Positioning:
The Yamaha Maxim 700 was positioned as a comfortable, shaft-driven (often), cruiser-style motorcycle in the mid-size segment, offering a balance of performance and relaxed riding ergonomics.
Competitors:
Competed with models like the Honda Shadow series, Kawasaki Vulcan series, and Suzuki Intruders of similar displacement from the mid-1980s.
Features:
Known for its smooth inline-four engine, comfortable riding posture, often featuring a shaft drive for low maintenance, and distinctive styling of its era. The 700cc displacement offered a good blend of power for touring and everyday riding.
Coverage:
Comprehensive service, maintenance, and troubleshooting for Yamaha Maxim 700, all models, engines, trims, and transmissions for the 1985 and 1986 model years.
Page Count:
Estimated 200-300 pages (Typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era).
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
Engine assembly, disassembly, tuning, diagnostics, lubrication system, cooling system (if applicable, though unlikely on this air-cooled model), fuel system (carburetors, fuel lines), ignition system, exhaust system.
Transmission:
Gearbox internal components, clutch operation and adjustment, drive shaft maintenance (if applicable, typically belt or chain drive), gear shift mechanism.
Brakes:
Brake system components (hydraulic, caliper, master cylinder, lines), brake pad replacement, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures, parking brake system.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, ignition system components (coils, spark plugs), starter system, charging system (alternator, battery), instrumentation, switches, fuses, relays.
Suspension And Steering:
Front fork service and overhaul, rear shock absorber inspection and replacement, steering head bearing maintenance, wheel bearings, swingarm service.
Bodywork And Frame:
Frame inspection, body panel removal and installation, seat assembly, fuel tank mounting and removal, fender attachment, handlebar replacement.
Wheels And Tires:
Wheel removal and installation, tire changing, wheel balancing, spoke tension (if applicable), tire pressure recommendations.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance checks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, chain lubrication and adjustment (or belt/shaft drive maintenance), brake adjustments, battery care.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system fault finding.
Repair Overhaul:
Detailed instructions for disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all major vehicle components, including engine internals, transmission, suspension, and braking systems.
Adjustments And Settings:
Carburetor synchronization and adjustment, ignition timing settings, valve clearance adjustments, clutch and throttle cable adjustments.
Depth:
Expert Level. Covers everything from basic owner-level maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical diagnostics, and component overhaul.
Type:
700cc, 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled (typically), DOHC, Inline-Four
Bore X Stroke:
Specific dimensions to be confirmed in manual, but typically around 60mm x 62mm for a 700cc inline-four of this period.
Compression Ratio:
Typically around 9.5:1 to 10.0:1
Horsepower:
Estimated 65-75 HP at peak RPM (Specific figures vary by market tuning and specific model variant).
Torque:
Estimated 45-55 lb-ft at peak RPM.
Carburetion:
Likely Mikuni BS32 or similar constant-velocity carburetors (quad or twin setups).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating typically 87 or higher.
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (CDI or similar transistorized system).
Safety Standards:
N/A (Motorcycles typically do not have formal government safety ratings like cars; focus is on rider control and braking performance).
Braking System:
Front: Dual disc brakes. Rear: Single disc brake. (Specific caliper/rotor sizes detailed in manual).
Suspension Performance:
Front: Telescopic forks. Rear: Dual shock absorbers with adjustable preload. (Specifications for damping and spring rates in manual).
Lighting:
Halogen headlamp, taillight, brake light, turn signals.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (Specific interval in manual).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 6,000-10,000 miles (Specific plug type and gap detailed in manual).
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 12,000-18,000 miles (Crucial for inline-fours; exact interval in manual).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years or as recommended by mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
Yamaha recommends SAE 10W-40 or 20W-40 motorcycle-specific oil, API SG or higher, JASO MA certified. (Confirm exact specification in manual).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0-3.5 liters (3.2-3.7 US quarts) with filter change (Confirm exact capacity in manual).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (Confirm exact specification in manual).
Final Drive Fluid Type:
If shaft drive: Hypoid gear oil SAE 80W-90 (Confirm specific Yamaha gear oil part number in manual).
Common Problems:
Carburetor gumming due to fuel degradation if not run regularly, aging electrical connectors and wiring, potential for worn fork seals, and starter clutch wear. Shaft drive splines may require periodic greasing. (Manual will detail preventative measures).
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular fuel stabilization, thorough inspection of electrical connections, proper lubrication of all moving parts, and adherence to scheduled maintenance are key to longevity. (Manual is essential for this).
Heritage:
Yamaha Motor Company, established in 1955, has a rich history in motorcycle manufacturing, building on its legacy in musical instruments. Known for innovation and performance across various motorcycle genres.
Maxim Series:
The Maxim series (XV) was Yamaha's foray into the cruiser market, evolving from smaller displacements to larger V-twins and inline-fours. The 700cc inline-four was a significant model in establishing Yamaha's cruiser presence in the 1980s.
Production Years:
The Maxim 700 was produced for a limited period in the mid-1980s, with 1985 and 1986 being key model years. Later models might have used different displacements or engine configurations.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Japan.
