Engine Mechanical:
Complete overhaul, top end, bottom end, valve train, piston/cylinder, crankshaft, oil pump, lubrication system.
Fuel System:
Carburetor disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, jetting, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel filter replacement.
Ignition System:
Ignition timing, CDI unit, spark plugs, ignition coils, wiring.
Transmission:
Gearbox overhaul, clutch operation and adjustment, shift mechanism, gearbox oil specifications.
Cooling System:
Radiator, coolant, fan operation, thermostat, hoses.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, charging system (stator, rectifier/regulator), starting system (starter motor, starter clutch), lighting, switches, battery maintenance.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system, hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders, brake pad replacement, brake fluid specifications.
Suspension:
Front fork overhaul (oil change, seal replacement, spring inspection), rear shock absorber inspection and replacement, swingarm.
Steering:
Handlebar, steering stem bearings, steering head adjustment.
Chassis And Bodywork:
Frame inspection, seat, fuel tank removal/installation, fenders, fairings (if applicable), exhaust system.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug checks, chain adjustment, brake checks, fluid level checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, symptom-based fault finding.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly.
Overhaul Instructions:
Detailed procedures for complete engine, transmission, and suspension component overhauls.
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, V-twin
Displacement:
696 cc (or 700cc class)
Bore X Stroke:
73.0 mm x 83.0 mm (approximate, check manual for exact)
Compression Ratio:
9.2:1 (typical, verify in manual)
Horsepower:
Approx. 60-65 HP (verify in manual)
Torque:
Approx. 40-45 lb-ft (verify in manual)
Top Speed:
Approx. 100-110 mph (verify in manual)
Carburetion:
Two Mikuni BS34 carburetors
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000 miles or 6 months (verify in manual)
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 12 months (verify in manual)
Valve Clearance Check Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 12 months (verify in manual)
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 24,000 miles (verify in manual)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 liters (2.5 US qt) with filter change (verify in manual)
Coolant Type:
Yamaha 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and distilled water (verify in manual)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (verify in manual)
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor float bowls, clutch plates, brake pads, fork seals.
Potential Electrical Gremlins:
Aging wiring harness insulation, regulator/rectifier failures can occur on older bikes.
Carburetor Performance:
Can be prone to gumming up if not run regularly or if fuel is left in them for extended periods, requiring cleaning and synchronisation.
Yamaha Motorcycle Division Establishment:
1955
Maxim Series Introduction:
The Maxim series was Yamaha's foray into the cruiser market, aiming to compete with American brands and other Japanese manufacturers. The XJ series engine was a reliable and versatile platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Japan
Significant Updates 1985 1986:
Minor styling updates and potential internal revisions were common between model years during this era. The core V-twin platform remained consistent.