New to forum and biking

Hey everyone. I'm not sure if this is the place for this but I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Jen and I'm new to the motorcycle world and signed up for some advice and guidance from the guru's. I picked up an 82 Yamaha 550 Maxim last night. I know it needs a few things and I have no problem working on it for the price I got it for. I've already searched the site and found so much info that I needed. I'm so glad I found this place.

Thanks for letting me join and I hope at some point I can return the advice I'll be getting.

Here is a pic...she was $400.00 with just over 10k on it.



Story I got from owner...Bought it from original owner, had carbs rebuilt. Brought it home changed fluids and was going to get it registered and inspected next day. Left a full tank of gas in it overnight came out to empty tank and gas everywhere. He never got around to fixing it and it has sat around ever since. Told me float is stuck so I have a guy lined up to look at it.

Issues:
Tank rusty inside
Tires dry rotted
Turn signal stems broken

Goods:
Runs
Little to no rust
No rips in seat

 

Good to see you. Include your general location in your tagline so folks nearby can help you out.

 

Wow Great deal I would jump all over it too. Welcome to the forum

There is enough info here to do the work yourself. With a few tools and patience, a little mechanical skill you will have no problem.

Post your questions - get a good manual and you're all set.

 

Welcome!

You've definately come to the right place. This forum has saved by butt a time or two and you will eventually start repaying the debt. Tank rust can be resolved, just search the forum and you will see several topics on it (electro de-rusting, chemical, liners, etc.). This could be your problem with gas holes, but that should show up in the paint of the tank. Although floats could do it also, if the carbs were just done, could be upside down (also on the forum in several places).

These are fun bikes to own (as long as you also own some wrenches).

Don't forget to check the must do lists (like checking the brakes front and rear, fuse panel, filter, etc. before your first ride).

 

Wow!

Welcome, if I can work on these bikes anyone can. This site is invaluable.

 

Nice deal and great find ( found mine similar but running for $500, ) They are awesome, and the folks on this site are amazing when it comes down to helping and troubleshooting.

 

Welcome to the forum and to biking. You will be smiling ear to ear before long.

 

PAK, welcome!
Now, read up on how to clean you own carbs and save the money you would dish out to someone else.

 

[justify]Hey PAk,
I'm another nub joining the group. I just wanted to say your bike looks beautiful. I have a 81 xj550 Maxim. It looks like a clone of yours. I've already done some carb work on mine and rebuilt them. It's not too bad. Good luck its a nice bike.[/justify]

 

Anyone know why I can't see a pic of the bike? Nor a gallery link?

 

PAK, welcome to the site, with a manual (a must have) and help from everyone on here, there is nothing you can do yourself. It just takes time, patients & don't be afraid to ask any question you have. We are here to help. That is a sweet bike & deal, good luck.
Gregg

 

Welcome... Prepare to become 'one' with your new find. These classics need a little love to get them back to their prime, but they are so worth it. Definitely not one of the 'me too' bikes of today.

 

Welcome Jen I'm sure you'll find everything you need to fix your own bike right here, avoid paying someone else to do what you can do yourself with a little time and patence, when I bought my max it didn't run if it weren't for these guys I'm sure I could have almost bought a new bike for the labor cost of fixing this one!!
Shaun

 

PAK, if the floats were/are leaking, then I would NOT be "running" it AT ALL, since there is a very good chance that the crankcase has some of that overflowed gas in it, and running it in such a condition is a grat and quick way to destroy an engine! The over-flow problem (if that is the cause) needs to be solved and the oil needs to be changed (best to do it twice) before the bike is operated!!!

 

Welcome! and nice find!

I picked up it's twin with 7kmi on it for $300 but it needed some engine work.

 

Interesting, what should I be looking for then if it's not the floats? I'm just going off of what the guy told me. It ran for a minute when I went to look at it with him spraying something into the carb I believe it was. It has not be run since.

 

chacal wrote:
PAK, if the floats were/are leaking, then I would NOT be "running" it AT ALL, since there is a very good chance that the crankcase has some of that overflowed gas in it, and running it in such a condition is a grat and quick way to destroy an engine! The over-flow problem (if that is the cause) needs to be solved and the oil needs to be changed (best to do it twice) before the bike is operated!!!


Interesting, what should I be looking for then if it's not the floats? I'm just going off of what the guy told me. It ran for a minute when I went to look at it with him spraying something into the carb I believe it was. It has not be run since.


Sorry I just read it again and what your saying is to get the floats checked first then run it. Sorry it's early in the morning.

 

For the fuel to have emptied a full tank overnight the petcock must be open.
As well as the valves not seating.
So you have a 2 fold problem.