Gearing

[Kevin Delsite]

I just picked up a 83 XS400 Maxim. My first. It is completely stock with only 12K miles. Like any vintage bike it has its idiosyncrasies, but I like its "personality" I've only had a chance to ride it once before the snow came, but it seemed to me that it rev'd pretty high...like 6K? One thing I wanted to ask of the forum is what should RPMs be at 55 or 60 MPH? My uncle had a 650 special that I have ridden, but I don't remember that it ran that high at speed.

 

[amc49]

It didn't, bigger bike engines always turn slower at cruising speeds.

If it is a twin cam like the pic it will spin 9500 rpm, just try that with a 650.

 

[opcracer212]

My Maxim runs about 11mph per 1000 rpm in 5th gear. So, 55mph at 5000 rpm. My speedo reads high, but I got the true speed using a speedo app on my phone.