New XJ550 owner

Hey all. I just bought a 1981 XJ550 Seca for my first bike and thought I'd join in here. I've been lurking a bit for the past few days checking out the forum and the information on the rest of the site. It looks like a pretty solid community for info on these bikes, so I figured I'd join.

I figure I got a pretty decent deal on the bike - 14K on the odometer and was in ride able condition for $550 with about a month left in the riding season here (Minnesota).

Looking it over, it's missing the faring (no surprise there), the right side grab rail and the right side cover. It shows evidence of being tipped on both sides (scuffs on the ends of the handlebars, footpegs and engine covers) and it's been repainted in a metallic plum by the last owner.

So far it's needed new air filters as a previous owner replaced the airbox and filter with those funky foam "pod" style air filters which had literally fallen apart. I also have a petcock rebuild kit on order with my local Yamaha dealer since it leaks fuel out the #1 carb when it's been parked for more than a few hours.

 

Nice looking Bike. Welcome.

Chacal on this site usually has better prices than the dealers do. Just PM him with your needs.


You should look a the carb cleaning and tuning threads and put a fuel filter in ASAP. Have fun.

 

nice bike, is that the stock exhaust? doesnt look like it.... and actually if it had pods... may want to keep them on cuz the bike's been re-jetted then, and if u switch back tothe airbox u may have to re-jet. also clears up alot of room.

 

Thanks.

I'll remember to drop Chacal a PM when I find parts that I need. A less expensive source for parts is always appreciated.

I've dug through a few of the threads on carb cleaning and synching already. I've found them to be FAR more informative than the Clymer manual I managed to find at the library.


The pod air filters had literally fallen apart. One was missing and another was only half there. The other two were starting to tear open around the support spring. I replaced them right away as I refused to ride until it had something to keep stuff out of the carbs. The airbox is long gone and will likely stay that way considering the hassle it would cause to put it back in.

As for the exhaust, I'm not sure if it's stock (or OEM replacement). Considering how clean it is, I doubt it's original.

 

Yea those foam pods are garbage if you are gonna use pods get good ones...

 

WELCOME! I have two very stock 550 Secas, and can tell you this: You're not missing the right-hand grab rail, there is only the one on the left. The mounting points on the right are there because Yamaha offered a factory luggage rack that replaced the grab rail on the left and used the mounting points on both sides. Those LOOK like the stock mufflers, post a better close-up pic or look at my gallery (mine are stockers.) If so, preserve 'em, they're not easy (not impossible, but not easy) to find. In-line fuel filter a must; and the jury is still out about removing/installing an airbox in a 550 Seca without yanking the motor. I strongly suspect your PO cut it up to get it out. If you DO manage to get one IN without pulling the motor TAKE PICTURES!!! Welcome aboard! Oh, and your fairing's not really missing unless you miss it. It was officially "removable" according to Yamaha, and the '83 didn't even come with one.