Blown Engine - Need Replacement for 1980 XJ650G Maxim

New guy here with some engine issues. I recently bought a 1980 XJ650(G) Maxim but didn't get more than about 100 miles on the bike before the engine locked up and threw a rod through the crankcase...so now I'm looking for a new engine to swap in. Nothing fancy, just something in decent shape that has some life left in it and preferably no oil leaks or other big issues.

I live in Cincinnati and have filtered my search based on what is available within a 2 or so hour driving range so I can avoid shipping costs.

I have my eye on a 1982 Yamaha Seca Turbo XJ650LJ engine. My question is whether this engine will work with the bike I currently have. My concerns include clearance of the bike frame, mounting, and compatibility with the 1980 carbs, shaft-drive, and exhaust. Also, the engine doesn't come with the turbo, which I don't really care about, but I'm assuming I can just bolt on a plate where the turbo would normally attach if I didn't want to invest in a turbo?

Any insight or other suggestions would be much appreciated.

Also, if you live around the tri-state (OH, IN, KY) and have a compatible engine for sale let me know!

Thanks

 

Not really. Read JeffK's responses in this thread: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=34006.html

The Turbo bikes were unique animals; all sorts of things were done to those motors besides just the turbocharger itself. It's not just a case of "block off the turbo." Carbs, engine block itself had changes for Turbocharging.

It wouldn't be a "straight swap" is the easiest way to put it.

 

Welcome and good luck hunting down a new engine

Although I hope you're ready to give the new one lots and lots of attention so you don't have another kaboomatory episode

 

Thanks. Do I have any other engine options to choose from, other than a 1980 XJ650 Maxim direct replacement, that will work on my bike as is without major modification?

 

Sure; any 650 Maxim 80-81 would be a direct swap, any 650 Maxim 82-83 would be nearly a direct swap, except the later bikes had an electric tach and the earlier, non-YICS motored bikes had a mechanical tach.

So except for the tach, any 650 Maxim motor from 1980-83 will work.

The Secas had a different shifter set-up; and most any 750 Maxim motor would also fit but I don't know the specifics in regards to the tach drive, etc.

 

What Fitz said, plus if you go to a YICS motor, you are gonna want one that comes with the carb-to-engine boots because 2 of them are different as compared to a non-YICS.

 

You guys are awesome, thanks for the insight!

 

yeah not to mention turbo engines have much lower compression ratios. Taking a turbo off one would make it a total dog with very little power.

 

Hey jt650, where in cinch do you live? I'm in the area and wouldn't mind helping where I can. I'm still pretty new to the xj, but I've picked up a few things thanks to the site here.

 

Hey, thanks for the offer. I'm on the west side in the Colerain area. Unfortunately I'm swamped with school until December so I won't be working on this any time soon, but I'll let you know when I do.

 

Sounds good, I'm in NKY. Just look me up when you decide you wanna mess with it. I have a lot planned for the winter on mine as well. Just trying to keep it running for a few days straight right now. lol.

 

Got 82 XJ motor. Ran great. Locked up in first gear. Removed motor for 900 motor transplant. If you want the motor shoot me an offer and I will crate it up and send it( you pay for shipping). I live in So Cal. Comes complete carbs and all. was riding 85 miles round trip to work every day with this motor.

 

Do you know how badly it's damaged from the lockup?

 

I have a 750 Maxim engine in my shop. It has about 20K on it. make me an offer.

MN

 

I know where there is a 650 motor local to me that you may be able to get cheap.

 

To bigfitz52 and pbjman (or anyone else who knows) -- just to clarify, would a 1980-83 XJ750 Maxim engine fit on my 1980 XJ650 Maxim frame (aside from the tach differences)?

 

Are you near AZ? There's a motor on CL for cheap. Don't know if it runs or how complete.

 

I'm in Cincinnati unfortunately...AZ is a bit of a drive from here lol

 

Yeeeeeeaaaaaahhhhh, it would be a bit of a road trip at that. Good hunting.

 

To bad you aren't near me. This guy has this bike for sell with no tittle. He has revised it wlso, and repost it for $300. I offered him money for the engine and exhuast but he never returned my email. It ill be very hard fro him to sell it around here with out a tittle. Haven't seen many xjs in my area.

http://treasure.craigslist.org/mcy/2607943717.html