1982 Yamaha Maxim Xs400 J? so much confusion.

John-Paul

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My VIN begins with 15G and I can't seem to find what model my bike is. I have the maxim 400 emblems, and it's the model with the less rounded tank.

I've checked the sites far and wide and can't seem to figure out what bike I have.

Please find attached a photo similar to my bike as I don't have any photos on hand

sorry for any mistakes, I'm new to this community
 

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That is indeed a Yamaha XS400 Maxim. My vin begins with a 12R, but 15G is common as well. You have a SOHC model, and looking at the body it's definitely a Maxim. The manual you're going to want is here
//www.xs400.com/threads/yamaha-xs400-manuals.4503/

Scroll down and download the DOHC model one, that's the one I use and all the DOHC models are similar enough that it works. There's no major differences that I've noticed and it seems accurate.
 
Man that's sad. Was really hoping it was the DOHC model. The 140kmh top speed really bumms me out because I like to be under 5k rpms when freeway cruising
 
You can change sprocket size to get better highway rpm's. On my sohc xs400 bikes I run one tooth larger on the front sprocket (17) to drop rpm's by about 500 it's the same as dropping two teeth off the back one. My bikes run around 4800 rpm's at 60 mph. That's also with stock size tires. 17-37 sprockets with 120-90/16 rear wheel.
 
Man that's sad. Was really hoping it was the DOHC model. The 140kmh top speed really bumms me out because I like to be under 5k rpms when freeway cruising
Crap sorry man, auto correct. You have a DOHC model, not SOHC. All Maxim's are DOHC.

You can always distinguish the DOHC from The SOHC by the fact you don't have a kickstart. I believe all SOHC bikes have a kickstart. There's also the fact that you can see the top of your engine where the cams are, the raised parts on either side of your spark plugs is where the cams are. On a SOHC that isn't present. This makes the engines noticeably different.
 
Okay, so those manuals should be good. Although I noticed it says a 6 speed trans which I don't think i have.

So to clear up confusion: i have a 1982 yamaha maxim xs400j?
 
Okay, so those manuals should be good. Although I noticed it says a 6 speed trans which I don't think i have.

So to clear up confusion: i have a 1982 yamaha maxim xs400j?
Yeppers. And check your shift pattern, don't go by how many clicks you have. Next to the gear shifter, imprinted in the case, you will see the shift pattern. It's most likely (1-N-2-3-4-5-6) mines a 6 speed, and yours likely is too.
 
I thought only the seca dohc bike were a six speed.
s-l1600.jpg Cover says 5 for the maxim. Maybe your motor has been swapped for a seca motor.
 
You may want to add an in-line fuel filter from the fuel tank. It will keep the carbs from getting debris in them.
 
1-N-2-3-4-5 on the case, as well as shifting through them reveals only 5 gears.

fuel filter is on my list but the tank is mint so I haven't fully gotten to it yet
 
I don't have a registration for the bike. I am in the process of getting all the paperwork done but it is more complicated then I thought.
 
Hope you didn't pay much for the bike. Getting paperwork without any proof of ownership is not easy. Bikes without any are parts bikes and only worth one to two hundred bucks if they are in good shape.
 
I got the bike for the privilege of removing it from its location so the initial cost was worth it. It has been a fun thing for me to clean it up and hopefully grt it running. It was in pretty.good shape except.for the seat which I am having recovered.
 
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