It was sitting there on the porch of the dealership with a brand new "for sale" tag clipped to its handlebar. This really was not my fault. I rode my 1982 Suzuki GS450 over just to see what was in the store.

But this little babe, the XJ550, had come in on trade that morning. The previous owner had bought it a month before for his wife, and they had put about 20 miles on it. I think she probably dropped it on the left side without any forward movement. There were a couple fresh scratches.

The price was OK, and when I showed some interest, the store owner started coming down from that. The paint had recently been done again and looked professional. The seat is new, and there is very little corosion, even on the headers. No rust in the tank, and it starts easily with no smoke.

I took it for a spin of 10 miles or so and when I came back, I knew I had to have it. I came back to the dealership an hour later with $900 plus tax in cash, and I drove it home with the license plate from the Suzuki on it's back end.

I put about a hundred miles on the clock over the weekend, bringing that total up to about 15700. It feels good, rides well, and with a little loving care, it seems likely to be quite a ride.

I immediately began getting the Suzuki ready for sale. New paint, a fresh cleaning, and an add in Cycle Trader.

Nice buy, some may say you paid to much but I beg to differ. The extra cost for a fine well maintained example is always money well spent and ends up costing less in the long run. Hey is it 550 Seca or Maxim.
I should have kept looking but the price was right and the model rare. Also runs fine asides the looks

Yamaha 1980's street bikes are the best and nothing compares.

Very nice,

I have a 'well used' 1981 XJ500.

Use it all through winter

(Just replaced front mudguard...previous replacement rotted off due to our lovely salty roads :D)

congrats!!

:D