What to look for on an 85 XJ700Xn

I’m trying to help my son (17) buy his first street bike. We have ridden dirt bikes together for a while. He just got his “M” endorsement after taking the MSF course. He is now riding my DR350SE on the street and we agreed to get a mid size cruiser style bike. We have looked at a lot of bikes and haven’t found the right one yet.
I have found and seen lots of pictures of an 85 XJ700X I guess it’s an N since it’s also water-cooled and it’s the 5 valve.
Good paint I think it’s been repainted
Chrome is OK but it will look better after polish
Says the exhaust is solid
20,000 miles.
Tires will last this season
All lights work he says it runs great
I don’t see any signs of oil leaks from the pictures but he may have just sprayed it with simple green.
New fork seals and front pads, new battery, new plugs title in hand
Seats a little weathered

The owner says he was hurt riding a quad and needs money now that he’s off work. It’s advertised for $1000. I’ve talked to him on the phone (he and the bike are 75 miles away) he said bring cash and he’ll take $900.

I’m not new to bikes but have never owned a Maxim. I have had the following GS550L, 1973 Kaw F-7, GL1100 interstate, Venture Royale, JR50, BW80, XR100, CRF230, and the DR350SE. What is the hit list I need to look for before I hand over the money? I think at this price if it starts right up I can’t go wrong unless it smokes like a diesel but tell me what to look for or listen to on this model.

Thanks, if we buy it I’ll make sure my son joins this club.
Dave (just trying to be a good dad) in Cincinnati

 

looks to be in pretty good shape.
fast bike.......be carefull young fella :wink:

 

hello otis and welcome...let me just say that is a gem of a bike there..and if it starts and has good compression I would be on that bike like white on rice..I have the same year and model of bike and it has become a joy to me. The water cooled 85 maxim is a supreme bike of its own.. @900 dollars your stealing that bike..If you dont want it pm me the place where I can pick it up...Better hurry cuz if a lurker see(s) that bike its gone..Better to be in the hands of a caring lovin xj loyalist..dont worry that will come shortly after purchasing this bike..its a good cruiser bike and ifn you need to get some where in a hurry..well let me just say I left my house the other day for work 5 mins late. hammerd the xj down the road to compesate for lost time..Got to work looked @ the clock and I was 5mins early..ok,ok..just kidding but you get the drift...good luck and dont forget I have first dibs on getting it ifn you dont want it ..Ridz Safe.


Ridz 8)

 

Welcome Otis
I'll tell you what, If you can pick up an "X" for less than a grand & looks as good in person as it does in the pic, I'd jump on it. If you don't want it, give me the guy's contact information. I would say if it starts & runs & there are no audible metallic noises coming from the engine...Deal.

You are correct, that is not the original paint & also looks like the engine has been repainted as well, but that is not uncommon for someone fixing up there bike. The horns are not original either, buts thats very minor. If you go down to look, look at the pet cock to see if an additional shut off vlv has been installed, the XJ's pet cocks can be a little cantankerous, also would take the oil fill plug out & smell for any gas, could tell you if the fuel vlv leaks or sticky float bowls.

I personally don't see where you could go wrong for $900 for an X.

 

Ridz,

we'll have to flip for it if Otis doesn't want it, besides....I'm closer, I'll beat you there :lol:

Oh yeah, it is a very quick bike for a 700 :!:

 

Exhaust looks a little rusty. Look under the bike to check the collector-box between the 4 exhaust pipes and the 2 mufflers. Aftermarket mufflers/pipes are available but not the collector-box (the aftermarket pipes replaces the box with a joint-tube - but are of inferior quality).

Also thermostat replacement can be tricky - so check that it´s working (fan starting up when temp. gauge is well in the red).

Anything else ought to be replacable (even the engine - the frame probably´ll take any XJ550 to 900 engine..),

Bike looks nice; I´ve got the "slightly slower, torquier" XJ700 Maxim (my 1.st) and I think both are great 1.st bikes - likely to be with you for a long time. The -X can be ridden like a "normal" cruiser in the 3-6000 rpm range and - once you´ve gotten familiar with it - dsiscover it´s true sports-bike nature between 6- and 10.000 rpm.

The "N" and "S" applies to both XJ700 Maxim and XJ700X Maxim and tells whether the bike is a 1985 or -86 model.

Check HAP´s Maxim-X site: http://www.maxim-x.com/

 

Definitely a nice ride for 900 bucks.

There is quite a bit of corrosion on many of the shiny parts, as if it has been exposed to the elements. They may have done a quick paint and shine for the sake of appearance.

As MAX-X mentioned, I would remove the oil fill cap and sniff for fuel in the crank case. Our bikes do have a bad history of failing petcocks and float valves, especially at their age. Even so, I wouldn't let it prevent you from buying the bike, but it may be a bargaining chip, and it's not horribly difficult or expensive to fix.

I must tell you that I've never seen so much bluing on the nose of the muffler. I'm not sure what it means, but normally you see that at the top of the header pipes because of running extra hot as a result of a lean condition, which is bad for our bikes.

We also have a history of slipping out of second gear. If this happens on a test ride, my understanding is that this is a very extensive repair, although some say they just ride without second gear.

Obviously you don't want any ugly sounds or major leaks, but she looks pretty sweet. This bike is basically a sport bike Genesis motor in a cruiser frame, and always a thrill to ride. Really surprises some others on the road who think they'll just whiz right by - that ain't happening. BTW, the "X" designates it a "MaximX", and the "N" represents the model year of 1985. If you get her, make sure you always note that she's an '85 MaximX or XJ700XN, especially when getting motor parts.

Enjoy the ride!
Z

 

Thanks guys, does it still look blue or does it look more like rust?

 

Well after gathering my wits I’ve decided to pass on this one. I have sent Max-X and ridz a PM with the info to steal it. It’s just a little premature for his street skills right now and we have other things that we need to spend the money on. When I went back to craigs list to get his number to call him I see that he has it re-listed. He’s lowered the price to $800 if it’s sold tomorrow (Friday) Something smells.

Thanks to all that replied. I’m a member of 3 other motorcycle boards and riders are the best people in the world.

 

This guy is playing games. It's listed on craigs list out of Indy. Two revised adds, one for $1300 and another for $1000. Friday he wanted to dump it for $800