give up or hold onto hope?

Been trying to do some work on my '82 but am completely frustrated.

When I first got the bike, it wouldn't start. Turns out, it was the batter. Replaced the battery. Worked best kind for about a week and then it just wouldn't start anymore. After getting advice on this site, I discovered that it was the start button. I tried to spray wd-40 inside the start button to no avail. So, I ordered a new start button part off this website (or one someone had recomended) and got the part. But in the process of removing the start button cover, it cracked off. Now, I have nothing to hold the start button in place.

I am thinking about taking the bike to a local bike garage, but don't want to spend a fortune of money on a bike that I probably wont drive for a long time, as this is my first bike. I am just wondering if there is anything I can do to"shimmy" this into place so that the bike starts. Thanks!

 

ask on the buy sell trade forum, i'll bet someone can fix ya up

 

sorry I can't be much of any help. but I am on the breaking point with my bike too.

carbs carbs carbs

and I've even spent a $400 repair rebuilding the entire upper engine with new rings, a piston, and new gaskets. for a bike that supposably had only 20 some thousand miles...

 

Ready to give up on a cracked piece of plastic? Really?!

You haven't even gotten to any real problems.

If you really are ready to quit... save a few thousand and buy a modern cheap fuel injected bike... :-(

 

Sometimes ya just have to walk away and clear the mind.

Vintage motorcycles ( out of production makes/models) will test you every step of the way till they are sorted. I started on a 46 HD in 1971...What a learning curve that was.......Britt bikes after they went under.....a little bit easier. Oil Cooled GSXRs from day one.....at least they were new at one point when I rode em......still have one too. Now its almost 30 yrs old.

Now I have a 82 550 Seca . Got it for free so I said "why not"? Needed sumthin that did not challenge me every time I thumbed the start button and slipped it in gear. Nice little 550....I mean really , how much bother can one of those be?.... :roll:

Its been fighting me every inch of the way....but.....I am winning! Its only a G#$D#@n machine, I am in charge.

Will it be worth it in the end?....Ya....I think it will be, or I would not make the effort. Its never gonna be some hi dollar collectible museum unit, but it should be a real hoot to ride when its sorted

Bottom line....it ain't easy, its not cheap and most important ya gotta want it

Kind of ranted a bit here, hope it helps.

 

MetalB, try to see it through his eyes.....you need to understand that for those that aren't mechanics or have lots of experience working on their bike, things that you and I consider very trivial, aren't to them because that have no "bank" of experience to call upon. Yes, as funny as it might sound, buying a battery can be a major dealfor some of our friends. They usually know that if they install it wrong, it can be catastrophic but they still have to unbolt it, then HOPE they buy the correct model number, then they have to put it in....and for someone that has never or only barely worked on a bike, that's a reach FOR THEM. So, I see where Jewel is coming from....I've seen it happen a lot.....usually, new, or fairly new guys are seduced by the lower prices of a older bike and also by the fact that they are far less complicated than new machines.

Jewel...don't ever let a machine get you upset....as inet said, it's only a machine, it doesn't posess the ability to "screw you" as much as we would sometimes like to personify it. Hang with it, one step at a time. Always work slowly until you really know what you're doing since 90% of the work that you'll end up doing is damage that YOU caused by going to fast and missing something or breaking something because you weren't paying attention to what that screwdriver was going to hit when it slipped, when you wacked it with a 5 pound mall!!


That's put pretty well Inet

jeff

 

Well said. Not all us are mechanics or wish to be one.
Also for many of us this is not a passion/hobby/vocation etc.
We are doing this because we have no other choice than to go the motorcycle route for transportation.

 

On my Seca 750 - at first, I rode around with a 1/2 inch wrench in my hip pocket - to cross the solenoid, to start the bike. Didn't bother me a bit to ride with a side cover missing.

Eventually I fixed it. Needed a solenoid, replace switch pod, AND wire harness.

Don't let a small item keep you from enjoying the bike.

 

wait wait WAIT. Dude go to radio shack and get a toggle switch and take the wires off the button and put them on a momentary-toggle switch. I've had a toggle switch hanging from my handlebars for FOUR YEARS. I taped the wires to the bars and let the switch hang tight. The switch can move momentarily in both directions, that's ok, only one direction will work. It's 3 dollars and 10 minuets. to save you a lot of Real Pain, Please be sure you have a fuel filter between your gas tank and carbs

 

My intent was not to be rude, but if a battery and switch makes someone want to give up... an older carburetor bikrle might not be for them.

