Wanted Advice on the XJ/Maxim

Hello, I will be buying my first road bike soon and I could use some advice regarding this bike. I've looked at a lot of different brands and models but I really like the XJ/Maxim. I'm looking at both 650 and 750 ranging from 1980 to 1985.

Are both the 650 and 750 reliable?

What are the common problems with these?

Are there any specific years to avoid?

Are parts readily available?

What red flags should I be looking for before I purchase?

I am looking to use it as a daily driver. Possibly even road trips, are these reliable enough for that?

How many miles can they take before needing major repairs? I am looking at between 3k and 25k miles

Lastly, I would like to do a scrambler build in the future (it doesn't necessarily have to be this bike). How doable might that be?

Any advice is greatly appreciated! I have a lot of mechanical experience under my belt, I just like to know what I'm getting into.

P.S. If anyone has one that they are willing to sell and lives near me, Let me know!

 

Very reliable, easy to maintain, spares in the US generally not a problem for everyday stuff. It's an old bike, issues likey to be exhausts, seat, head bearings, brakes, back shocks.
Valve clearances don't need the cams lifted, which is a plus.
Scrambler - don't bother, except for the 550 chain drive, just my opinion.

 

Read this post I wrote, there are many on here able to help with your search and for parts when you find the bike you are looking for. Like I say in my post I'm not sure what I am doing with mine now that I accomplished my goal but, it may be available https://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/my-dads-bike-short-story.132218/

 

@Noob toob watch your in box for a converstion.... re: 1980 Maxim 650.

 

Thank you everyone! If there is anything else anyone can think of let me know. I'm definitely going to be getting one.

 

Are you going to buy a bike that is not functional?
I ask cause that is what I did and had a bunch of stuff to rework/rebuild.
If a bike is not running, #1 is carbs need a rebuild.
If its been sitting a while, good chance brake caliper and master cylinder need rebuilt
tank rusty ? Needs to be de rusted.
the above is more labor than $.
There are multiple sources of parts including ebay, amazon and xj4ever website. Not all parts are equal in quality/value or support
You have to invest in tools if you don't have them already.
there are hidden things that can be wrong w/ a non running bike as well (ignition/spark/charging/compression) Things you might be able to test if you have the tools and knowledge before you buy the bike.

As far as reliability, I can't help cause I only have less than 1000 miles on my XJ650 Maxim since I brought it back to life.

Scrambler: Not sure about changing exaust but I plan eo

 

Stone-cold reliable when you do just BASIC maintenance.

there’s loads of people here to help, and parts are plentiful through our resources here.

XJ650 maxim - ‘80-83 (‘84 if you stumble onto a late Canadian one)

XJ750 maxim - ‘82-83 (750 seca -‘81-83)

XJ 700/700x/(750X outside of USA) - ‘85-86
(The ‘85-86 are a little different animal than the 80-83’s)