Why oh Why oh Why oh Why....?

do I love my Seca so much? Is it because it is my first bike? I bought an 89 Venture last fall-- and it can not replace the Seca. I find myself daydreaming about another Seca or Maxim--- a 550 with six speed. Am I nuts? This is probably the wrong place to ask.

For any of you who have both-- does the 550 feel any more light and lithe than a 650? I am intrigued by the extra gear, chain drive, and lighter weight. Why not a newer sport bike-- or something exotic? I don't know. I like the looks of the XJs best-- and I am not even sure why.

 

I've had this same debate with myself... weird really
I could have saved up and paid cash for a very nice cruiser (2000 or newer), but mine fell into my lap and it was the exact year and color I had a love for in high school. so, I bought it and it is was an instant love affair.
I wouldnt trade it now at all. there is something special about these bikes.

 

I've mostly ridden 650 Maxims. But I do have a 550 Maxim and a 550 Seca. Just getting the 550 Seca back together, got a temp fuel tank on it . It's geared so low and seems like it should be shifted around 4k or so... But once up to 6500rpm+ it's hard not to keep it rapped up as it's a blast to ride . Just got a replacement tank for it today.

 

I think a big part of the draw for the 550 is that it's nimble, but it's still solid (for a bike). I took a spin on my in-law's Buell this weekend, and I'll be honest - you'd never catch me on the highway on that thing. The 550 just has...substance, for a bike in its size class.

My $.02, anyway.

 

I agree completely. The 550 is a solid, stable yet nimble bike. It's VERY quick especially up to about 80 or so, and rock-steady at that speed. With a couple of minor suspension improvements, it's also very capable in the twisties. Not really a "two-up tourer" it's a perfect solo bike even for my lanky frame.

Shifting it at 4K is missing all the fun, Rich.

 

I replaced my 650 Maxim with an 89 Royale.

There is no way the Venture is as much fun around town, especially on a hot day.

When the temperature is cool it's much nicer than the Maxim. Pretty handy having all that luggage when making a stop at the store. Also, no way I was going to load up the Mrs. and all her stuff for a long trip on the Maxim.

 

my 550 Maxim has been on the road for about two weeks now. After 700+ miles I can say it is a blast! It seems happiest between 6K - 9K, and it is pretty quick!

 

i have a 82 xj650r but doesnt get fire to the plugs so i started my way from the stator and i put the multimeter on it but i dont no exactly how much it puts out can u help me

 

EACH PAIR, BLUE / ORANGE ---- BLUE / GREY, should read 700 ohms, +or- 20%

 

ive got a 550 max...

too small for me, but pretty quick now that the carbs are RIGHT...

way back it had no idle adjustment. it was horribly out of tune although it ran pretty good. i had to lay on the tank with WOT to hit 85. now i can do it with right wrist to spare while sitting up and im AT LEAST 80lbs heavier...

im not certain but it seems a bit loose. maybe because the fork bushings are shot (inside. they clunk some on bumps) but ill ride it at 55-65 no issues...

i never liked it for commuting to work (55 miles) because it felt too small and too light when fighting cross winds or semi truck induced 'bow wave wind'...

the 6th gear is kind of nice though