Adding a SECA 650 back to my collection...

XJ Folks,

I haven't posted here in a while and honestly have very few posts on XJBikes. Several years ago I started riding again and purchased a nice '81 XJ550 Maxim. It didn't take long an the little 550 lost my interest and I've been building XS1100's for the past four or five years. I now have five of those.

I once owned a SECA 650 when I lived in PA and absolutely loved that thing. I was in SHOWROOM PERFECT condition and I sold it for literally PEANUTS when I left PA. I've had regrets ever since!

Last week I found one in a neighboring state for a $ I could manage so I bought it although I have yet to pick it up. The owner admits that the tank leaks and some other previous owner attempted a liner. Unfortunately, a poorly or incorrectly installed liner is impossible to repair. So today, I went to the local junk yard and grabbed another tank and side covers. I've read that tanks for these are supposed to be UNOBTAINIUM but the yard near me had three and I grabbed the best for a real song (peanuts actually).

Even though it's displacement is half of my FJR, I'm really looking forward to getting back on the SECA. Hopefully, I can get answers to the inevitable questions.

Sincerely,
Kurt

1970 - CT70 (Honda)
1979 - XS1100 SF
1980 - XS1100 SG (3)
1981 - XS1100 SH
1981 - XJ550 Maxim
1982 - SECA 650
2016 - FJR 1300

 

The side covers are pretty rare too. Only one year for this model of xj in North America. That's one heck of a junkyard!

 

We're lucky to have a couple of these places in the Atlanta area. This particular place is about 30 miles from me. The owner isn't "Insane" on pricing or feel his stuff is plated in GOLD. I've picked up full sets of BS34 carbs for the XS11s for $50. Those go for a minimum of $200 in poor shape on the evil-bay. Today, I paid $40 for the tank and $40 for the side covers. He gave me the rear fin because it's pretty much worthless. It's fun to just walk around and pull what you need by yourself.

These photos are of the yard (I got the rear fin off the one with the seat). I didn't grab either of these tanks as he had a nicer one in a storage trailer, the side covers are all stored in yet another storage trailer..... He has tanks & covers for every Yamaha I've grown up with from the 70's up +++.

Obviously, the little bits and pieces of pretty stuff are all gone or worthless but the bones are sound and I believe the base mechanicals/engines of these machines would be useful......






Found mine in the back....


Kurt

 

Wow! Umm, gotta go!

 

Boy o boy. Where is this place at in pa? I know. I know. Treasures to keep secret though I hope not

 

Dur dur dur. My bad. Exciting news made me think incorrectly as I was posting Hmm. Anyways.

 

But he's in Georgia now.
Kurt what's the name of the place?

 

Lol. I know I know. I corrected myself in the post above yours. I deserve it tho

 

Hmmmmm...... Against my better judgement, BUT as a real TEAM PLAYER.....

This place is located in Rockdale County Georgia about 20 miles EAST of ATL.
ROCKDALE CYCLES RACING (RCR).
The owner is DAVID MAYO.
e-mail: rcr_race@bellsouth.net

David does a steady business of repair work and there are always several newer bikes in for repair, tires, etc. I also find David to be very knowledgeable of EVERYTHING. For example, the XS11's have a few inherent issues and David knew about them and how to repair them with as much or more knowledge than the "knowledge base section" of XS11.com!! Back in the old days, David was apparently a very successful bike racer and there are photos here & there of his old race bikes.



It's a little old place and the actual "Yard" is probably not more than 3/4 of an acre. But, you can stuff a heck of a lot of motorcycles into that amount of space! I believe David does a little bit of internet selling. I'm really not sure. Typically, folks find what they want and bring it inside for pricing. NOW, I believe my familiar face gets me a LITTLE better deal than a stranger might get but I don't think it's too much more than the average guy should expect to pay. I will say with certainty that the owner is not impressed with "Know-It-Alls" as I once saw him react strongly to another guy who was being a "%#$@ hole"

 

Most people aren't....LOL

How come we all love motorcycle junk yards so much? Come on, I'm not the only one that blew those pics up to see what other bikes & TANKS were there! Would make for a w/e trip for me....but I don't see any Kaw triples .......

jeff

 

My bro is a bachelor... he has a couple of 60's Honda tanks on a shelf in his kitchen. Surprisingly, the ladies seem to like them when they visit too. There's always a use for old parts. He also has some old Merc taillights on the wall. People used to design things...

