1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

Hello

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by 550FAN, Jun 9, 2009.

  1. 550FAN

    550FAN Member

    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Just wanted to say hello to everyone. I don't have a bike yet but am in the market for a 550 project, The 550 was my first bike way back in 84, I loved that bike , since then I,ve had a couple others even a ZX10 which was way to fast for me. My plan is to get a non running, or needs work project, I have a couple leads and am going to check em out today. also was wonder what to look for on these older bikes? thanx in advance
     
    550FAN, Jun 9, 2009
    #1
  2. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    21,283
    Likes Received:
    420
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    Rural SE Michigan 60 miles N of Motown
    On the 550s (Seca OR Maxim) the most important would be: Intact stock airbox (requires engine removal to install one) exhaust collector box not rusted out; and do a compression check.

    I wouldn't worry about tires or brakes, if either of those are more than 3 years old, you will be replacing them anyway.

    If it's a Seca you're thinking of, a right-hand sidecover is a major plus; they tend to be like gold.
     
    bigfitz52, Jun 9, 2009
    #2
  3. 550FAN

    550FAN Member

    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Thanx for your reply, that would be a 550 Maxim, plan on doing a Bobber project.
     
    550FAN, Jun 9, 2009
    #3
  4. 550FAN

    550FAN Member

    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Minnesota
    WOOOOOHOOOOO Well just purchased an 82 550 Maxim for $300, 20k on her , front forks disassembled though, the fellow got replacements as well as new seals and bearings, due to a light spill, he said the carbs were rebuilt about 2 years ago.
     
    550FAN, Jun 9, 2009
    #4
  5. Deadulus

    Deadulus Member

    Messages:
    465
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Dufur, Oregon
    Beware the PO Said Syndrome...
     
    Deadulus, Jun 9, 2009
    #5
  6. tennsouthernbelle

    tennsouthernbelle Member

    Messages:
    315
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Morristown, TN
    Agreed. Even if the PO was your own flesh and blood! I'd like the throttle the PO of my bike, but our mom said I couldn't.

    Grats on the find!
     
    tennsouthernbelle, Jun 9, 2009
    #6
  7. 550FAN

    550FAN Member

    Messages:
    116
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Minnesota
    Yea that's true PO,s usually have 1 agenda , get your money, but even so, if I have to rebuild the carbs, I think I got a decent deal.
     
    550FAN, Jun 9, 2009
    #7
  8. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

    Messages:
    21,283
    Likes Received:
    420
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    Rural SE Michigan 60 miles N of Motown
    Yes, you did. Get a manual; put that front end back together-- easy-squeezy. Get it back together and 100% operational before you start your "mods" you don't want to mod yourself into a bike that never runs.

    I actually feel kinda bad for the PO of my '81; sincere chap but a complete idiot with no mechanical clue. Everything he told me was true, to the best of his knowledge; but he didn't know anything. He didn't know that his new battery would need to be topped off occasionally; that his new chain could actually go for a spot of LUBE now and then (oh you have to adjust it?) or that yes, there is in fact oil in the front forks that does need to be changed more often than NEVER...

    So he took the money he got from me and bought a bored out to 1160ccs Kaw 1000 with pods and a 4-1 that he never COULD get running right. He cries when he sees his former Seca now...

    Go through it front to back and get it running right and more importantly SAFE before you start cutting.
     
    bigfitz52, Jun 9, 2009
    #8

Share This Page