howdy

Howdy, I'm new 'round these parts.

I'm buying a 1982 xj550 seca for $500. It runs well, but needs starter fluid to get going. It has non-stock chrome air filters, one per carb. I saw them for sale on the internet with a note saying something about needing to increase the jetting 25% or else the bike won't run properly. SO... I think that may be the source of the starting problem. They were on the bike when the current owner bought it 2 yrs ago.

I'd like to take it back the stock airbox and filter. Any suggestions where to get those old parts?

Also, I've looked on the internet for info on this bike, and I see references to xj550, xj550r, xj550rj, xj550rh, etc. etc.

Can anyone tell me what the differences are (or point me to where I can read it for myself)? And how can I tell which one I have?

 

Welcome bbacher;
As far as the parts you need ebay is a great place to find parts for these older bikes.
It also sounds like you might have a plugged up starter circuit, which would intale a carb cleaning, a common problem among these bikes.

I would recommend the XJCD which has all sorts of info for these bikes, and possibly a haynes manual. the cd you will find info to order in the links section, the haynes manual can be bought on ebay or your local book store can order one for you.

Let us have your VIN# and we can tell for sure what model you have.
Post some pics of your ride in the gallery.

 

I don't think haynes makes a manual for the 550. But clymer does and it's pretty good.

 

I've kinda flirted with the idea of switching my bike to the pod filters. I would consider trading you for my stock airbox and filter.

 

Thanks, all!

I see I've got some reading to do. To think that somebody else may have had similar problems before that I can search for... imagine that! :wink:

I have the Clymer manual (bought it used for $3.00).

The bike should be in my hands in about 5 days. I'm eager to start tinkering!

 

I am interested in switching to individual pod filters on my XJ550 Maxim... Is it true that you have to rejet the carbs?

Has anyone had any trouble or success with this?

 

Here's where I read it:

http://www.oldbikebarn.com/part.php?id= ... PerPage=10

 

Here's the VIN number: 4U8020405

What is it?!