1982 SECA 650 pros and cons for owning

There is a local seller who has a 1982 seca 650 for sale. I am interested in hearing from the group what the pros/cons are for picking this one up! I have not seen the bike in person however the photo available, assuming the pic is of the actual bike, shows a really nice bike. Of course, I haven't personally seen the bike to hear it run or ride it, hence my question to the group before i make the trip. I already own an 82 650 maxim garage find which I have recommissioned and enjoyed every Knute of it.

Thanks for sharing your perspective and experience.

 

There are no cons. The Seca version of the 650 is relatively rare (not as much so as the 900 though) and I personally find them fun to ride (I guess that could be said of most any bike though ). If it's in decent shape or not more than you're willing to re-hab buy it.

 

It's essentially the same bike as your Max (pre-YICS motor) but in more "sporting" trim, with an 18" rear wheel, dual discs up front, and a nice long flat seat. If it's bone stock it also has an 8" halogen headlight.

Lots comfier for long distances than your Max. It is "taller" if seat height is a consideration.

 

I've had my 650 Seca for 27 years, and up until last spring it was my only bike and daily rider. The reason I kept it that long (and still love the bike) is that whenever I look around for a replacement I can't find anything that I like better. IMHO, the 650 Seca is the perfect combination of sportiness and comfort.
The only 'con' that I can think of is that it can be a bit buzzy through the pegs due to the solid engine mounts.
Also, the riding position is great for solo touring but a bit cramped for 2-up touring especially for two larger-than-average people. That's why I bought a 1200cc Triumph Trophy last spring. The Trophy is a great bike for touring but it's a bit of a tank around town, and I've found that I really prefer the 'naked' look and feel of the Seca for most riding conditions. That has given me a renewed appreciation for the Seca and has spurred me on to freshen it up and keep it for another 27 years or so.
It came in two variants - the silver non YICS version and the red YICS version. They are both called 82 models but the red is sometimes called an "82 1/2" because Yamaha switched to it in the middle of the model year. Mine is non-YICS but either one is a good choice.

 

Only in Canada (the red YICS version.) Us Yanks only got the silver non-YICS one.

 

I did not know that the US didn't get the YICS model.
Here's a scan of the original brochure if anyone is interested:

650 Seca YICS

 

I love mine - it was my first real bike and still my primary ride (though I've only been at it a couple years). Mine was a little rough when I got it but I'm not sure I could ever get rid of it, and if I ever saw a good deal on a clean example I'd never hesitate to buy a second. Even more so if it were the Canadian YICS model (though I like the silver more than the red, personally).

Damn cool looking bike, and I get compliments on my stock bike all the time, despite some rust. The bench seat is very comfy, and I found the bike just fits me better than anything else I've hopped on since. Screams when you open it up, but pretty tame around town.

I will second the buzziness, and the the bike is definitely cold blooded and hard to tune. Everything worth riding has it's quirks though, right?

 

I bought my silver Seca brand new in February 1985 as a leftover. My wife has ridden it for about 12 years, now about 63k miles on it. I wish I would have bought a truckload of them at $1700.

 

I was realllll tempted to buy this instead of doing the 550 project, but I couldn't let the thought of my now 550 being scrapped and wanted more of an actual project.

with the weather like its been, I keep getting this feeling to get on and scoot over there for two wheeled tuesday!! :lol: :lol:

 

Should get it anyway.........they're not a common bike--however since I got mine a few weeks ago there have been a bunch of them flying around the forum here------------------get it anyway.....you know you want it.

Dave F

 

oops im an idiot who hasn't slept in a couple days, heres the link

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/m ... 46512.html

it would be real hard not to buy if he would et it go for 350-4

 

Looks like a great deal. Nothing like that at that price comes up around here!

 

I have had 4 of these bikes. The first one, I bought in 1985 for 2500.00, it was a left over. I still have it.

The last three I have bought in the last 5 years have been: YICS for 250.00, another YICS for 500.00 and the last non YICS for 350.00.

The only cons I can come up with are if you are tall, 6-2, with a 32 leg is that it is a little cramped. The mirrors require some extenders to clear your arms.

I took mine to Cape Breton this past fall for a ride with my wife. A little cramped, but did the job just fine.

Offer 350.00 and work your way up to 450.00

Good luck

 

Some YICS, and some Non-YICS? You'll have to be a little more specific on which XJ models you had, then......

Dave F

 

He's in Canada. Canada got YICS-motored 650 Secas (in red) and non-YICS 650 Secas (silver like ours) too. The YICS bikes may have been considered '83 models.

 

2 - XJ650RJ, 2 - XJ650RJC, all 1982. I have sold the XJ650RJC's, still have the two XJ650RJ's.

Did the XJ650RJ's in the states have the stock oil cooler?

 

Thanks, Fitz..........forgot about the Ca. versions already--

Dave F

 

I am enjoying mine. It is the 1982 silver one. I believe that it was a one year only but they made a ton of these for the States. I think the red ones are a Canadian model.

 

I installed some Dyna coils on mine along with the plug wires. Had a dealership go through it and so far it is a blast. I would recommend a qualified place but do what you want because it is maybe a new hobby now for you.

 

Nope. Nor did our 550 Secas.