 

I say you'd need to email him. I just can't see any widow makers lying about in the open field


But yeah. I'm guilty. I blew them all up myself to look a bit closer

 

Jeff,
Those photos are of the "Yamaha Section Only". The yard is organized by brand. Each brand has a row or two, Ill see if I have a photo of the Kawasaki area. The only brand not represented is HD. He has only 2-3 HD inside and all the really modern stuff (R1, R6, etc.) is all inside. I will be going back in a couple weeks to pick up a special order item so I can look for a specific make/model if you like? I won't be going back until after the Vintage Yamaha Rally in North Carolina so it will be about 3 weeks until I return.

Additional note: Although much of the stuff appears to be missing or gone (headlamps, speedos, carbs). There are trailers and other inside areas where these items are stored away from the elements. Just like the side covers and tank I found within a storage trailer.

 

He seems to have found his niche. Plenty of wreckers handling the American iron, it's nice to see an import specialist. He even has a scooter section.

 

it kinda is like a mini-heaven for those that can't help themselves from having 'bits-n-pieces' "just in case".
I could easily spend numerous hours digging, probing and questing for Stuff.

Although I do know, as I was at a similar place in central Wisconsin - that caution should always be used when lifting pieces, as the wasps will put nests in the silliest places and oft times react with disdain towards having their 'home' jostled about.

 

Open carry holster for wasp spray. Plus running shoes.

 

And nothing else!

Cause you run faster if you are naked and being chased by stingy things then if you have clothes on... just sayin'.

 

Just bring a friend that can't run as fast as you can....

 

Stumplifter gets weirder and weirder by the minute. Soon I'll be out of a job.

 

Ok. Ok. I can't seem to locate any of these treasure palaces in Illinois. Hmmm. Maybe a trip to central Wisconsin then. That's not far. And yes, I'd litter my walls with old tanks and what not. I still wanna do this

 

This is the place...
http://www.dodgecountycycle.net/

Matti, you inspire me...

 

Well I got the SECA home today.... Some good surprises some not so good...

THE BAD (some were unexpected):

• Frame has a crack & rust near the kickstand point. Kinda common with the XS's and not TOO hard to fix but the motor must come out to do it right. Was planning that anyway for a full restoration so not TOO big deal.
• The seat looks decent in the photos but it's not. Definitely needs a complete recover, but the pan is nice.
• Bars are wrong.
• Mirrors are wrong.
• Front signals are wrong.
• Helmet seat lock is missing.
• Tires look good but they are far beyond the 7-year safe limit for driving...They'll allow me to push it around the garage as they do hold air.
• Someone ATTEMPT a fuse block repair...... Gonna have to redo that mess correctly with solder and heat shrink.
• Battery is junk.
• Tank has a total amateur job of a liner. Total piece of crap. I'm not even willing to use this tank as "Wall Art". When will some people learn to READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!!!! But I have a good one from the junk yard so no use complaining. Would have been nice to have a spare though!
• All the cables are junk (speedo, clutch, choke, etc.)
• The monster headlamp is rusting the reflective finish off (inside).

THE GOOD (or unexpected)

• Pipes look pretty darn good. I think they are likely in good shape inside too. They will polish up nice and should look great!
• Speedo and Tach don't have the normal sun fading one would expect of a Florida bike.
• Came with some accessory Yamaha engine guards installed. I like that!
• OEM controls look to be in decent shape.
• Got the OEM manual and the always missing TOOL KIT!
• Two Keys!
• Got the bike for what SEEMS like a fair price (not a STEAL and not allowing myself to pay too much) $400.00

It'll look great in 6-9 months..... can't wait to get started! I expect to have $2k in this before it's done.....

It's getting a little CROWDED in my garage but the other bikes are welcoming to their kin folk!



KURT

 

Looks like a great starting point and $400 is a great price!

