Airbox xj550 1981

Hi all,I bought a 1981 xj550 last year which has been rebuilt from the bottom up.It came with four separate koni style air filters fitted on each car.A mechanic friend advised me to fit the original air filter box and filter as the separate filters could make the engine run hot?I will take his advise however there are different airboxes fitted on variants of the xj550.Mine is a 1981 xj550 UK model.I did purchase one last year which was described as 1981 xj550 airbox but it wouldn't fit and looked like it was off another yamaha?Has anyone any ideas?Any reply will be answered.Thanks guys.

 

Good move to put stack airbox back in ,BRAVO It won't run hotter ,but jetting can be difficult to get right with pods plus can cause problem to ride in the rain IE can suck in water easily . It maybe a little difficult to refit , I can't say for sure what the difference between a US/UK airbox would be . Perhaps you could post some pictures of the airbox you have , some members have a 550 might be able to answer .

 

Not sure how different they are, but could you have a 550 maxim airbox? I know those are US only, but..
http://www.yamahapartshouse.com/oemparts/a/yam/50042013f8700209bc786d39/intake
http://www.yamahapartshouse.com/oemparts/a/yam/5004235ff8700209bc7879e5/intake-xj550h-j-k

 

uk model would be what is a US Seca. the boxes are different and a very tight fit.
there are a few threads in it



but
My 99.9% success story with pod filters

or contact the poster of this thread @simon perrin from Cornwall he may have a few tips for you
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/stock-air-box.102475/#post-540704

 

If it's UK then probably it's a 'Seca' although we have surprising number of Maxim's that have been imported. Either way it will be a pig to refit with the engine in and impossible with the carbs on (I struggled on a bare frame!). BigFitz used to reckon you could lean the engine forward by releasing some of the engine mounts to make it easier. Some even recommend softening with a hot air gun to make it more pliable. Good luck.

 

look at the vin for the model ID number US Seca = 4U8
from
TECH TOPIC: Model ID and VIN's
550's

1981-83 XJ550 Maxim USA: 5K5
1981-83 XJ550 Maxim Canada: 5K6


1981-83 XJ550 Seca USA: 4U8
1981-83 XJ550 Seca Canada: 4U9

COUNTRY: EUROPE

MODEL NAME: XJ500
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ500
MODEL ID CODE: 5N4
FRAME ID: 5N4
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

COUNTRY: GERMANY

MODEL NAME: XJ550
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 4V9
FRAME ID: 4V9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101


COUNTRY: OCEANIA

MODEL NAME: XJ550RH
STREET NAME: 1981 XJ550
MODEL ID CODE: 5F9
FRAME ID: 5F9
SERIAL NUMBER STARTS AT: 000101

 

Hi guys thanks everybody for your advice it's been a great help I'll start with the engine chassis/frame number that will give me a clue as to what airbox I need will post a pic of the xj550 shortly.

 

I was just searching ebay germany and it shows the swirly wheels for thr 550(seca) we have stright spokes in US on 550 Seca


you will need a few more posts before you can post links and photos I think

 

Ok thanks for advice.

 

BTW UK 550 'Seca' is code 4V8..

 

and German 550 is 4v9,

I would really like a set of swirly rims for my seca.

 

Thanks a 100 man got swirly ones on mine painted red,nice!

 

Yeh vin number is 4v8 o1212