New guy here, need some advice?

First off glad to be here, looks like a great community!

I want to say this before I go any further, I currently do not have my Motorcycle endorsement, and will not be riding until I take my local MSF certified Safety course, which I should be doing in the next couple of weeks.

I'm 20 years old, have always been interested in motorcycles, I've just always had to little money or to much going on to get onto one. But I've decided to finally get into a new hobby/sport. I'm very safety oriented, for a 20 year old I have absolutely no "I'm invincible" thoughts, I lost those in high school when I had some health issues.


While doing some shopping for a bike beforehand (to figure out how much I need to expect to spend etc.) I found an '81 550 Seca for sale, have done some research and really want my first bike to be an XJ. I like to be different and everyone in my area (and around my age) is "crotchrocket or bust". And I like taking steps... jumping onto a 600+ cc rocket is not even close to being an option for me.

Anyways, on to my question. This is the Seca that has been on craigslist in my area for about a month and a half.

'81 Yamaha Seca 550

When I get my endorsement should I look at puling the trigger on this? Or would the cost of repairing it be not worth the effort. I'm currently in college so budget it tight, just want to put that out there .

Thanks everyone

 

Plan on a budget of around $600 to get it roadworthy, safe and reliable. That figure assumes you will be doing the work yourself, and doesn't include any "cosmetics." There are some things that will simply have to be replaced, period.

Just so you know, the 550 Seca is the "Great Granddaddy" of the R6. They're great bikes, and well worth the effort, IMHO.

Oh, and I wouldn't give more than about $800 for that bike, and only if it runs. If he can't get it fired, $600 max. And get a compression test before you buy it.

 

I knew the Early XJ's led into the newer era sports bikes, Would be kinda cool to tell people I have their bikes grand dad haha.

Also thank you for the price estimate, I was actually about to ask that.

It's sadly the only one I've seen in my area for sale.. but it it turns out to be a dud then I'll definitely be shopping for one.

 

I paid less than that for my 83 XJ900RK. I've dropped a total of about $3K and all into the restoration, paint and all. If the carbs are that far off, that's a lot of work in clean and tune (most shops charge anywhere from 50 to 75 $s per carb and you have an inline 4 so do the math and that's just a clean). If you can find some help or are mechanically inclined, the "church of clean" thread and a manual will definately get you through it.
Other than that, the bike looks pretty good. You can still ride on a permit in the states and you need an active permit to take the MSF class anyhow.

 

Really? The one I'm applying for doesn't mention that req anywhere... hmm...

I trust you, just sucks to find that out. Guess I need to get to the dmv and take the permit test too...

 

I'm in Ohio, my dad used to be an MSF field instructor up in MI and both of those states require a calid learners permit before they let you onto the course, don't know what MS has for MSF course qualifications.

 

Well are you taking a basic rider course? It sounds to me like that's what you are probably doing, since you don't have a bike yet. (or a permit)

Is that what you are signed up for?

But as always, things can be different everywhere so just have a chat with the DMV to get the deets.

 

Yes, Basic Rider Course. If worse comes to worse I'll go and take my permit test and then take the class, either way it will be helpful.

 

Alright then you should be good without a motorcycle permit. During the course you will take a written test that takes place of going to the dmv and taking the test there.

Best of luck with everything! That seca looks pretty sweet, hopefully everything works out!

 

Welcome, you're correct in this being a great community. I got addicted within about 3 days of "arriving" lol

As Fitz says the bike you linked to is pretty overpriced but if you keep in mind the prices He quoted you I.E. $800 running/$600 top whack if you can only get a comp test & no fire up.

Always a good idea to take a friend to view & help point out to you (out loud) all the bad points while you go over it together. If the seller's playing tough with the price, the "good cop/bad cop" routine could help, your friend pulling you aside & saying "but what about that (other bike at other place) you were talking about?" or something like that...

If you can get it for a reasonable price, also as Fitz said expect to spend on complete brake overhaul/wheel bearings/tires/fuse box/full service & complete carb clean on top of any cosmetics. The cost of these recommisioning jobs can be reduced by doing them yourself & there's more than enough support & knowledge here to guide you thru the process.

The added bonus being that you then jump on a bike with a more thorough understanding of what each part is doing & how it's doing it, which IMHO is as valuable to a new rider as knowing the basic controls

 

Not sure how things work in MO but here in PA you have to have your permit to take the MSF course. Upon successful completion of the course you receive your motorcycle endorsement. Good luck and welcome. An XJ is a great choice for a first bike so long as your willing to get your hands dirty.

 

I don't mind getting my hands dirty. And even having to do the 6-800 dollars worth of work getting it reliable I would still be money ahead of buying a newer Bike for 2k+. And I would love to learn to work on bikes, as long as it would be doable with the tools/space I have.

Given the ages I'm guessing I would need to: fix or replace carbs, brake lines/components, possibly battery, tune up, etc. How long (doing it myself) would that all take, given I have no prior experience working on motorcycles (I work on my car all the time)?