 

Nice collection of toys!

 

Love it! BTW, I am experienced at failed tank liner removal. Don't toss the tank. The fix is not that bad. The SECA is a great machine.

I briefly lived over in Conyers. I know that salvage yard. It's a good one!

I'll see you at the Iron Horse on Friday!

 

Hey Kurt, It looks like you're doing a great job on the rare 550. I think you can forgive yourself for letting go of the 650. Well done.

 

Thanks Dragons Tail. Although, I really haven't done much YET other than find a couple replacement parts....

• I have had enough time to fix a minor dent and properly install a POR-15 liner so I have a good tank to replace the one the bike came with (Currently the tank is in High-Build primer)
• XJ4Ever provided a complete stripe set and new brake lines (it'll be a while before they're installed).
• I plan to make this as close to a 100% RESTORATION as possible. However, safety always comes first and SS lines were a must for the front.
• Since there are so many items needing attention or replacement, the best way to do this (with my limited space) is to gather everything I need or think I will need and really begin the project in earnest once these items are in my hands (rings, valve shim selection, full gasket kit, carb kits, hoses, plugs, filters, signals, tires, brake pads & shoes, all the cables, headlamp, misc. rusted or damaged parts, correct mirrors, bars, shock replacements, fork tubes, seat recover, replace the fuse block with new style fuses, address any electrical gremlins, etc.
• It's my plan to have this machine in tip-top condition for the Annual Southeast Vintage Yamaha Rally 2018 in Stecoah!! (NEXT SEPTEBER)

For now..... SECA is in a position difficult to work on....Did this for a reason..... Need to gather the parts FIRST.





I think the work will proceed quickly once I open up the wallet and start buying the supplies......

KURT

 

I see a few items that could be taken off your hands to provide more space. Wink wink, knowing look.

 

Looks like that Seca fell into good hands. This will be a great thread, keep us posted.

 

XJ Friends,
I'm headed back to the local junkyard this weekend to look for a few items for the SECA. Any suggestions for valuable spares? Items that frequently break or are hard to find for this machine? I'd like to grab a spare set of carbs as I know these have been messed with and are likely in bad internal condition following "Goober's" repair attempt. I'm considering grabbing that lousy looking seat to give that one to the upholstery guy while I hold on to the original. Thoughts???

I'll look around for those Widow Makers and anything else folks want me to look for. Just let me know what I need to look for. I'll take some better photos of the XJ's and XJ parts too.

Sincerely,
KURT

 

My top focus would be key plastic parts, like the airbox, instrument cluster, that kind of thing, since they can get more brittle with age. Also, I think the tank and headlight are iconic and hard to find. Finally, maybe a spare collector?

 

XJ Friends,
I decided to take a closer look a "Gomer's Work" on the OEM tank...

Seems a P.O. (aka GOMER) decided that a large goober of BONDO would solve the problem. DUH!

This is what a tank looks like when the guy DIDN'T follow the instructions!

Actually looks like I can make this into a useable tank if I can get Gomer's handwork out of it. If the PROPER chemicals and repair epoxy are used, this could be a very useable tank for many years. It will never be a pristine OEM tank but finding one of those is certainly impossible for this one year only bike.


Trying to get a good look at the machine before I head over to the Junkyard this weekend.

KURT

 

Wow, Kurt...., what a decent offer! I didn't see your response until today but if you do back to the yard, take a couple of pics of anything that he has for Kaw 2 stroke triples...anything that looks like these bikes pictured below! I'll take a look then give the guy a call. If he has a bunch of stuff, I'll take my Expy down there on a Road Trip!

Thanks,

jeff

 

Jeff & XJ Friends,
Unfortunately, there are barely a few crumbs left of any Kawasaki 2-stroke that may have been there. If you were interested in Suzuki 2-strokes there are AT LEAST 10 of those!

After taking some real time to look over the SECA's there really isn't much usable for me there...

