THE STORY

Originally introduced in 1980 as a mid-size motorcycle as the Maxim, the bike was produced through 1983. Yamaha designed the high-performance XJ650 as a brand new four-cylinder with shaft drive, and it was built specifically as a special cruiser. The XJ Maxim was the successor of the XS Special introduced in 1978.

Contemporary reports praised the bike for its performance and braking capabilities. Succeeding models were refinements, with the 1982 version sporting a more comfortable handlebar, an air-adjustable fork and a more luxurious seat.

A turbocharged variant, the XJ650 Seca Turbo was featured in the 1983 James Bond film ‘Never Say Never Again’.

THE BIKE

Fully restored and beautifully customized, this example of the XJ650 Turbo looks absolutely sensational. Painted in all black and adorned with a wicked skull design on the fuel tank and elsewhere, it has a custom seat lined with spikes to match the theme.

Equipped with the world’s first carburettor turbo system, the bike is exceptionally fun to ride and handles wonderfully.