81 xj550 project

It was the only MC of the correct size and with shorties. Oh well. Works for now and I'll figure it out later.

 

First test run was a success. Only went 5 miles or so because lots of traffic already and constant stop and go. Didn't want to leave my area either in case bike breaks down. But all good.

Once fully warm, I think the idle is a bit high, need to adjust. Bike shifts through all gears smoothly, and has a good pickup. All of my previous bikes were 1000cc, so I'm quite happy with that actually-not-so-little 550.
Major Pita smoked like crazy afterwards. Think it's the engine paint and exhaust wrap burning and curing. Should be gone next few times. Definitely had that unpleasant smell that I know from other bikes.

 

I'm gonna put it up for sale for a (too) high amount of money - maybe it gets some interest while I enjoy riding it. In NYC, you never know...

 

IMO you should easily get a decent price. It's a well sorted bike in a very popular style. I'd give you a few grand, or a dusty dented xj750rj for you to start over with

 

IMO you should easily get a decent price for it. It's a well sorted custom in a very popular style. Some jerk with too much money will pay up! If I had too much money, I'd pony up a few grand. How bout a straight up trade for a dusty, neglected 750rj?

 

thanks for that. yeah, selling takes time that's why i already posted. i want to focus on the 88 FZR that i have, i also have a completely disassembled and boxed up GPZ laying around.
i am going to get the Major inspected today, brakes are all wired up and working. should be no issues. i threw on one of those side mirrors while the regular mirrors are being shipped today.
well, the bike will be around for a while, just let me know. btw, the vibrator is not included.
and i actually have no idea how to price the bike - or trade in for a buell xb (yeah, i still miss mine after all these years)

at some point and for a weekend project, i want to hook up the neutral switch again. i have a little light on the aftermarket control switch which will be perfect for it. if i get fancy, i also have a cbr front end in my garage which i could try to put on. but again, FZR is my priority.

 

Yeah, I was always interested in Buell. Either that or a Sportster with the Buell swap. Would've been cool if they could have done more with the Rotax engine they had...

 

Street legal. Woo hoo

 

Major Pita is now tested on the highway as well. And both bike and rider are still well.
Ride to get the inspection was about 20 miles in total and had everything in it, stop and go's as well as highway cruising.

Two things I need to look into:
Once bike is hot, idle is higher than it should be. I am on the higher idle setting side anyway, will adjust there first.
Second, the bike stalled on me at a traffic light. As if not getting fuel. I prime, nothing. I open the lid to check on fuel, try again and voila, fires right up. I think I saw a thread on here where I guy suspected that no fuel was running after a while because it had created a vacuum inside the tank (or something of that sort). Could it be that? No issues on last mile after that little incident.

 

Think the breather valve inside the tank lid needs a cleaning. Thanks hogfiddles.

 

So I'm thinking: intake boots warm up, get soft and expand which results in a leak which causes the high idle?

 

Nah.... The idle will be tend to be higher when the bike is warm.

I usually adjust the idle to where it's maybe a tad high when it's really really warm, but not too low when it's cold. But I also will adjust the idle speed, at times, or on some of my bikes depending on the season

 

Some cheap or old intake boots have been known to come apart on the inside and collapse, stopping airflow. No visible damage on the outside, but prevents engine from breathing. Probably not the problem here, but I wanted to put the idea out there.

 

They don't leak when cold, I tested with starter fluid sprayed around the area. Bike idles fine as shown in video a few posts before. Ride for like 10 minutes (engine gets hot) and it is racing. Need to take a video next time.

I can go down with idle a bit without having issues, but it wouldn't be enough to bring it down from that racing rpm when hot.

Inside is fine, I had them off in the build process and checked. Outside, where the clamps sit, is a bit cracked on one or two. but that's only the outside and covered by clamps. Again, simple starter fluid test didn't show any increased idle so I assume it all good (bike was kind of cold though).

 

What a blast to ride. Makes me want to get more tattoos for whatever strange reason.

With having temperatures of over 90 and an unpleasant humidity, I only ride the bike early in the mornings at the moment. Less traffic too.
Can't believe how smooth she runs. I like the seating position too, and the short clipons. All in all its a great ride. I just have to get used to shifting more, my previous bike was mainly in 2nd gear at all times.
I'll ride her for another 30 miles or so and change the oil. I read somewhere these bikes like the oil level on the higher side, correct?

 

Just fill it so there's a tiny bubble at the top of the window when you're on the center stand. Run it a bit to circulate oil through, then shut it off let it settle, check, and top-off if needed. Otherwise.... Just stay between the lines on the side of the window

 

Will do.
Thanks Dave.

 

Since my FZR is not going anywhere this weekend, I think I am going to tackle the neutral light project. Annoying not to have that.
I also need to route the clutch cable better. Side covers are on the list as well.

 

Um... they have. https://www.erikbuellracing.com

 

Yeah, but I was thinking of Harley. Imagine a 180hp Sportster.