Modern XJ bikes in North America

Hi guys, new member here and glad to be a part of the community!

I was wondering what XJ bikes that are being/have been made that is stylistic closest to a Maxim. I have a 550 and love the way it handles and rides and would like to stay within the family. The only issue I find is that, with the current models I've seen, are the XJ 600s that still seem more sport bike than sport touring and the XJR1300 but that's a rather large leap to do 2-1/3x higher engine power. On top of that I'm Canadian and as most know those bikes are not available here.

I guess i'm trying to spread some knowledge and ask a question.
-Honda has recently revealed their CB1100 return, aiming for the UJM market again with that iconic retro style. My thinking is that if Honda is bringing back that retro style and it does well, it'll be too much attention for Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki to pass up. Hopefully that causes a spark to the fuel of people that want the bike, and hopefully a re-exploration into different engine sizes between the 600 and 1300.

My question is: Has anyone seen or heard any sort of hints that this shift to target the North American market once again is in the works, or know of a way to get those bikes overseas without waiting a long time?

Thanks everyone and look forward to your responses!

 

SR400?

 

I saw the new cb1100 on their website and it got me thinking the same thing. I would love to see Yamaha release new versions of old xj's.

However that being said, part of my love for these bikes (especially my '80) is the simplicity, mainly the fact that much like cars, motorcycles seem to be going the way of the computer. With abs and traction control and suspension modes and all that other jazz controlled by computers on bikes these days it is nice to have one which has basically no CPU, where everything is up the the rider. And where CPU troubleshooting isn't part of repairs and maintenance. Just my two cents

 

FZ's, but still somewhat sportbike-ish. http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/sport/ ... /home.aspx

Seems Yamaha is more interested in the R series and Harley clones.

 

Sr400?

http://m.yamahamotorsports.com/ModelDis ... =691&nav=f

 

Beat ya to it!

 

All 4 are making "Retro Big Bore Nakeds" and all 4 examples are of REDUCED HORSEPOWER from what you'd expect from their displacement.

(I listed their size and HP about a year ago, maybe I'll find it)

And an R6 will clean their collective clocks.

 

The Yamaha Bolt is fairly close to what the Maxim once was (aside from performance. the Maxim was better in that regard)



The upcoming FJ-09 fits the bill on the Seca side of things (not for looks, but for purpose)

 

I'm all about that CB1100
That will be my NEW bike purchase in a year or two
The CB1100DLX has ABS, hydraulic clutch, dual exhaust pipes, chain driven, air cooled perfectly balanced sexyness....
nomnomnonmnom

 

Those are all great suggestions!

For the SR400 it has about the same performance as my 81' and I was looking in terms of an engine size upgrade.

I completely agree that simple is better, and I believe XJRs were originally designed with Carbs to truly capture that retro style but shifted to a fuel injected engine for performance I believe.

The Engine size to it's power ratio is definitely lacking in terms of other bikes of their size (comparing anything of 1000cc+ sport/supersport). Then again I find that in order to have some functionality, there has to be sacrifices; Fuel mileage, comfort, balance and handling at low speeds.

I have been considering the bolt as it seems to fit nicely with what I had wanted out of a bike, the only issue I find is that my legs are quite long so i'd have to adjust the seat height, and the air filter cover gives my knee a bit of a beating.

My Ideal bike would be if they do bring back the Jap Nakeds and start experimenting with engine sizes would be the XJ900 in the classic maxim style.

 

That FJ-09 is hideous.

Childish.

 

yamaha doesn't want to make motorcycles, they want to make money.
there's no money to be made in selling old fashioned bikes to a handful of people who restore old bikes.
so either fix the one you have up like new or buy a brand new one or at least one made in this century

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4FQJk3aX4g

(not safe for work )

Here's a 5 minute review where the Kawasaki Retro wins against 4 others.

Same folks review the XJR - -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=virbQIgWa4Q

And I guess we don't get this Suzuki either - -

https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotatio ... uYNx9LnM_Q