1982 XJ550 Maxim exhaust

Ok, I've determined that my exhaust is a little too rusty for me to send off to jet hot, as I have lots of small pits and every drain bolt on the bottom of the pipes has broken off. The collector looks like it's seen better days too. Do I have any more options besides MAC? They are ok, but they blue up easily and they must be persuaded to fit. Any other factory exhausts fit? Thanks

 

I am facing the same problem with my '82 XJ550 exhaust. JC Whitney has some tail pipes that will fit that don't look half bad. Personally I am looking for stock tail pipes for my bike. Realistically I know that it may take years to find so for now I ordered these http://www.jcwhitney.com/dunstall-style ... 357y1982j1

 

Looks pretty good. I bought a set of MINT sportster mufflers and now it looks like I may have to sell them to help pay for the MAC.

 

The MAC?

 

Guys; Here's the deal. ALL of the 550s, 1981-1983, Seca AND Maxim, used the same headpipes and collector box. The only difference between the 550 Seca and 550 Maxim exhausts were the mufflers themselves. I've seen a 550 Seca with Max muffies on it and it was kinda sexy.

My point being, you have a much wider eBay search criteria than you realize. I've put stock exhaust systems on TWO 550s now, both Secas, including mufflers (harder to find for Seca than Max.) It can be done. (I do have an "extra" collector box I might be convinced to haggle for.) All you need is the collector box and headpipes; then you could use any mufflers you want. The "magic" is in the collector box.

Your choices are eBay a stock system or get an aftermarket 4-1. Kerker may still offer one, I don't believe MAC is your only choice. To the best of my knowledge there is no aftermarket 4-2 made for the 550s.

 

OK. With aftermarket exhaust and air filter, I have a green spongey one, Should I change my jets? I'll be rebuilding my carbs soon and I want to get it right the 1st time. Also, looked for a little while yesterday and only found MAC exhaust. I'll keep looking.

 

Whatever system you go for DON'T FORGET GASKETS!!! I just put on a MAC 4-into-1 onto my XJ750 and my dumb ass had to wrestle those stupid ill-fitting pipes off again to pry out and put new gaskets in. Rookie mistake of course. I'm hoping with the new gaskets (composite) it'll seat nice and run like a champ. I bought a stage 1 & 3 Dynojet kit just in case. Fitz is right about the collector box though. I was able to put on some old Sporty mufflers and it would have happened if the center stand wasn't in the way. They are back on the '81 CB650 now. Also thanks to Fitz for the great post on exhaust gaskets etc.

 

Supertrapp also made a system for the 550.

 

Years ago my mufflers rusted out from too many short drives. I replaced them with some Lu Hao Silencers Ltd. They have a nice look, almost stock looking. Used a few muffler bushings to adapt to the pipes. Don't know if they are still available though.

Just a side note... In the early 90's I had to go to Yamaha Motors Canada in Markham to repair a lift truck. While there they were purging old stock. I felt ill watching all those mufflers, pipes, tanks, and covers that fit my bike go into a scrap bin and then crushed. What a waste!!!

 

I've seen the same thing at Ford. I work at the truck plant and I've seen them scrap pallets of Harley wheels, consoles, etc. What a loss..