right and you'll never know how fast you're going, on the highway, 'cause the Speedo only goes up to 80!