82' XJ550 Maxim - Chicago

Hello All -

Purchased my first bike, a 1982 XJ550 Maxim, in the middle of July for $700. Then took it to a motorcycle repair shop and had the carbs cleaned, new chain, new front tire, new fork seals, and had everything tightened and lubed for around $900.

I suppose I took it to a shop instead of doing it myself because I've never worked on anything automotive. However, after getting hit with a $900 repair bill, I'd better learn how to work on this baby myself.

Right now I have two problems that need addressing. It started leaking a bit of oil everyday last week and it could probably use all new wiring and new turn signals.


I'm hoping that these are jobs that I can do myself this winter, despite my total inexperience.

Stumbled on xjbikes.com last week, so I look forward to all the help and guidance I can get.

-SD

http://xjbikes.com/uploads/forums/xjbikespic_01.jpg

 

First and foremost Welcome to the site!!!

Secondly, thats a very nice bike, looks to be in very good condition.

Thirdly, you paid $700 for it and then another $900 on top to get it rideable???? If so wow! thats a ton of money to sink into an XJ.

 

Absolutely, that is a lot of money. I'm sure a big percentage of the cost was the repair shop preying on my ignorance.

I just ordered the Clymer's repair manual, so I'm hoping that'll be a good start in order to diagnose and repair problems.

I was going to sell the bike and get something newer, but I have fallen in love with her and I'd like to restore her a bit.

I think the bike would look pretty sharp with some 4 into 1 pipes, a new seat, and new turn signals. Also, because I ride mostly in the city, I would love to add a super loud evil horn.

Any suggestions as to where I should start?

 

Super loud horn see my electrical post in my signature, but I would do the fuse panel upgrade first and be sure to use a horn relay. Oreily auto had my horns cheapest. I'm not sure if your horn button is negative closure so ask before starting or open up controls.

New signal easy ish if not led. Hit Ebay or sale forum here.

4-1 pipes probably require rejetting of carbs (I think)

New seat without making or hacking one will be difficult

Probably half rip off at shop.

Welcome i'm still new but have learned alot this summer

 

Bob, those horns are outstanding! That's exactly what I'm talking about. I certainly need to redo all the wiring on my bike. Whoever had it last butchered the electric. There is no fuse box whatsoever. I'm just hoping that once I start taking the thing apart I won't freak out and forget how everything goes back together. I'd also love to put one of those all in one gauges instead of that giant 80's cluster it has on there.

I figure I got about 3-4 more weeks of riding before I start taking her apart. At this point I've just been scouring this site to see what people have done to their rides.

Hopefully after this winter, my bike will be much improved and functional.

 

The best way I have found to get wires back together correctly, is to use masking tape, and number one side 1 and the other side 1, that way u know the 1's go together, then each wire after that a differnt number.

 

chopping the 550 seat is easy and looks great when you're done. there are pics of what i did to my 550 here:

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... art=0.html

as for that horn, i want that. so bad. i can scream louder through my helmet as it stands right now

 

I'm using semi truck running lights as my turn signals, they give the bike an old fashion look and didn't take much wiring expertise. I like your seat, looks comfortable.