Mechanically inclined and used to minor (non vehicle) wrenching, things like carbs and brakes still have me worried when I get to them (this fall?).

Maybe we should link to that overview post about taking care of older bikes. (On my phone so can't find it so well).

 

In that case, there are a lot easier ways to go about it than to start with a neglected 30-year old bike.

For some of us, me for instance, it's BOTH. It's been a lifelong hobby/passion; but it's also currently a very necessary form of economical transportation.

If you're going to run a bike THIS OLD, and THIS COMPLEX, as your daily transportation device, then you're going to have to work on it yourself. There are lots newer and lots simpler bikes that don't require nearly as much effort to 'recommission' and maintain, if cheap transportation alone is the goal.

 

I have a nice little switch you can have for free if you feel like devising up a way to keep it on your bars, like how "yamaman" had his. P.M. me your address and I'll send it your way.

- Matt

 

You can figure anything out with the shop manual and this website.

 

I agree 100% and I also understand very well the source of frustration the original poster is feeling.
Then read a flippant remark " If you don't like it. Buy another bike", just adds gasoline to a burning fire.

All I am saying is tread lightly.
Tearing a bike apart to it's bare elements on a Saturday afternoon may be one man's idea of heaven, to another it may be hell.

 

I can remember a little thing like cleaning carbs or doing a
valve adj as scary.

And even some good shadetree machanics shudder at anything
to do with electrical systems.

But I'm with the others that say "don't give up " just yet. It is an
easy fix-like the hanging toggle. I took a old button off
a space heater for my start switch and it still works after
2 1/2 yrs! I glued it to the bottom of the control.

 

That's not what I said, and I wasn't being flippant. What I said was, if you choose to use a 30 year old bike for the purpose, you need to understand that you'll pretty much have to work on it yourself. If that's not something you're able to do, or willing to learn, then there are easier and more economical ways to go, cheap-transportation-wise. I never said "buy another bike." My point is simply that this particular choice requires certain efforts and expenses that a newer and simpler machine might not.

NONE of this is all that difficult, mechanical ability-wise. There's just a LOT to it; if we were dealing with one or two carbs and screw-adjustable valve clearances, it would be a lot easier.

Quite honestly, the spectre of shim-over-bucket valves and 4 carbs is what drove me to the SR500 back in the day; one cylinder with screw-adjusted valves and only one carb. If only I had known then what I know now...

 

I know you didn't say that. I should not have lumped a reply to that in a message to you. It just pissed me off to see someone say that.

I grouse about the money but I really shouldn't the bike was free and think we are into it for about 600 bucks.
I do believe in the long run the cost combined with my sweat equity. will give me a better bike with more personal value than just buying an"Old bike" that already runs.
At least I know what is wrong with this one
My mistake was thinking this would be like working on my Honda. The most easy thing I ever owned to keep running. I have had lawn mowers that were more complicated.

This isn't rocket science, it is a matter of being thorough and knowing when to put the wrench down and walk away when things are not going well.

 

As a noob and a first time bike owner. I gotta say I was lucky I bought a 29 year old bike that ran, well. The PO took care of the machine. But there were things he didn't know about these bikes. I gotta tell you I was scared about doing the valve shims. Replacing my valve cover gasket and 'donuts'. But with the advice of people here and some great how to's I got it done. I am not really all that machanically inclined. I am an I.T. professional. I can fix computers, configure routers/switches and troubleshoot network (wan/lan) issues in my sleep. But a machine like this XJ650? Completely new to me. But with some research, some advice and going slow and double and triple checking I got it done. Now I am not saying I am ready to rebuild the bike. In fact this fall when I do my front breaks I will be terrorfied. Simply because, it is the breaks and well honestly you screw something up with the motor it will not run. You're safe, breaks, however, will just not be there when you need them.

I guess what I am saying is don't give up hope, listen to some of the guys who have been around here for a while and do what you can when you can. The reality is this. These bikes, I am guessing are still around and I am sure they have way out lived their life span as designed. With a lot of patience and time you can get your bike running. The down side is yes it will cost you some money as well unless you can buy an alike bike to part out...

