XJ550 Caliper - Possible early build had parts from XJ650?

Hello,

I bought a project '81 XJ550 and it seems the bike has a caliper that looks like one from an XJ650 and not the caliper seen in the service manual. The VIN off the bike neck and engine are:

5K5-003911

Date on the sticker is 02/81

Before looking to close I ordered new pads from boats.net and when they arrived they were clearly different than what I pulled off. In checking what I ordered should be correct to the service manual style for an XJ550.

I note a few references on EBAY (not a source of trust when it comes to proper part number matching) for XJ550 pads that do match mine and the caliper on the bike:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/81-83-Yamaha-XJ ... fb&vxp=mtr

My caliper looks like this (identical to an 1980 XJ650 I recently sold) so it is possible this was original to the bike?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1982-Yamaha-650 ... 6d&vxp=mtr

Seondary question, will the caliper style from an XJ650 mount correctly on XJ550 forks, rotor and wheel? Or did someone change the forks, etc and the caliper just came with the replacement?

Thanks!
Tim

 

Re: XJ550 Caliper - Possible early build had parts from XJ65

Yes, that is what happened............the XJ650 Maxim caliper will ONLY bolt up to an XJ650 lower fork tube (it's a unique design) so a front end swap is the logical conclusion of what occurred. Hopefully they changed the front rotor, too, as it is also a unique part of the XJ650 Maxim brake system.

 

Thank you Chacal,

I assumed so. I have replacement forks and trees on the way due to the condition of the ones on the bike.

Will then be looking for a caliper and rotor.

Begs the question, is the wheel specific as well or can I source the proper rotor and it will work on either a 550 or 650 wheel?

Not sure of course with the front swap where the wheel came from other than it is a Maxim wheel.

Thanks for the insights!
Tim

 

Front wheels are zee same on 550 Maxim and 650 Maxim models, but the calipers and brake rotors are different.

HCP1567
FRONT WHEEL
4H7-25168-20-98
low gloss black finish
Size: 1.85 x 19"
dual-spiraled spokes design
Applications:
XJ550 Maxim
XJ650 Maxom
XJ650RJ Seca
XJ750 Maxim
XJ750 Seca 1981-1983

 

Thanks again!

 

Magoo, The link you posted of the caliper looks like the caliper for the 750 Virago front end I have on my 550.
I also checked the parts manual I have and it appears the calipers for the 550 Maxim and Seca are the same. If that is the case, (Len, could you confirm this for me?), I still have the caliper off the 550 Seca front end that I'd be willing to let you have for the cost of shipping from 83854 (Post Falls ID)

 

Hello Tgrhappy,

That is a really great offer and thanks!

The Seca thoughhas the caliper on the right whereas the Maxim is on the left.

Looks like different part numbers:

Maxim (Left):

Caliper Assembly

23W-25810-11-00 23W-25810-12-00

Seca (Right):
Caliper Assembly Right

23W-25810-01-00 23W-25810-02-00

 

I didn't notice the difference in the part numbers until you put them side-by-side for me. Sorry it didn't work out, and hope you find the right parts.

 

Thanks! That was a very kind offer though