older bike and highway riding

[jbob286]

Hey all, I'm looking at a 1982 Yamaha XJ550 Maxim for my first bike and I want to use it mainly for getting to work and back, which is a 30minute drive one-way all highway. He said it was at 5500rpm at 60mph, I would like to cruise at 70 for going to work. Is this ok to run the bike at this high of sustained rpms or should older bikes really stick around 55mph?

[Sev]

I forget the exact conversions for m/ to km/h but on Sunday my friends and I, one of whom owns a 1982 yamaha maxim400 took a 400km trip at about 110-120km/h the whole way. His bike held up fine, though he couldn't have gone much faster if he had to.

A quick check indicates that's about 68mp/h. Though it could be wrong. I'd say that you'd be fine, especially with the bigger engine, but it will take time to learn how to wring all the power out of that beast.

[jbob286]

yea 68 sounds about right, in the buyers guide on this site it says its top speed is 115, i take it thats just theoretical.

Question I just thought of, does this bike have control? If not is it easy and comfortable to keep the speed at a constant ~70

[Sev]

I've never ridden it, but my friend keeps up fine. Good through the corners and he can hold a line really well. That might be a function of his strength and skill, but I'm pretty sure it reflects well on the bike.

He's said that 5th gear is essentially a cruising gear, it has little acceleration, so keeping it at highway speeds becomes a challenge of pushing gears 1-4 and then popping it into 5th to keep the RPM's down. This will save you some throttle if you need highway speed. If you shift into 5th as soon as possible you'll be pinning it the whole way at highway speeds. Basically you need to learn how to treat the bike.

He does complain about pain in this back from the upright seating position after long rides though.

Just like I complain about pain in my "O Ring" because of the lack of padding on mine, my back doesn't hurt though.

It seems like the one you're looking at will be fine, if it's in good condition.

[jbob286]

Yea since I got an extra 15-20 horses it seems like this bike will be great, it is in good condition and has no outstanding problems at the moment, two new tires and he wants 700 so it seems like a good deal

Thanks for your help.

[ronboskz650sr]

Late 70's and early 80's ujms do just fine on the highway. You can always drop a tooth or two on the rear sprocket to lower the rpms if quick getaways aren't too important. Even so, you'll have plenty with a two tooth reduction in the back, and your highway rpms will drop. My kz650 turns 4200 at 60 mph, and you can't even hear the engine for the wind noise. Earplugs are a must if you ride the highway alot. I usually wear them around town, too. Good luck if you get the bike. You'll get used to the weight.

[Beer Runner]

I have a 81 650 maxim and it runs nice at 65-70, no problems at all. This bike of mine will go faster, but I don't need the ticket. The way the wife and I have it set up is: I ride the bike and she drives the car. Man I love my bike.

[Sev]

Sounds like a giant DO IT, to me.

[Dennis27]

Hey all, I'm looking at a 1982 Yamaha XJ550 Maxim for my first bike and I want to use it mainly for getting to work and back, which is a 30minute drive one-way all highway. He said it was at 5500rpm at 60mph, I would like to cruise at 70 for going to work. Is this ok to run the bike at this high of sustained rpms or should older bikes really stick around 55mph?

I dont know where your at or what your budget is... I have a 03' Kawi. ZR-7S I'll sell you. 1,300 miles on it. Just got it in Feb. paid $5800.00 for it... yours for the low, low price of just $4,800.00. Great for highway riding.. comfortable is its game.. cruising speed is its middle name... great all around sport/tourer! Comes with factory warranty until next Feb.

[HypeDOG]

I wouldn't worry about it. I have a Seca 650, essentially the Maxim's brother Since I was buying an 82, I was a little worried too. Holds a perfect line until about 75 mph, then a bit too much vibration for my taste.

Of course, mine is a 650. Revving at about 5000 at about 70mph and no problems, even for an 82. I agree, go for it!