• I was able to find ONE head lamp and then discovered it was cracked...
• I negotiated a good deal on a set of carbs. They're pretty roached out but should provide some good back-up parts. I'm not sure how rare (?) or difficult to find these are but for $40 it was worth it (I guess). I keep thinking like a XS1100 guy and we really need to keep spares around. Their float posts at small and easily broken- UGH.
• The new "Spares" are sitting outside soaking up the AeroKroil oil before I even attempt to unscrew anything (see pic)
• The only other tid-bit I was able to find was the little washer plate for the tank hold down...
• I'm sure I'll be back again soon to keep pickin' at the SECA bones.

I know we all love looking through the Junk Yard so I attached a bunch of thumbnail pic. This is a great place to spend a couple hours! Jeff, you'll see only bits of Kaw 2-Strokes... I'll check my "OTHER PLACE" in a couple weeks. Barber Motorsports in Alabama is next weekend!

 

A couple more... Seems I missed the KAWs with the last post.
Kurt

 

Thanks Kurt! I right-clicked on each of the pics so now I have 21 new tabs to look at! I didn't think he'd have too much Kaw triple stuff but it's okay, I've got a GT750 and 2- GT550
s too so this will be fun! Thanks for posting the pics!

jeff

 

XJ Guys,
I'm struggling to get this machine started (so I can tear it to bits). The compression is very low at about 75 pounds. Still, I've had machines start with compression this low. I've applied the standard lubes to the slugs and hope for a slight increase. The bike has sat for an unknown period of time which I assume is quite a while so I'm hopeful that if it will start (sputter like poop) it'll clear the rings and re-seat.

The crankcase was full of a fuel oil mix from poorly repaired floats.... Drained and replaced and now the starter clutch seems to be acting much nicer!

Now, I'm going to pop the valve cover and check all the clearances. Probably never been done so it's long overdue. Could help compression too (Maybe).

Question?: My Clymer I have does not SPECIFICALLY cover the XJ650R. The clearances quoted .16-.20 and .11-.15 for the exhaust and intake respectively seem appropriate and very close to the recommended for my XS11's. But just to be 100% sure...... These correct? The book indicates it is good for my XJ550 but that motor is entirely different than my SECA's 650.

Thoughts? Measurements good?

KURT

 

http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/bigfitzs-airhead-valve-adjustment-with-pics-parts-i-ii.116006/

Just past halfway down the first page

 

Yes, valve clearances for the 650 engines same as for 550 engines.

 

Thanks LEN! Got the SECA started (very briefly).
Seems the starter clutch is hanging up and killed the engine as it tried to reach higher RPM. Made a heck of a squeal too.... SCARY.

I've added some MMO and ATF and circulated the mixture. I'm hopeful the starter clutch is "hung-up" from sitting and will free up. Otherwise, it's a complete teardown in the future to fix the starter clutch.

It was my intention to tear the motor down and replace all the gaskets, hone the cylinders, replace the rings etc. BUT, I really wanted to assure it was in "GENERALLY" good running mechanical condition before ripping into it. It was not my intention to break open the cases only the top end. With only 22k on the meter it would seem overkill to crack open the cases (and a heck of a lot of work). However, the starter clutch is very likely going to make that a mandatory requirement of this restoration project UGH!

Is this a bit unusual for the XJ550R starter clutch to be a problem with so few miles on the motor? I believe this machine sat for a considerable amount of time in it's life......

Kurt

 

XJ Motor & SECA Experts,
Happy Thanksgiving to all!

I decided to use this rare opportunity with a couple days off to tear the motor apart and resolve the Starter Clutch problem. I've found the major issue.... Two of the bolts holding the clutch plate to the gear boss backed out and were impacting the driven gear (see pic). What a MESS! Fortunately, I purchased an entire used clutch assy. complete with shaft gears etc. So the damaged gear(s) aren't an issue.

HOWEVER, I also purchased an aftermarket clutch plate assy. which is very different in design to the OEM piece. Honestly, it looks pretty "cheesy" compared to OEM. I'm debating whether to install one of the OEM units which don't really show any signs of wear or go with the aftermarket unit? Seems the only real problems are: Damaged gears (I have replacements), Damaged Bolts (I have replacements).

Does anyone have any opinions on this clutch plate issue? OEM or Aftermarket? Any experience with the aftermarket unit....

