New to Bikes

I just got an '82 650 maxim as my first bike and love the thing so far. My friend who is big into Harleys says that this thing shouldn't go on the highway because keeping the engine revved over 4000 for long periods of time is bad for the bike. Is there any truth to that?

 

The inline four will rev plenty high without any worries. My 750 runs around 5500 RPMs on the highway, but red lines around 9500 RPMs. I wouldn't give it a second thought. I wou, however, consider getting plenty of seat time if this is your first bike. Also, you will want to check things like brakes, brake lines, cleaning and syncing the carbs, etc. You may be surprised that it can run even better than you realize.

Edit: and the top speed for an '82 XJ650, according to a quick search on line, is 128 MPH.

 

Nope.

His bike has a different engine that can not safely rev as high as yours. The red section on the tach is what you need to avoid.

For cruising it's good to go to a higher gear for more efficiency (read better gas mileage). But if you want to pass or have some fun, downshift and let her rip.

 

Lightcs1776 has the better response. Be safe on the road and make sure you can trust your ride.

 

Welcome... my 750 is just fine at 65 to 70 + all day. My Kawaski 550 ltd would do the same, my Honda cb 750 same , virago 750 , seca 2 600 same....do you see a pattern? I had a buell blast 500 pushed it same and it was a single cylinder. To make your bike reliable is what you need to be worried about... valve check and adjustment , brakes, hoses, check tire condition( date on tire if more than 3to 5 yrs probably should replace. Same with brake lines if original ck date on line) if bike runs ok good if not then rebuild carbs , check for cracks in carbs boots. This is just a few of my thoughts

 

No way!
Heed the previous advice given, make your ride safe and reliable. Then you will be able to discover the joys of the 'power band' which occurs around 6,000 RPM, take it up there, hold on and just try to wipe the smile off your face!

P.S. If you haven't ridden before (or even if you have and it's been awhile), take an MSF class, most community colleges offer them, you will benefit greatly from it.

 

^ What they said.
And, steer clear of your buddy's advice.

 

Welcome aboard. Ah yeah...do the necessary wrenching to get it dailed in, take a MSF class, ride and practice the skills and in a year or so your buddy might have a bit of a time keeping up. 4500rpms @ 45mph is cruising speed. Varoom, varoom!

Gary H.