Engineered by Yamaha for the custom - cruiser motorcycle segment, the 1985 Yamaha XJ700XN utilizes a 697 cc (42.5 cu in) liquid-cooled in-line four, four-stroke layout. Internal engine geometry specifies a bore and stroke of 68.0 x 48.0 mm (2.7 x 1.9 inches) with a 11.2:1 compression ratio.
On the scales, the XJ700XN measures 224 kg (494 lbs) wet (curb). Rider ergonomics and chassis geometry center around a 760 mm (29.9 in) seat height — giving shorter riders and urban commuters confident flat-foot reach at traffic stops, combined with a 1,520 mm (59.8 in) wheelbase engineered for balanced agility and highway composure. The 13-liter (3.4 US gal) fuel tank paired with a rated consumption of 5.29 L/100 km provides an estimated theoretical range of roughly 246 km (153 miles) between fill-ups, while factory top speed is listed at 217 km/h (135 mph).
Theoretical Range
~246 km (153 mi)
Engine
Displacement697.0 ccm (42.53 cubic inches)
Engine TypeIn-line four, four-stroke
Engine DetailsTwin, four-stroke
Compression11.2:1
Bore x Stroke68.0 x 48.0 mm (2.7 x 1.9 inches)
Valves/Cylinder5
Fuel SystemCarburettor. BS33/4/Mikuni
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
IgnitionT.C.I.
LubricationWet sump
CoolingLiquid
Max RPM4663
Transmission
Gearbox5-speed
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan) (final drive)
ClutchWet multiple-disc
Performance
Top Speed217.3 km/h (135.0 mph)
0-400m11.79 seconds
0-100 km/h5.04 seconds
60-140 km/h3.20 seconds
Fuel Consumption5.29 litres/100 km (18.9 km/l or 44.47 mpg)
Greenhouse Gases122.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
ExhaustFour into two
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular, steel double cradle
Rake31.5°
Trail120 mm (4.7 inches)
Front SuspensionTelescopic Fork
Front Travel150 mm (5.9 inches)
Rear SuspensionSwingarm
Rear Travel99 mm (3.9 inches)
Wheelbase1520 mm (59.8 inches)
Ground Clearance145 mm (5.7 inches)
Wheels & Brakes
Front Tyre100/90-19 57H
Rear Tyre130/90-16 67
Front BrakesDouble disc. Right hand operation
Rear BrakesExpanding brake (drum brake). Right foot operation
Dimensions & Weight
Dry Weight224.1 kg (494.0 pounds)
Weight incl.224.0 kg (493.8 pounds)
Seat Height760 mm (29.9 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Alt. Seat Height749 mm (29.5 inches) If adjustable, highest setting.
Overall Height1160 mm (45.7 inches)
Overall Length2230 mm (87.8 inches)
Overall Width775 mm (30.5 inches)
Fuel Capacity13.00 litres (3.43 US gallons)
Reserve Fuel3.00 litres (0.79 US gallons)
Other
StarterElectric
Color OptionsBlack, Red, Blue
Notes
For the 1985 model year the U.S. imposed an embargo on foreign made (maybe Japanese only) motorcycles imported into the U.S. to boost the ailing American Harley Davidson Motorcycle company. This embargo charged heavy tariffs on all imported bikes above 700 ccs. Yamaha, in an effort to keep sales up and avoid excess taxation, downsized the XJ750 and came up with the XJ700N. It had many of the same features of it´s slightly larger cousin but did not exceed the 700 cc limit. In late 1986, U.S. Courts rules the embargo illegal and cancelled it. This is why the Maxim 700 was only available in 85 and 86. Owners of Maxim 700s now sort of own a piece of U.S. Legal history, and a ´limited edition´ (so to speak) bike.
Use this page to compare this motorcycle by its real specifications, not only by model name. Focus on the details that affect fit, comfort, handling, range and ownership.
Seat Height
Check the seat height against your inseam and riding posture before choosing a motorcycle.
Weight
Compare weight carefully because it affects low-speed handling, parking and confidence.
Fuel Capacity
Fuel capacity helps estimate touring range and how often you may need to stop.
Brakes
Brake setup is worth comparing if you ride in traffic, mountains or with a passenger.
Suspension
Suspension details can matter for comfort, road feel and long-distance riding.
Transmission
Transmission and final drive affect maintenance, smoothness and everyday usability.
