Category:
Sport Touring / Muscle Bike
Era:
Mid-1980s Japanese motorcycle performance
Competitors:
Honda V45 Magna/Sabre, Suzuki Cavalcade, Kawasaki Voyager
Engine Layout:
Inline-four, transverse
Design Philosophy:
Comfortable ergonomics with respectable performance for its class and era.
Engine:
Detailed overhaul, tuning, carburetor service, ignition system, cooling system
Transmission:
Clutch service, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanism
Chassis:
Frame, suspension (front fork, rear shock absorber), steering system
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, hydraulic lines, caliper service, master cylinder
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, ignition components
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, carburetor assembly and tuning (likely four constant velocity carburetors)
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, trim, seat servicing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment, lubrication points
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission repairs, suspension component replacement, brake system servicing
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts, common problems and solutions, electrical system troubleshooting
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical diagnostics.
Configuration:
700cc Inline-four Cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
62.0 mm x 58.0 mm (typical for XJ700)
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 16 valves (4 per cylinder)
Cooling System:
Liquid-cooled
Horsepower:
Approx. 70-75 HP (estimated at crankshaft)
Torque:
Approx. 44-47 lb-ft (estimated at crankshaft)
Carburetors:
4 x Mikuni BS34 (constant velocity, likely) or similar
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, Octane rating 91+
Type:
Electronic ignition (CDI)
Safety Features:
N/A (Motorcycle specific safety features are more component-based)
Brakes:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake
Suspension:
Anti-dive front suspension system (often found on XJ models)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, LED tail light/brake light (typical for era)
Instrumentation:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, coolant temperature gauge, indicator lights.
ABS:
Not typically equipped with ABS on this model.
Charging System:
Alternator with rectifier/regulator.
Oil Change:
Every 3,000-5,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 6,000-10,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000-12,000 miles
Drive Shaft Oil:
Check and change per manual recommendations (typically every 10,000-20,000 miles)
Engine Oil:
Yamalube 4 (or equivalent), SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 (check manual for specific temperature ranges)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 3.0 - 3.5 L (with filter change)
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based permanent antifreeze, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual)
Carburetor Issues:
Vapor lock, sticky throttle slides, difficult starting due to age and wear, needing thorough cleaning and synchronization.
Electrical Issues:
Corrosion in connectors, failing voltage regulator, worn starter brushes.
Fuel System:
Degradation of fuel lines and seals due to modern fuel additives.
Suspension:
Worn fork seals and deteriorating rear shock absorber damping.
Heritage:
Yamaha Motor Company, known for innovation in motorcycle design and performance since its inception in 1955.
X Series Lineage:
The XJ series was Yamaha's response to the growing demand for versatile motorcycles, often featuring shaft drive and comfortable ergonomics, bridging the gap between sportbikes and cruisers.
Manufacturing Country:
Japan
Production Years:
The XJ700 series was produced primarily in the mid-1980s, with specific focus on 1985 and 1986 for the N/NC variants.
