Maxim 550 vs 650 * Bought the 650*

Hi all, I've been lurking for a while to find out the Maxims. I am now ready to purchase a bike(haven't had one for over 10 years) and have decided on the Maxim. I have located 2 but I'm having a hard time deciding between the 550 and the 650. The $ difference is a couple hundred dollars so that isn't a big deal so here are the specs as I know them right now.
650: 23K miles, 1980, decent shape - may need new front tires - seat condition unknown
550: 10K miles, 1983, decent shape - needs new right side mirror(cracked) - tire condition unknown - seat needs new cover.

I guess I'm leaning towards the 550 due to the milage, age, and $ but tires could easily make up the $ difference.

Suggestions, hints? Anything to make sure to check before handing over the cash?(besides the start from cold check)

Thanks!

 

Re: Maxim 550 vs 650

The 550 is newer and has less miles, but the 650 is a stronger bike and a little bigger. If they were even money, I would take the 650, the few more years and the few more miles wouldn't bother me. 23000 on a maxim is not really alot. but i'd really have to see both bikes to make my decision
here's a couple of links to make the comparisons.

Hope it helps
1980 650

1983 550

 

Re: Maxim 550 vs 650

I have a 550. It's a nice bike but I would like something bigger. One more thing to consider, the 650 is shaft drive the 550 is chain. Less maintainence with the shaft. I think I'd go with the650.

 

Re: Maxim 550 vs 650

Good point Robby, I never even thought of that

 

Re: Maxim 550 vs 650

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate the help.

I just got back from looking at and test driving the 550. It's in surprisingly good shape minus the seat(needs new cover) and mirror(need a whole new one). The tires should be good for a while yet and it popped right off cold.

A bit of irony in this is that I sold this guy my boat 2 weeks ago and neither of us made the connection(phone numbers) while discussing this over the phone and emailing pictures of the bike. :lol: I guess one man's junk IS another's treasure...

I have an appointment to see/drive the 650 tommorow evening so I'll be making the decision after that. Any other input would be helpful.

One noob question I have is why would the shaft drive be less maintence? Besides lubing the chain what other maintence is required of the chain vs shaft?

Thanks

 

Re: Maxim 550 vs 650

With chain drive you need to replace chain and sprockets every so many miles... Never need to do that with the shaft drive

 

Re: Maxim 550 vs 650

Yeah the chain requires you to keep an eye on the tension and the lubing , plus maintenance to the sprockets. The shaft on the other hand requires an oil change every Year (if that) and the oil change takes all of 5 minutes.

 

Re: Maxim 550 vs 650

I'd pick up the 650, hands down. Less maintenance is a nice thing. No flung oil everywhere to clean up.

 

Re: Maxim 550 vs 650

When I was looking for my bike I had it narrowed down to an '83 550 and an '81 650, I went for the 650, more cc's and the low maintenance shaft drive sold me.

-Chris

 

Re: Maxim 550 vs 650

Thanks guys. I picked up the 650 tonight. It was in much better condition than the 550 anyway. It looks and feels well cared for as well. I might get some pics up tommorow if I can find my camera.

 

Pic of bike now in my gallery.

Anyone want to clue me in on why it says "Maxim - I" on my bike? I thought a 1980 was a "G". I understand someone might have just put different covers on but what year is "I" then?

 

well, since "J" is 1982, I would guess that "I" is 1981.

Look on the steering tube on the frame, there should be a sticker there that confirms the year model.

 

I know it's a 1980 for sure. However, I thought 1981 models were "H" and then 1982s were "J" So where does "I" fit in.

It's really not a big deal but I thought it was a bit strange.

 

There is no "I" model year. G=80, H=81, J=82, K=83.

I've noticed on the eBay ads that the side covers of the 80 Maxims seem to have a badge that says Maxim-1.