Was fuse box replaced? - mine was causing intermittent cut out. (I didn't see a reference to it above).
Concur on keeping it stock. I am amazed how many try to tweak the XJ's for better performance. The competition for power/speed was really great...
Plus one on the new battery being bad. My last replacement was bought new this spring, was sluggish from the get go, and crapped out after a few...
I realize there are many threads devoted to new comers that are "how-tos" for maintenance and rebuilding. I thought it would be fun to have a...
I find the allen head bowl drain screws from Len are more than a cool factor. They make draining it much easier. Especially if over the years you...
The queen was a class act. We could use a few officials with that kind of tact, grace and servant spirit.
I had that issue. As mentioned, one possibility for you to check - it turned out to be corroded fuse box clips. Does it have the original fuse holder?
After getting the wrong parts from several "big box" online stores :( I only order my parts from XJ4EVER.
I have never used a YICS tool synching my carbs. Owned the bike for 39 years.
Been using these snce 1985.
I bought my '83 XJ550 Maxim the weekend before Easter in 1985. I am guessing March 30 1985 I drove my brand new XJ off the dealer lot. So, 37...
A lot of people buy these vintage bikes for a couple hundred bucks thinking they will get a cheap ride. While cheaper than buying new, I estimate...
I have had my XJ550 since new, I have never used a YICS tool for a running synch, and no issues.
Weather finally got warm consistently so finally got my XJ550 out and rode it to work for the first time this week. Fired right up after 7 months...
I would be leary of using a tube, especially on a motorcycle where this is nothing between your hide and the pavement......
My XJ550 does this when clutch cable slightly out of adjustment. If that doesn't fix it, then proceed as indicated above.
Simple Green and a small brush as stated is great for degreasing. Just be careful not leave it on paint for long periods of time, as it will...
The question for me today is what have I NOT done with my XJ550. It has been so cold and crappy weather in the midwest, I still haven't got my XJ...
Not an expert, but if the clutch swing arm was reinstalled/installed incorrectly, even moving it with a screwdriver may not completely disengage...
Have you checked the clutch cable adjustment and the clutch throw lever? This thread might help:...
Here is my homebuilt manometer, to give you more ideas: https://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/2-bottle-sync-tool.19139/ I have never used a...
This is also handy to have when parking on hot asphalt...I usually use the center stand, but have even had that sink until the wheels touch the...
I am a one owner 83 XJ550. The fork seals were replaced with "lifetime" seals ca 1989. I replaced the fork oil, but not the seals, about 10 years...
K-Moe - nice job on leg fairings. I've had my XJ550 since new and have two observations, the first similar to yours: 1) I don't stand the cold...
Be sure to get the gas issue fixed, then change the oil before running the bike again. Dan's explanation of the cause is likely spot on.
Xj4ever is by far the best place to get replacement parts or upgrade to OEM parts. You get the right part, at a fair price, and quickly. You get...
Agreed, haggling is much more common, and expected, outside the USA. On used/private sales, it should not be offensive. Even in retail, if you...
Here are a few checks to get you started. Safety first.... 1) Check valve clearances before doing any engine/carb work...it can be the root of...
Wouldn't it bypass the filtration with those holes?
I have heard of ebay boots delaminating inside, which is not good. I would avoid them. I used RTV to cover my intake boots on my XJ550. If I...
Happy New Year. Yesterday at noon it was 50 degrees and a few motorcycles were out. This morning it was zero and -18 degrees F windchill. Won't...
Or Hiroshima/Nagasaki
Aftermarket mirror extenders might be the answer.
Some probably lost side covers because the rubber grommets holding them on (at least on my XJ550) cracked, and the covers fell off. I replaced...
Depends on how the bike has been used/stored over the years. My bike is one owner, and has never been stored outside, driven every season. So...
As I recall, my one owner bike had stuck drain screws on a couple carbs. In danger of stripping the head of the screw. Ended up using penetrating...
Once you do get them out. XJ4Ever likely sells nice replacement screws with hex heads. Will make your life easier down the road.
Carb cleaner sprayed inside really doesn't do much for the carbs on these bikes. In fact, they can probably do more harm than good...IMHO
I have had great success keeping my one owner xj550 running by regularly using SeaFoam or Mercury Quickleen in every tank. It won't "unplug"...
Beautiful bike. Check date on tires...even if lots of tread, they can be dried out and prone to cracking/less traction if more than 5 years old....
How do you distinguish male XJ from female XJ for the pairs? :)
Yes, doesn't sound to me like a TCI since these are wasted spark units, and the C3 and C4 will spark with the opposite plug (C3 and C1, C4 and C2...
Started process of preparing my XJ550 for winter storage this weekend :-( Where did the summer go?
[ATTACH] I have those engine guards on my XJ550 maxim - dealer installed when I bought the bike new. The main reason I had them installed was to...
Wonder if they rethreaded the block to get the pipe fitting to thread??? Then the original likely won't go back on.
I noticed the change in feel switching to stainless steel from the stock lines - likely less "swelling" in the line itself. However, I also like...
Good write up, and an exhortation to use oil rate properly for wet clutch motorcycles!
Very nice post. I have had my bike since new, do all my own oil changes, and every year I had to consult the diagram for the proper order. You...
I use this, but remember to put a towel over the open master cylinder reservoir or you might spray fluid everywhere. Ask me how I know.
Are your valves in adjustment? I believe hard starts can be a symptom of out of spec valves.
