Dang, I thought for sure my next bike would be a KLR

but I just moved and a block down the street is a darling Seca400 that is parked outside, non-running. I'm gonna have to go back later (when the wife said hubby would be home) and see about rescuing the sweet little thing.

 

ha, my KLR got stolen and I was set on getting a replacement. Then I ran into an '81 Maxim XJ550 and bought it that afternoon.

 

haha, yes these bikes just pop up with deals to good to pass up. I now have two and never had any intentions of even getting one. but o well they are very enjoyable bikes to own.

 

well technically the 400 Seca is an XS. I assume that's due to a lack of holes in the head. Other than that she looks an awful lot like a 550. I think she'll fill the bill for the "little" bike I've been sorely missing since selling my KZ200.
40 hp and 370lbs dry sounds pretty good. Eager to see if I can talk him out of it for a song.

 

Think of it as Half an XJ .. still DOHC , but only 2 Cyl
(Half the valves the check, carbs to clean.... hehe)

 

Yep, the monoshock "XSs" are really XJ Twins. More XJ than XS; what's reaallly nuts is that in '82 Yamaha also still offered the old twin-shock SOHC XS400 along side the monoshock Maxim and Seca 400s.

The Seca 400 is a sweet little bike.

 

I know it, just like a slice out of my motor.
I'm pretty excited already and I'm just trying to keep my cool so my enthusiasm doesn't show and jack the price up when I go talk to him. The tank to side cover lines are what caught my eye. Sadly the paint is all faded, the chain is rusty, really showing years of sitting outside but hey, I always say it's better to be clean on the inside where it counts.

 

Play up the rusty chain and all the stuff you'll have to replace just to be able to ride it again...

 

for sure. Chain, sprockets, rubber. LOTS of spit, polish and elbow grease require. The paint is mighty faded, that makes a huge difference to many folks (not me, that's a rat rider's version of two-tone) but if the outside is any indication the inside of the tank is likely plenty rusty. Money says all the electrical contacts are corroded. Hopeful the cams and rings are clean.

Stopped by today and left my number. Didn't get to chat w owner.