650 vs 550

hello all

New to the form and a new rider.

I’m looking at buying a 550 that the oil light comes on but won’t start. I’ve read over the form and seems a common problem in these bikes.

I’m also looking at a 650 that needs a new clutch but no motor issues.

It’s my first bike. I don’t mind the tinkering but I’m wondering if either has any strong points over the other.

The 650 is a 1982 with 25,000 km. and the 550 is a 1981 with 35,000km

I have not gone to look at these bikes yet. Wanted to get an idea of what I’m getting into before I did.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

 

The 550 sounds easier to deal with from what you've said, but both will need a lot of things gone through, and likely new tires/brake lines, valve adjustment, carb cleaning (complete re-build as a rule). We have all the info you'll need on this site, but that's my 2 cents... 550, but I'm biased.

 

650 is shaft drive, 550 is chain. 550 is a little bit lighter and more flickable, or so I'm told. I have an 82 650 and the GF an 81 650. It's what I started riding on and will continue to ride for a long time yet. Get yourself signed up for an MSF course if you haven't done so already

 

oil light comes on when starter button is pushed . normal it is to test the light bulb.

I love my 550s they are about 50 pounds lighter than a 650.
the 550 is quick and easy to ride loves the corners.
what would be the real deciding factor would be your inseam mine is 32 and on longer rides 100+ miles the maxim gets a little cramped with the seca 550 you can move back on the seat some for the leg comfort .

650 has a little more leg room

 

You stated it wont start for the 550 , if it will not crank over when you hit start button , is the kill switch in run position . Can you jumper start start solenoid , many times the solenoid is most common issue ( they are cheap and easy to replace I paid 10$ for a new one on my 750) if this is still not cranking what is battery voltage, can you jump start it ? All items to check.

 

I,m not sure yet. I am just going to see the 550 tonight. They did say it will turn over when they try to start just won’t catch and take off. This makes me think it may not be that hard of a fix but those are the ones that get you. Bike looks clean and well cared for in the pictures. I think it just wouldn’t start and they put it away in May and forgot about it.


Thanks all for the info and replies. I will know tonight if I am going to purchase it. It’s just how much more it may end up costing will decide if I want to buy it.

 

I’m about the same on the inseam but don’t see me doing that long of rides. Least not for awhile,so maybe the 550 is the best fit for me being lighter and a little easier to maneuver around.

 

Yes I noticed lots of info on this site from people who have been there done that. Will be a great resource if I buy it

 

I rode mine to work every night 36 miles easy ride comfortable I do like the weight and handeling.
they are quick and responsive to the throttle. just put it in the correct gear for the twist.
o ring chains are cheap now so that helps cut down on adjusting the chain as long as you lube it on a regular basis.

when i hit a moose one night bike killed the moose. fixed the bike it was ready to ride before I was ready to ride.

 

you can expect to spend around 500$
depending on what the current owner did/
recomend brake system rebuild caliper master cylinder brake lines shoes and pads.
you may be able to get away with a solid carb cleaning. then see how it runs before replacing throttle shaft seals and fuel rail orings.
I would replace the mixture screw washer spring and oring set up (4)
of course you will also have to check valve clearances evaluate wheel bearings normal maintanice that is often overlooked.
if it has good tires under 4 years old you will save a few bucks there is a date code on them

starting issue could be just bad spark plug caps or the wires need triming . with a multimeter you can examine the ignition system to pinpoint any issues

 

I suggest a compression check if possible.

 

Well, I got the 550. Brought it home yesterday. I didn’t notice at the time due to the side plate, but someone else cut the air box up and put on pod filter, that don’t really fit. So I guess it’s next to impossible to get another air box in without taking the motor out from what it seems, so I guess I will have to get another set of pods.

Does k&n make a set or just the universal clamp on one (RC-2372 part #). I read in another group the 550 are more of an odd ball size and hard to get pods to fit correctly. Also,I guess I will be cutting out what’s left of the air box lol.

I did take the carbs off and give them a once over. They weren’t too bad.

As for the no start. She will turn over, sound like she’s going to take off but won’t. It still needs the gas changed out as it’s pretty old I think. I don’t think it’s a serious issue with the no start.

 

An airbox can be re-fitted without removing the engine. Removing the carbs, starter, and battery box gives you just enough room.

 

Good to know thank you. I guess I will try and take the old one out. Well what they left of it lol

 

Well, good news. I finished putting it back together after the carb clean. Little shot of fluid in the carbs and she fired up.