 

The only thing that defines the lifespan of any vehicle is the state it is in ( I don't mean Michigan :roll: ) when you get it.
If you have the patience, good information, basic (and some specialized) tools and money and time you can do it. If you want a bike up and running in a few weeks then money will be a significant factor in the process, but if you don't need it immediately then the costs can be spread out over months if not years and just keep plugging away.
With my Maxim-X, I took it off the road at the end of 03 and it just sat in the garage collecting dust until this year. Over the past two years I've been scrounging around on eBay and the classifieds here and buying stuff from Chacal (Len).
It was supposed to be on the road this year, but no job, fixing up my in-laws house to rent, then taking a nose dive down the basement steps and severely spraining my ankle has kinda put the Kibosh on that idea. So, now it will be a winter project (I hope).
As far as taking the bike to a shop for repairs you don't feel comfortable doing yourself, I have to agree with the other guys. Unless you can find an honest shop that does have knowledge of these old bikes, prepare to pay a lot of money to someone that may not know what they are doing just for the simple reason that they can't plug a code reader into the harness and have the onboard computer tell them that it's time to fidget with your interphaser and reset your throttle settings to 400 megahertz! :roll: :roll:
If you do get jammed up, then look in your area for a local Vintage Motorcycle Group, I'm pretty sure that someone there would be able to help you out or at least be reasonable in what they charge you to do the work, plus you'll make some great new friends. The people that are in those groups are dedicated to keeping older bikes on the road, so it's a passion to them as compared to a dealer that is profit driven regardless of how well they do the sevice on an old bike.
Just some food for thought before you decide to throw in the towel out of frustration.
Just sayin'.

 

A lot of the people in this group are dedicated to keeping old bikes on the road; and TRYING to help others do the same.

(When they'll listen.)

 

Wow! This is a lot of activity in a thread for answers to a question where the OP has never responded.

 

Well, he is from Newfoundland so I imagine that his answers are first sent by carrier pigeon to the docks, then transfered to a boat that has to make it's way to the mainland. After that it has to be translated into Canadian and then someone has to post a reply!
(Just kidding, some of my best friends are from Newf!)

 

Oh carrier pigeons are extinct now...smoke signals perhaps?

 

Newfoundland is so far out their that the carrier pigeons don't even KNOW they are extinct. And the last time I checked there is no known written language in Newfoundland.

 

Couple of things right off the bat:

1. I'm a girl...not a guy. Shocker, I know...
2. Carrier pigeons have been out of use in Newfoundland since the early 1990's.
3. I've been in University so I haven't been able to check this site as often as I would like...however I appreciate all the responses!!

I'm not the most mechanically minded person in the mind, but I am able to follow instructions. From this site, and youtube, I've been able to do a few minor repairs to the bike, but when something "cracks" I feel like it's one of those irreparable things. I don't like the thought of giving up hope on the bike, because I've enjoyed it immensely in the short time I've had it.

Newfoundland being the island that it is, doesn't offer a lot in the way of mechanics/shops which are able to assist in such matters. I've contacted the local Yamaha dealer (against my better mind), and the guy I was talking to was my age and had never worked on older bikes....

Thanks again to all of you who have tried to help...I'm going to try the "switch" idea suggested here and will let you know how it all works out!

 

Accept my appology about the gender remark, as most of the people on this forum are of the Male persuasion.
The carrier pigeon crack was meant with "tongue in cheek" :wink:
I did a quick search and came up with the following link:
http://www.bikelinks.com/directory/Coun ... foundland/
Don't know if this will help but it's worth a shot. Worst case scenario put an ad in the local press for someone that knows/works on older bikes, you may just find a local enthusiast just around the corner.
Good luck and keep us informed, we'll do what we can from here for you.


Cheers, Graham

 

For just a replacement starter switch, pretty much any of the momentary switches from here would work: http://www.epfguzzi.com/SWITCHES.HTM

 

I too have recently acquired a 29 year old bike, and I already know that I'm going to invest heavily. I live on a fixed Gov't pension so I try to get every part I need or want for as low a price that I can. This site has been a real blessing and I have already saved myself alot of grief by using the resources that this site offers. "Give up or hold on to hope", I choose hope. I would have preferred to own a Seca, but fate has seen fit to let me ride Maxims; anyway, I like Maxims, owned 2 650's now I'll try a 750. LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN! Well when I get a nice garage to do my thing in anyway. Sunday is finally moving day and I will say good bye to the Twin cities. My internet gets shut off tomorrow, so until I come back on line, Hasta la vista, baby

 

I've recieved the part (start button thing plus the spring) from len and have been trying to figure it out. From reading this site, and other google finds, I know that the metal thing has to be connected to the end of the red wire on the bar to make the bike start? Like to send a spark...or am I wrong?

