Advice before purchase welcomed

I'm going tonight to look at a 1982 seca 550 and would like to know what I should look for . like common failed parts, common rust areas etc. It doesn't run. Carbs are off. And has sat for 2 years or so from what I can gather. Any advice is welcome.
I'll update this tomorrow if I purchase the bike tonight
BTW I'm new to this forum .. Because well I don't even have the bike yet. This will be a second bike as I have the modern version of the xj550. Currently ride is 2006 FZ6. Thanks

 

Ask when the valve clearances were last checked. Assume they haven't and that you'll need to when it's yours.
Ask if the brake caliper has been rebuilt. Assume it hasn't and that you'll need to when it's yours.
Ask if the rear brake shoes have been replaced. Assume they haven't and that you'll need to when it's yours.
Find out if the engine turns over or if it's seized. If you have a compression gauge, bring it and test the cylinders (with permission of course).
Check for both side covers (the plastic ones) as they're a bitch to find replacements for without spending and arm and a leg on ebay.
Make sure it hasn't been hacked to pieces in a failed chopper/bobber/cafe-racer attempt. Best indication of that is whether or not the airbox is still present.
Having the key is nice. Having it work in the ignition, tank, seat-lock, and chain-lock is nice, too.
Check for rust/dent holes where the center stand meets the muffler.
Look at the rubber boots that connect the carbs to the engine. Those are pricey to replace.
Is there a title to go with it?

I think that's the majority of things to be concerned with. If it doesn't run and has no title, do not pay more than $550 ($1 per cc). Use what you find out about the above to help gauge how much more or less to offer.

 

I prefer the $1 per pound approach when buying dead bikes, after all it is scrap metal until you restore all of the above. So a 550seca is about 400 lbs!

 

time and money is what you will need the most of. expect to spend 500 fixing it up to street standards . unless he has reciepts assume he is lieing about all parts replaced
you could do many tests if you have a multi meter, checking ignition both (2) the coils and pickups from the tci connections would be a start. you could ohm out the charging system.
see if he will let you remove the left side crank cover and using an 18 mm wrench turn the motor over to make sure it is not siezed up just do not break the pick up coils. inside gas tank rusted bring a goo flash light

there are recent post about testing both. look for it to be all stock carbs off does it still have the airbox installed? does he have the carb boots?.
when you test never look happy with the results or you loose bargining position.

if the paint and sidecovers and body parts are all there and good adds value.

 

Well doesn't that suck. I try for 2 days to get ahold of seller for him to msg me a set a time for tonight to see it. But just 15 mins before I leave.he text me to say .. Bike sold today ..

 

Thank you for all your suggestions. The asking price was 400$ now in sad its gone. I told seller I would offer the full 400$ if he could still take the offer . but I think it's to late. I'll have my eye out for another.. For sure ..

 

Ugh. Sorry. Now you know it was worth it.

 

He just knows that someone paid that much for it.

 

Well I have some news. I found another xj550 for sale .. And didn't let this one get away from me.
1984 xj550 Maxim this time. Good running bike . low kms . all there nees s tlc. And I get to take it home later today

 

Nice looking ride !

 

now stop looking or tomorrow you'll find another one, and then another......then it's too late, you need a new garage

 

I was looking because the 550 seca sliped away from me. Want a old school bike and I have never owned a air cooled bike.
I have enough now I think. Dailly fz6. The xj550 on temp plate . rz350 to find parts for. And a susuki gn400 to turn into a cafe bike for my daughters first bike. It's a major project.. Not running no keys. Very rough. But my daughter is just 13 so we have time for this father daughter project

 

Stop looking is a good advice I should have followed this morning...I saw a complete Seca550 with title for sale for 250 CAN$ two hours away form my place, ah temptation !

 

Hey, @Mscsphoto , any pictures of the RZ? I want i want i want one!!! You should do a post in "Other Motorbikes" so I can drool. Haven't ridden one since my buddies' got stolen in the 90s. Had another buddy with a 500, but he wouldn't let me ride it!