The Greatness of the Yamaha Maxim

Hello All,

In 2007 I bought a 1982 750 Yamaha Maxim. In the grand scheme of things I really haven't had to do much work on the bike other than oil changes, tire changes, replacing the fuse box with the newer style, and having my carbs cleaned.

It is a great experience to be able to drive my motorcycle. It is amazing to realize how old the bike is and yet how reliable it is. I've had great memories on my bike up here in Minnesota. Some of my favorite rides are riding along the border of Minnesota and Wisconsin in Wisconsin on Wisconsin 35 south going through Maiden Rock and Stockholm, WI....heading down through Nelson, WI back over the border into Wabasha, MN back up north through Red Wing and along back home.

I also remember the times I biked all the way down to the Storm Lake, IA area to visit a friend a couple times on an overnight trip.

What I love about my Maxim is that there is no arrogance like a Harley driver yet the coolness knowing you are driving a bike from 1980s that refuses to quit.

This is my acknowledgement to greatness.

-Wade from Minnesota.

 

I don't see any mention of valve clearance checks. Have you done them? DO them! it's important.

FWIW most HD riders are just like you. Unfortunately it's difficult to tell form a distance since they all seem to dress alike.

 

don't get too excited there buddy, there's a lot of old kawasakis and suzukis around too. you just happen to have a yamaha and this is a yamaha forum

 

Having worked on a 1970's Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki, Yamaha is the better built bike. Suzuki is basic and feels cheap. Kawasaki is a step up, but not quite Yamaha nice.

Haven't worked on a Honda yet.

 

I like motorcycles - From purely a riding perspective Honda and Yamaha are IMHO superior machines when talking about cruisers, sports-bikes, and street-bikes over Suzuki and Kawasaki.

 

I like them all

 

Yes with even basic servicing Yamahas will run for many miles unlike Harley's that require constant and major $.
That being said I have never looked at the name on the tank to decide a bike to own. Every maker has there Waterloo bike.
Yamaha was the TX 750 great design and power in its day but prone to engine explosion.
Guzzi 850t(Turkey)
Honda Magna eating cams kept many mechs going through the winter changing cams on the same bike 2-3 times in 1 year many where done on paper but didn't really get done till next spring , one week in 1984 did 86 warranty claims in a 3 week period, honda did an audit to see all the cam sets and paperwork . Do the math 86x4 is a lot of scrap steel.
Kawasaki kz750b twin just junk.
Suzuki GR 650 Tempter. Never could sell one when for $100 more you got a Maxim 550 that would leave the Suzuki like it was tied to a tree.
And Harley pre 2000
... Don't get me started. Had one friend that had one ... Called it farm equipment . And the worst brakes on the planet. Found out first hand. Ran a 72 sportster into the back of a Chrysler at about 15 miles an hour and could have sworn the bike picked up speed when I applied the brakes (drum front and back)
Triumph they couldn't figure out how to keep oil inside the engine! Early 70's boni's case haves were never decked at factory so first service had dealers putting a big fat cyl base gasket in them to stop them pissing themselves.