Differences in Maxims?

Here's one for you hard-core XJ dudes.

Can anyone tell me if there are any major differences in the frames/set up/body between '81 550 and 650 Maxims? The reason I ask is that I am planning to buy a windshield for my 550. National Cycle has a much larger selection of things for the 650. That got me thinking that if that's the case for National Cycle, it may be true for other vendors and accessories.

I guess the basic question is can anyone give me a reasonable idea of the models and years to use as a reference when looking at bolt-on or replacement accessories and bodyworks. From the reading I've done here, I now know there are potential issues with fuel tank sizes and that Seca/Maxim stuff isn't the same. But can there really be that much difference between Maxims, especially from the same year?

Thanks, guys!

 

Your 550 Maxim is a stepbrother to the others. Same name but quite a few different Genes. Carburetor and powertrain parts are shared with the 550 Seca.

As far as a windscreen goes, many of them are universal. Those should work.

 

Thanks for the reply, Carl. The original post made so much sense when I was typing it, but after reading it again, maybe it wasn't as clear and concise as I thought it was. I'll try again.

I know that engine/powertrain parts, carbs, and so on are different on a lot of them. Since I'm new to bikes and not much of a wrencher (yet), I expect that ANY parts I need for the actual running bits of the machine will need to be cleared here first. :lol:

My interest for this question was strictly about the cosmetic/frame parts/accessory sort of thing. It would be helpful when scrounging for body parts and so on. I was thinking that the frame, bars, etc. can't be too different between a 550 and a 650.

Or is that really just wishful thinking?

 

They are slightly different. I have both an 82 550 and an 81 650 in my garage right now, and there is a slight difference in the frames, and also the fork tables. The speedo setup is also different. Theyre the same speedo, but the 550 has the connection tabs on the top of the table as the 650 has it bolted on the bottom. For a windscreen, there won't be any trouble fitting them at all. Your only major differences between the bikes are in the running parts. The tanks all interchange. The airboxes are very different as well. The rear swingarm connection points are in different spots and are of a different design. They look very similar, and have some of the same traits, but for the most part the frames are different. You can still swap seats and tanks and such "accessory" items as those between both 550 and 650's. Front brake is also much different bewteen the two.

You should be fine.

 

If you're looking at frame mounted or fork mounted fairings, it "should" be okay, but there might be subtle differences that you'll have to work around.

If you're looking at the bar mounted windshields - model won't make much difference - you'll be able to fit pretty much everything.

 

Thanks all!