I'll call someone here and see if the MSF course requires a permit to take. I just want to be sure I don't drop $225 on something that I can't even take yet.

 

It might vary state to state, but in MI you do not need the learner permit to take the MSF BRC. Completion of the MSF course counts as the on road test.

You still need to pass the permit wirtten test when you go to get your endorsement. Pretty embarrassing for me because I aced the course then failed the DMV learner permit test.

 

Well I looked at the MSF website and it shows in Missouri I can take the basic trading course in lieu of both written and driven tests at the DMV. Either way, if I take it and have to take the written again I'd be fine with it. Not a big deal really.

 

Ohio does require a valid Temporary Instruction Permit Identification Card to take the course. I don't remember if it required testing of any sort or just an application. Looking at mmsp.org, one of the FAQ is "Q. How do I get a learner’s permit?", so I'm assuming you at least need that.

 

I called the mmsp main office today and they told me that I did not need the permit, that the beginners course has a written test that would replace the permit test.

I think it's weird that it varies by state. But I guess every other vehicular law has some variation.

Thank you guys for bringing it up though. At least I was able to figure it out!

 

Not weird at all.

Other things that vary WILDLY from state to state:

-Vehicle inspections (or NOT)

-Titles, salvage titles, title transfers, lost titles and vehicle registration

-INSURANCE.

Any and all of the above are incredibly different depending on where you live.

 

-FINES
I remember back when speeding on Wyoming freeways would get you a $5.00 fine for "wasting" non-renewable resources. You paid the officer directly and he gave you a receipt. If you did the same thing in Oregon (at that time) you'd get a date with the judge.

Despite having a strong federal government the U.S.A is still comprised of 50 (sort of) independent states, each with their own brand of bureaucratic weirdness.

 

I'm in Missouri and never took the msf but I still should. I ate it twice my first year on my maxim x. When you have your permit make sure you don't ride at night. They view it very seriously and revoke your ability to get the m endorsment. This site has been a Godsend. Welcome aboard and good luck!

 

Great looking bike! And a great choice for a first bike. I don't know much about pricing on these XJ's but the bike looks in pretty good condition. Hard to tell from digital pictures, but it looks like it has fresh paint and at least the front tire looks new. I may be wrong, but it looks like the seller may have already replaced and repaired some things on the bike. You need to take all these things in to consideration. Ask him what has been done to the bike (brakes been rebuilt? Are the tires new (need to be less than 5 yrs even if they are in good shape)? Been repainted? Forks been rebuilt? New rear brakes?) If any of these things have been done, then it reduces your cost of getting her back on the road. The carburetors are tricky. But sounds like you have the smarts and you can buy rebuilt kits and follow the thread mentioned to rebuild them yourself. He indicates new intake boots, and needles/seats. That is probably about a $100.00 in parts he plowed in right there. Anyhow he posted $1150.00 and does not say firm. And I'm sure he understands that people will counter with a lower offers. So if the bike is in great shape with new parts and systems already done, I would say give him $1000. Otherwise, a cheaper bike that needs to be worked on and you may not have it on the road this season, or next. It takes time to work on these old bikes. Some bikes you have to almost fight with every rusty bolt. So that is the trade off in price vs repairs, riding vs wrenching. Good luck.

P.S., forgot to mention and the seller didn't indicate, but make sure it has a valid title with his name. Last thing you need is to get into that mess. Although there are ways to title a non-titled bike. Just adds to the cost of getting on the road however.

 

Welcome to XJBikes. The 550's are great bikes, great gas mileage and plenty fast. They aren't a full dress crotch rocket but not much slower at all. I would agree with the price range, but if it looks as good in person and it runs I would be willing to pay $950 for that bike-no more.

In Arkansas you take the written test and that grants a temporary permit, then you have 1 year to take the riding test to get your MC endorsement. The riding test was going between 10 sets of cones on a straight line, two turns (very slow speed) and then a 2 second 2nd gear acceleration followed by an emergency stop-VERY EASY to get the M.E. here.

If your good with tools I would estimate about 40 hours of shop time to go through what's been suggested. Of course if you buy an XJ I'll bet you don't stop with just 'road worthy'-fixing or refurbishing them is addictive and fun.

 

Reviving my thread with an update/questions.

Finished my MSF course, and now have my M-endorsement on my license!

The Seca I posted in my original post is still for sale... I talked to the seller and the brakes and lines were replaced before he bought it, and he has recplaced the Carb boots and float needles... He says the carbs need synched, but he did say that it starts and runs (will probably try to go see it this weekend).

If the bike looks good, and operates fine (assuming he allows me to test ride around the block), would it still be a good investment? I KNow everyone says pay no more than about $900-950, and I will definitely not pay full asking price ($1150).

Just trying to get some opinions from the more experienced riders and tinkerers of XJ's

Much appreciated!