In search of advice.

I've come across a listing for a 1982 Seca 550 for sale, it peaked my interest immediately. Not knowing much about XJ's my research has led me here, hopefully someone can shed some light on the fairness or not of the asking price. It's listed as being in excellent condition but with very little information other than the $1800.0o asking price and a single photograph (below). Nothing about mileage or service history but from the pic alone the bike looks to be in decent cosmetic condition. The text simply reads "Looks great, runs great" and if that's truly the case I want this motorcycle for my very own. It appears to be fully stock, intact and well kept but it would be helpful to know of any specific problems indicative of the Seca that I should look for when I see the bike. Any thoughts that you folks may have about the price or insights that may help me during inspection and negotiation would be most appreciated.

 

Oh man, for $1800 I'd give it a serious eye. Like all bikes with fairings, look for cracks in the plastic/fiberglass, and assume the worst with maintenance. Figure on putting between 3-600 into it to get it back into perfect running order, stuff like tires, front and rear brake overhaul, etc. Talk to the owner about maintenance, and see if you can get a quick ride around the block, this will tell you a lot about whether the valves and carbs need adjustment. If the valves are in spec (don't take the sellers word for it, check them yourself!) and the carbs are clean, you have saved yourself a huge headache, but if they need fettling, it is cheap and easy to do. The brakes almost always need work, don't assume just because the bike stops that the brakes are good, it looks like a rubber brake line up front, assume it is original and needs replacement. The rear shoes have a bad habit of de laminating suddenly if they are old, figure on replacing them. Chain and sprockets are easy to check, if the teeth on the sprockets are bent at the tips, replace them. If there is a SINGLE broken tooth, replace them. Replace both the chain and both sprockets at the same time.
Seriously, I'd check that out for that price.

 

The Xj 's are pretty bulletproof---- you got a good find there. The 550 Seca is a rather rare bike, and do hold higher value. As bank said, there are things you must check out for yourself regardless of what any previous owner says---- but it's ALL stuff that you can learn to do yourself..... Plus that's what we are all here for, too. Welcome aboard!!

 

I'm going to print out an inspection check list so that I don't forget anything, without it I would probably get to exited and blow whatever bargaining leverage may exist. It wouldn't be the first time that I've tipped my hand out of enthusiasm. I was in High School in 1982 when the Seca hit the road and my mother wouldn't let me buy a motorcycle, not even with my own money. I would have to ride my friends bikes, dirt and street but that's all I could get away with. I would love to ride this bike over to her house and do doughnuts in the front yard. LOL.

 

Just bought my '82 a few weeks back, fairing is cracked fender is scuffed side cover mount needs repair small hole in seat, although not rusted through the exhaust is clean and shiny but blistering under the chrome indicating rusting from the inside out. Run great rides great $1200. So for a few hundred more seems like a deal to me

 

Ron- much like you I remember the 550 Seca from 82 and had to have it when I saw it for sale in a front yard early this summer. This site is great with a lot of people who know a great deal about these bikes and are eager to share their knowledge. Working on the 550 is pretty easy with the help of this site. I stole mine for $850 but have put probably $600 into it: tires, brakes, petcock, gas lines, air filters, clutch, valves. Everything you need to know is on this site.

JB

 

Thanks for the welcome and the encouragement. I'm still trying to nail down the time of day but it looks like I'll be getting together with the seller on Friday, wish me luck.

 

Congrats on your find ...... I found my 550 Seca back in May. It was about 6 mi down the road where I stumbled onto it one day.

 

I've owned my 1982 Seca 550 since 1987, and have maintained and repaired it myself ever since. If you do purchase one and need advice, PM me. I also have some parts.

 

Since we lost our siggies, you guys who don't know me don't know that I have two of them, an '81 and an '83.

I see original brake lines in the pic. Here's the deal:

That price is a tad steep for an original, unreconditioned bike. However, if it is ABSOLUTELY all there, and the mufflers and collector box show no signs of rusting through anywhere and you realize it will still need about $800 worth of work (YOU doing the labor) then JUMP ON IT. But if it has been "molested" in ANY way; hacked fusebox, "interesting" wiring, anything stupid, then it's not worth it.

But if it is complete, untouched AND the motor blows good numbers (130 ~132psi for a healthy 550 is good) then jump on it. But be prepared to do some work.

It WILL be worth it (if you're up to it.)

 

Here' some inspiration. The 550R only got the fairing for the North American market, in the rest of the world it came "nekkid" although they got a grab rail we never saw.

My '81, rescued from under a pile of snow next to the highway




My DR, a slightly modded and upgraded '83:

 

Good to know, while I do my own maintenance and can usually handle the little thing's that pop up, I'm not really looking for a restoration project. I love these bikes but you have a point at that price I would want it to be ready to ride. It may not matter anyway I exchanged e-mails with this guy two days ago, he suggested a day and I asked what time and haven't seen a word since. the perils of craigslist.