New Owner, first bike

Hey all,

Just bought my first bike. Its an '81 XJ550 seca. I was wondering if anyone could give me any pointers or some info about typical parts to replace or upkeep and service advice!

Thanks

 

Welcome from Ontario!

First check your back brake drum for delamination, then probably get ready to dig into your valve clearances. Trust me you'll more than likely have more to do than you thought, but you'll learn tonnes.

Here's where to get more info:

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewforum/f=21.html

Also, fill out your profile with your Bike make and model, and even your location, perhaps there's some people in your area who are on this forum.

 

lol...... never bought a bike that didnt have siezed rear brakes. if it sat or hasnt been run, do rear brakes, check your fronts. make sure your master cylinders in working order and CARBS CARBS CARBS!!!!! enjoy the site... its an instant manual with many old school gurus!!! everyones more than happy to help you out. good luck, ride safe, and open a photobucket account so you can send lots of pictures

 

Welcome from Michigan!

Get a factory or Clymers manual and go through ALL of the maintenance items

 

Good info already, WELCOME from TN!!!

skillet

 

Check the valve clearances right away; chances are they've been neglected and you can't effectively sync the carbs if they're out of spec.

IMMEDIATELY check the rear brake for delamination; this is what I discovered on my '83 Seca 550 with only 7100 miles on it: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

And then get started on this list:

- check tires, condition, and date codes.

- inspect wheel rims for damage or excessive runout.

- check front brake pads.

- inspect disc brake calipers for damage, wear (thickness), or excessive warpage/runout.

- VISUALLY check rear brake shoes for wear/delamination; adjust rear brake pedal linkage. This is very important. Delamination is common, the only way to detect it is to SEE it. xjbikes.com/Forums/vie...15874.html

- inspect/lube/adjust/replace final drive chain and sprockets. Keep an eye on the chain. If it "bleeds red" when being lubed and won't hold adjustment, it's rusted internally and will need to be replaced. Always replace both sprockets with a chain.

- check and adjust if needed operation of front and rear brake light switches.

- replace rubber brake hoses (check the mfg date stamped in them).

- unless known to be otherwise, plan on rebuilding the brake master cylinder and caliper(s).

- check and clean/replace the air filter element.

- change all fluids: fork oil, engine oil, and brake fluid.

- check and repair any engine or drivetrain/suspension fluid leaks.

NOTE: almost any original oil seal or engine case gasket will need to be replaced when its cover is removed for the first time.

- check and adjust/lubricate/replace steering head bearings.

- check and adjust/lubricate/control cables and speedometer and tachometer (if applicable) drive cables..

- check and adjust/replace rear shock absorbers.

- electrical system inspection, replace fusebox and most probably alternator brushes.

- check battery condition; replenish fluid (distilled water only!).

- clean the battery terminals.

- check all lights for proper operation and brightness (headlight, tail/brake light, turn signals, dash illumination).

- check horns for proper operation and loudness.

- check stator resistance.

- check rotor resistance.

- check battery.

- check coil primary, secondary, plug caps resistance.

- check engine cylinder compression; record your findings.

- check and adjust camchain tensioner.

- check and adjust valve clearances; record your findings.

- drain carbs, check for foreign matter in bowls, install in-line fuel filter.

- check function/operation of fuel petcock; correct any leaks and/or rebuild the petcock if indicated.

That should get you started anyway.

 

Welcome to the forum! Your bike will be in good hands if you pay attention and are willing to get your hands dirty. The part of your intro I noticed was the "first bike" part. Are you new to riding as well? If so, 1st thing on the "keeping yourself alive" list is to find out where they offer MSF BRC (beginning rider course) in your area, next and while you are waiting for that course to start, read everything that you can about riding safely....unfortunately, you probably also saw the thread about our recent loss of one of our brothers....we don't want you to be next!

Here's a good place to start, read every single entry then start looking at the stickies....

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=11852.html

and don't be afraid to ask questions, I've NEVER seen anyone busted on here for asking any kind of question.

jeff

 

I bet he's sorry he asked. But not as sorry'd he'd be if he didnt