Your Last Bike Before the CB?

[flynrider]

1981 Yamaha XJ 650 Maxim. Gifted to me non-running from my dad (who bought it new) in 2000. I rode this thing through college and grad school and put on around 65,000kms over 6 years, for 105,000 total. Took the carbs apart for the umpteenth time, got sick of it, and gave it away to a guy who wanted to get it running -- though I'm guessing that didn't happen as the entire bike was basically dead at this point. Life got in the way and took a break from riding until 2013 when I bought the CB -- I guess you could say that in terms of retro bikes, I went from the ground floor to the penthouse.

Looking, back the thing was a total POS, but I loved it and still think fondly of it. There is definitely truth when people say 'just get a bike, any bike, and go ride.'

I have a special place in my heart for the '81 XJ 650. It was my first exposure to the smooth, powerful wonder that is the inline 4 motorcycle. I'd been riding slow, shaky, medium sized twins when my buddy offered to let me ride his '81 650 Maxim. I recall starting the bike and wondering if the engine was actually running. Sorry to hear yours turned into a maintenance hog. When they were new they were a joy to ride.