Greetings! I could use some advice, please.

Hey folks. Just joined up today. I don't own a Yamaha (yet), but I am considering a pair of '81 550 Maxims. A guy is selling two; one was his, the other was owned, and crashed, by his brother. He's selling them as a package deal. Low miles (less than 10k each), but they've been stored for probably 7-10 years, and neither is in running condition. The bashed one has a wrecked fork, front wheel, and tank, possibly some frame damage. His he says is "90%" complete. Hopefully the 10% is mostly battery and tires.
My question is; what sort of things should I be watching out for on the 550's? Are there specific items that make resurrection particularly expensive? I know, pretty general question, but I'm a noob with no friends knowledgeable about bikes I can turn to. My hope is between the two I can put together one solid bike.

My *dream* would be to eventually restore one and bob the other. Just don't tell my wife :^D

Regards,
Cadapult

 

WELCOME from TN!!! Sorry can't say anything specific to 550's. Lots of folks on here have bought bikes that have been "stored". You'll have to decide if the $$ he wants is what you want to spend. Restoration is not CHEAP depending on a number of things. Compression check (do a "SEARCH") would be a MUST DO on both bikes. Don't believe everything a PO says (highly suspect!). Lots of info and help here if you bite the bullet and decide to buy 'em...

skillet

 

Luckily, the 550 is free from most of the "Achilles' heels" that plague the bigger bikes. There's nothing special to "watch out for" just the standard stuff.

Keep in mind the advice given above; a compression test is a must unless you really want to buy into trying to rebuild a motor.

Also, plan on a budget of $600-$800 minimum for a full and proper recommissioning, including a complete brake rebuild, tires, chain and sprockets, all fluids, gaskets, and of course the carbs will need attention.

 

And 7-10 year old tires..... eeek forget it... GET NEW RUBBER!!!!

 

Thanks guys. I'd hoped the 500's didn't have a nasty flaw in the design. I really like the styling of the XJ's. I'm hoping to get a look at them soon, just wish they weren't an hour+ away. If I *do* buy 'em getting them home will be interesting. Think they'd fit in my Hyundai? :wink:

 

If ya' get 'em, post your location. Might be someone close that would be willin' to HELP...

skillet

 

I got a chance to look at the bikes. Or I should say "bike". Bike #2 was a collection of cardboard boxes with a mix of parts, next to a frame that had been hacked to pieces. The "90%" bike was slightly better, only in that it hadn't been disassembled. It had been dropped though. Maybe off a cliff, from the look of it. Then stored in a pond for a while, or some other rust-inducing place.
It was such a disappointing mess I didn't even bother to drag in my battery and jumper cables to see if it would turn over. And the guy still wanted $600 firm. Crimeny, what a waste of 3 hours of my life...
I envy you guys with the "I paid the guy $150 and was able to ride it home" story's. Where I live anybody with something that remotely looks like a motorcycle acts like it's a family heirloom made of solid gold. A 25 year old bike without a title that hasn't run for 10 years can have an asking price of $500 or more. They'll ask $300 for a beat up old moped up here. If you want to feel better about where you live check out Craigslist motorcycle ads for Buffalo, NY. I'm not giving up, but this is going to take a while. Wish me luck :?

 

Here is a Canadian bike not far from you if you are in Buffalo area. Needs some work but add says "make an offer"

Really should add location to signature so we can assist you.

http://stcatharines.kijiji.ca/c-cars-ve ... Z289195373

 

None of these bikes are a "ride it home affair" without paying closer to a grand. My bike, $450, needed new rubber, reconditioned carbs, oil change, petcock rebuild, fork seal cleaning (sealmate), exhaust reattachment & sealing, headlight bucket, and electrical diagnosis.

However, for $300 I have it all up and running. I ride it every day to work and it has never left me stranded. Puzzled, but not stranded.

I think it is fair to say that these were one of the best bikes of the era. Period.

However, I want something bigger, better handling and with more grunt.

If you want to commute, it beats the hell out of a scooter that all the freaks around here ride.

 

Now you know why Skillet said that what the owner says is (suspect)

It only cost 3 hrs of your life to learn this... at least you didnt buy junk!!!
It could have cost a lot more!!