What are the "usual suspects" and tips for a newbie regarding a XJ550 bike?

Hi all. As the title says I bought my first XJ550 (and second bike ever) 3 weeks ago.

I've been trying to read up on the engine (I got the 4V8, so the European version of the Seca), but from what I understand the 4V8 got some differences, like oil-cooler, dual disc-brakes etc, but essentially the same bike (at least engine wise).

The engine oil does support the engine, clutch, transmission with oil from what I understand, so changing this and the filter on a regular basis is of course something I will pay close attention to. Is this indeed correct?

Is there any like other "gothas!" on this bike? I'm just a rider in that sense, but I want to keep my bike in good condition.

I do think I will service it every other every year at a dealership. I live in Norway, so I will maybe ride 1500 km tops per year. At that is VERY tops

So I guess my questions are; if I keep real good on the oil and filter/airlifter, sparkplugs, breaks etc. how often do I need to make a carburation sync? How often do I need to check the timing chain? Is there any other part that do come in mind? Valve clearance etc.?

As I said, I'm very novice and new to this. I read the manual at got someone of a hint, but this is now a 45 year old bike, so if things are more prone to wearing out or something does need attention I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks all the good help and I really appreciate this forum and everything that goes into it. Makes a new XJ550 rider like me feel at home

All the best.

 

Regular oil changes are good, but everything on a 40 yr old bike is worn out or wearing out, if it hasn't been changed.
Synch the carbs when you feel they need synching, never take it to the main dealer, learn about it on here and look after it yourself.