Just got a 1981 seca 550

Hey everyone I just joint this forum because I just recently bought a 1981 seca 550. I saw it and fell in love with the way it looked. Hope you all can help me out if I need it I have a few questions to start out. First things first is it needs a new chain and sprockets. It is stretched a ridiculous amount. What and where can I buy a nice set. I saw some on eBay and those seem cheap or does it not make a difference. I obviously have to rebuild the carbs on it because it does bog a little and has a little bit of a rough idle hut it drives great. I think there is a write up on here so I will look for that. And one thing kind of weird with this bike is that it won't shift into neutral if it is UNDER 3000 rpms. What can be the deal with that. I'll post pictures of the bike soon since I know everyone likes seeing pictures. And oh yeah it needs a left side cover! I have the white one and it doesn't have one and I would love to get one. eBay does not have any on for now but if any of y'all do please shoot me a message!

Thanks
Danny

 

Hi Danny. Welcome.

For most parts, you're probably best off checking with Len (the XJ4Ever link at the top of the page) first. If a part is available new, he'll have it, and at a good price. He also has a decent stock of used stuff.

 

I'll second that. XJ4Ever has your parts, and the correct parts, at very reasonable prices.

THE VERY FIRST THING you need to do is to visually inspect your rear brake shoes for delamination: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

Your shifting issue is likely a mis-adjusted clutch or you need an oil change; you'll need to adjust the valves before you can do the final adjustment on the carbs; and for the side cover, just stay on top of eBay, one will pop up soon (if somebody on here doesn't have a spare.) LEFTS are relatively easy to come by; it's the RIGHT ones that are super-rare.

Start by tracking down a service manual; the Clymer is OK, a factory book is better.

 

X2 on the oil, my bike had a hard time finding N with the PO's dirty oil, changed and now it shifts fine.

 

Welcome to the site.

 

So here she is. Pretty good shape overall. Needs a good cleaning. Mostly Everything is there besides the left side panel and centerstand which i am going to get. Was wondering if there was only one trim model for this year. If there are more do you know what this one is and what the difference is? I am going to check valve clearances, get new sprockets and chain, rebuild the carbs, and get new brakes. I really want the stock exhaust pipes because i dont think these are stock. I noticed in other pictures they sweep up and these dont. I want to keep it stock. A thing that i thought was cool is that it has the original chain that works with the ignition key. I would think that is not to common. Everything works. Shifting is actually great. Gets into neutral fine i dont know what the guy was talking about. But yeah here she is. Im sure y'all know way more about this bike that i do. I definitely know where to go if i need help with something.






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Nice looking bike. Gonna try to answer your questions. First, those are not the stock mufflers. Headpipes appear to be correct. I can't tell from your pictures if the exhaust collector is correct or not. For '81 the 550 Seca only came in white like you have. '82 was red and '83 was black. When looking for parts make sure they are for the XJ550 Seca. The XJ550 Maxim was more of a cruiser and used many different parts. If you have any questions on which parts are interchangable, there are many of us on here that are more than willing to help you out. Some of us may even have the parts you are looking for. I have an extra center stand. Just PM me if you are interested. Sorry but I don't have a white left side cover.

 

You're right; those aren't the original mufflers. Original mufflers look like this: (except without the dent)




I gotta get ready for work so I don't have a lot of time to type right now. When I get a chance I'll post up some additional info for you.