When taking apart the casing, which is metal (to correct my previous statement that it was plastic), I accidentally cracked the "board" type thing within the casing which holds all the wires together. All that's left on the wires are the end tips. I have tried everything! I have charged the bike to ensure that it wasn't just a dead battery, but no, when the key is turned the lights come on.

I am going to go to radio shack tomorrow and get one of those switches that was suggested earlier. The only problem is, I'm not entirely sure how to connect it. Does anyone have a detailed description of this process, ideally with pictures? I've looked through the copy of the manual I own for the bike but wasn't able to find anytihng about reassembling a start switch.

If I knew how to attach pictures to this post I would to show exactly what i'm working with...thanks again!!

p.s. My "smile" faces in the 2nd post didn't show up...I was quite amused by the carrier pigeon comments haha

 

you cant give up, trust me I had (and still have) many nights when I want to just turn the shop upside down and throw the whole toolbox in the river. I mean beyond pisstivity. but after a little while your head clears and and you get through it. ther is sometimes a painfull cost but the payoff is worth every busted knuckle, and every hour -after work wrenching, going to bed thinking about float levels, ordering the WRONG valve shim and doing it again, breaking stuff.. just dont give up you gotta see it through IT WILL COME TOGETHER.

 

Unfortunately I am unfamiliar with the wiring schematics for the 550's, but wanted to say a few things about working on older bikes:

I was very intimidated when I first started working on my bike. I've worked on cars before but it is an entirely diffrent situation as I soon learned.

After Much research and plenty of patience I began the task of teaching myself through a haynes manual and this invaluable web-site, and it really isn't that bad at all.

Patience is probably the greatest asset any new older bike owner can ever find, and the tools can be aquired over time (fortunately). Looking back on all that I have done to my old bike I am suprised and proud of all I have learned and done, as it is an accomplisment on learning how to do a lot of this stuff and I find enjoyment in working on my bike.

As a person with limited funds it pays to do tons research and to become resourceful (and sometimes cheap) in order to get the job done and keep her in good shape. But in my opinion it is more than just riding a bike ~ it is also the work I have done to keep it running that makes it so much sweeter every time I hear her fire up. I learned the hard way that no mechanic can know my bike better than I can (other than some of these XJ owners at least) and I can take better care of her if I just spend a little time getting to know how she works.

 

well said Jackncoke, prefect.
See bro you just can't quit.So far I've been at it 3 months and just got fired up for the first time yesterday, first really short ride today. Done? no way but I have a to do list now, before a "to do" list was a pipe dream the list was "build the bike" or "tear it apart, learn, put it back together and fix the bad stuff along the way" If you got it running you are way ahead of where I started and If I can then you can. you have this site and the people on here, they care about your bike and I do to and I know how it feels. DONT QUIT

 

I would suggest that since the housing is broken as well as the little circuit board inside that you jump on eBay and find a replacement RH switch pod to rebuild.

That part is common to all 3 years' 550s, both Seca and Maxim, as well as the 650 Maxims of the same year range ('80-'83.) Here're a few:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yamaha-X ... 5d3011d545

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Yamaha-m ... 2313e6b24b

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/YAMAHA-8 ... 2eb7301761

Plus Len has brand new ones.

 

I agree with Fitz...you'll just end up with an even bigger worry trying to fit the switch I have into the handlebar mount. It's still available though if you want/need it Jewel.

 

I've taken the part that Len has sent me, and using a set of clips, I connected the button to the end of the red wire to the handle bar. This resulted in the lights dimming and there being a weird noise coming from the motor. I assumed that meant the bike was "trying" to start.

Thanks Fitz for the ebay posts. I contacted 2 of the sellers and am waiting for a response. I tried searching for the handle bar switches on ebay, but for some reason, nothing really came up.

I'm assuming that buying the fully assembled handle bar would be a simple addition to the bike? I was looking at the pictures and am assuming that it is just an easy "plug". However, I do know that I shouldn't assume, because that makes an ass of u and me.

 

The throttle holder/switch cluster assembly is just a bolt-on and plug-in proposition if it's complete, yes. You would need to partially disassemble to install the throttle cable, otherwise it just clamps on and plugs in (inside the headlight shell.)

I'm conerned with the mention of breaking things, like the casting and the circuit board. That tells me that you're prying on things and/or applying more force than is necessary for whatever it is you're trying to accomplish.

Next time, before breaking something: stop and ask questions. maybe we can save you some headaches.

You really should invest in a service manual; plus study the parts fiche for your bike, you can learn a lot from it: http://www.yamahapartshouse.net/pages/O ... ibrand=YAM