Respectfully,
KURT

 

IMHO the oem unit with some new rollers and springs would be a better choice. And red locktite.

 

Wow, those bolts are supposed to be loctited in there, and from experience, they usually are (i.e. they are next to impossible to break free). Maybe someone had been in there before? Odd.

We've sold the aftermarket versions for a few years now and have had no complaints. For some extra durability you can substitute the XJ700/900 roller springs into it.

 

Thanks for the replies.....

It's obvious someone had been inside this motor before. The clutch springs were marked like aftermarket and some of the residual of old gaskets not properly cleaned off was evident on the side cases. But there wasn't anything that made me believe they had been all the way down to cracking the cases open to get to the starter clutch. However, there was absolutely NO evidence of ANY lock-tite on the starter clutch bolts. I suppose it's possible someone was in here before since I can't believe this was skipped at the factory?

After sitting and staring at it for a while, I decided to just toss the new unit in there. Len hadn't seen any problems with these and it was "New" even if it did appear inferior in design. The disassembly was a good bit more demanding than my XS1100s as this little SECA 650 is MUCH more complicated. Getting it back together while I still remembered how it all went was important too. Even though I would prefer NOT to do this again, it wasn't that bad. I can do it again if needed and then I would also replace all the crank and rod bearings at that time if this aftermarket clutch didn't live up to expectations.

I've got the whole bottom end back together. Amazingly all the gears shift properly. The cylinders got a fresh & quick hone and a new set of rings. The cylinder head will take a great deal of effort to prepare as I have yet to replace the valve seals or re-lap the valves. The head is disgustingly grungy but I won't be able to risk blasting it as there will certainly be some residual that gets into the nooks & crannies that I'll never get out....

Looking forward to getting the frame, swingarm, kickstands, and misc. small stuff back from the powder coater this weekend.....

Respectfully,
Kurt

 

I was able to get my head blasted and cleaned for ~$35 at a local machine shop.

 

Jayrodoh,
Darn! That looks beautiful! I have a machine shop I've used before for boring and milling heads etc. Hadn't thought of asking them to clean it ..... THANK YOU! I will call them in the morning.

I use to be the Maintenance Manager for a facility with a large variety of blasting and cleaning tools. My new Management position does not offer those resources. Forgot about the machine shop! Thanks again.

KURT!

 

Although anything is possible, it's somewhat unlikely, as Yamaha was pretty thorough with their assembly process. Besides built-in design issues/flaws (in the light of present-day standards) I can't recall ever reading about a factory mis-assembly (dealer issues were more common, but a starter clutch would not have been part of pre-delivery services, unless it was defective from the factory).

Looking good with the rebuild. Better picture of that engine stand?

 

Here are some pics of the stand buddy. This is just a really CHEAPO Harbor Freight Engine Stand. It's the 3-wheeler which it the absolute cheapest they offer ($35~?). I wouldn't trust this stand with one of Pontiac motors but it's more than up to the challenge of a Yamaha motorcycle motor (or two ). I actually have a few of these and they serve DOUBLE duty as you can see this stand is also a "Parking Spot" for a spare XS11 motor.

The ability to flip and rotate the motor is absolutely priceless for a rebuild like this! A couple pieces of scrap angle iron, drill a couple holes, a handful of good long high grade bolts, and a bunch of washers.

Unfortunately, when I got to the point of breaking the cases apart I had to disengage the lower attachment points as they are on the lower half. Obviously, this would no longer provide the necessary support of the 1/2 motor+. So, I just quickly fabricated an angle iron "pole" and supported the remaining lower case with this support from the stand leg to one of the bolts previously holding the drive point. I didn't take a photo while it was apart but you can certainly get the idea.....

I also use another one of these Cheapo Harbor Freight stands to hold a "Spare" XS11. This bike was a $100 spare parts donor. The motor is good but the frame was already hacked. I wanted to keep most of it but it just took up too much room. So......

The spare now holds a good bit more than the motor but takes up only a fraction of the space.

KURT

 

Very nice. Doubles as a tank rest, too!

 

Very nice on the engine stand!