XJ550 A few general questions.

Hello all!
Just bought an 82 XJ550 in immaculate condition but I'm fairly new to bikes.
Going to start working on it at the basic level... filters oil change etc.
I've read the best choice is a 10w40 semi synthetic but wanted some opinions.
Also thinking I need a new battery.
I'm in the military and don't have much time to get my hands dirty with the bike but I'm very excited to get riding!
Any suggestions on air filter as well?
Thanks!

 

EM,

Thanks for your service. This is not to rain on your parade but your bike is 30+ years old. Since you don't have the time to do extensive wrenching there are some essential scheduled maintenance items that probably haven't been done in a long time that should keep her road worthy and you safe. I'd start with a valve clearance check and compression test.

Gary H.

 

And let's add to the above: brake fluid change, caliper and master cylinder rebuild, maybe brake line replacement. Lubricate all the control cables. Adjust the clutch. Check the charging output of the alternator and make sure it's a battery problem rather than a charging system problem.

 

make sure the oil is JASO MA rated

 

Is that US Military or Canadian Military?

 

If it's not US Military I'm sure Snow and the rest of the Canadians appreciate your service .

Gary H.

 

Canadian. I'm a lineman.

 

Also thanks for all the replies I appreciate all the info.

 

Will signals from an 82 400 work for my xj550?
Found a great deal

 

How many wires are coming out of each signal? What is the inside diameter for the stem? Is this for Maxim or Seca? Front turn signals or rear turn signals or all four?

 

Chacal, late response to your post but would you suggest a specific order in which maintenance to perform? Or was that implied in your post lol.
I'm coming up on some leave for the summer so I'll have a lot of time to focus on this.
Thanks again

 

Sorry, all four. I believe two wires from each signal, as for stem diameter I can't be sure.
I'm a bit sleep f***ed as I just got back from a week long exercise. Bugs were bad haha

 

Go west young man skeeters and flies are big in Ontario and very plentiful

 

Another question. I've heard different things regarding what type of oil to use. Keep in mind i have an 82 xj550.
Heard 10w40, heard 10w40 semi synthetic, also heard 20w50.
If I could get some clarification that would be awesome!

 

oil thread
http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/choosing-the-correct-oil-for-a-wet-clutch-motorcycle.43702/

go with a stock air filter

 

Thanks a lot!
This is my first bike and I'm learning quite a bit really fast. I love it!

 

I use yamalube 10W-40 all the time.

 

What's the price like in comparison to normal oils?
I may be able to get Yama lube but it's out of my way.

 

I don't know I buy it by the box for carburetor clinics… So I always have plenty on hand

 

Gonna post here instead of starting a new thread. I've looked around and don't know if I maybe have the wrong mount bracket with my rear signals... but can anyone with an xj550 maxim (mines an 82) take and pic of where their rear signals are mounted?
Stock?
Thanks!
-EM

 

81 550 maxim bolts are not oem

 

bracket and lights stock

 

the eyes see what they want. the camara shows the truth I have a lot of painting to do this winter

 

You also have a weld repair or bracket replacement job...bracket to frame, left side of centered hole directly under the seat.

Gary H.

 

I do not understand ? which picture, do you mean where the mounting bolt goes as centered hole?

I am sure when frame is striped to bare metel many things will pop out

 

Looks like I don't have the right bracket.
Thanks XJ550H
-EM

 

The split next to where the bracket peg sits in the hole. I exploded the view. Now it looks like a notch for a formed brake. Sorry about that.

Gary H.