New member with a nice find.

Hi, Im new here. I have an 81 xj550 Maxim. I work for an Entertainment company in West Michigan, Recently we have sold our warehouse and have been moving into the new one. During the move we decided to get rid of some old equipment and road cases that we haven't used in years. During the process of sorting through some of these Road cases I brought a rather large case down from the racks that the owner had said he had no use for and to take it to the auction. Well I decided to open the case and I found a bike! Well part of a bike anyways.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/528/xj550.jpg
http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/71 ... front.jpg/

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It's obviously missing the engine, transmission, axles, wheels, etc.
Apparently we used to use this as a prop, boss doesn't have any use for it so now its mine. I have started searching around for info on these and that led me here. I am trying to figure out exactly what the bike is missing so i can being to acquire parts to get it on the road again.

 

Find some more crates! Maybe the rest of it is somewhere in there.

 

The owner said he used to have the rest of the parts but not any more. What engines/transmissions are compatible with this bike? And or what other bikes did they put the 550 in?

 

Without a proper title I think your best bet would be to part it out and use the money from that to buy a complete running bike.
It's your decision at the end of the day, but that's what I'd do.

 

I can actually get a title for this. And considering how great of shape the frame, the chrome, the front forks, fenders, and everything in general are i think its worth piecing together. Odometer reads 26k miles.

 

If you're able to get it for free, and you can get a title for it, go ahead. We have all the parts you need throughout these forums. There are things that were unique to the 550 maxim, but not rare. So, you won't have major expenses, other than rebuilding an old bike.

Welcome aboard. stay with us, stay with the project, and we will get up up and riding.

Dave F

 

that would be a fun project

 

SCORE! killer find dude! Normally, this is where I'd tell you to check your valve clearances, check the rear brakes for delamination, and replace your brake lines.... but somehow, I don't see that as a problem on this bike.....

 

i'd say buy a running donor bike, swap over what you need, and then part out the rest of the donor bike. badabing badaboom.

 

much easier than trying to find each part and buying/shipping them all separately imho

 

Here is an add for an 82 550... the add is a bit old so i don't know if it's still available and it's in london ontario...But for the price it might be just what you are looking for...


http://london.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles ... Z374990709

P.S. He doesn't specify wether it's the maxim or seca model.... i'm not sure what the difference in them is..

 

That is exactly what I'm looking for! And only four hours away. let's hope he still has it.

 

Keep us posted...

 

The 550s, Seca and Maxim, were nearly identical for all three years they were sold here. The differences between the motors are the cams (Seca has slightly hotter cams) and the carbs (different jet needles and pilot air jets.)

The Maxim had a larger rear brake drum, a smaller rear wheel (16" vs. the 18" on the Seca) and "swirly" wheels.

There are a number of minor differences in the "cycle parts" but mechanically they are virtually interchangeable.

 

I live in London and could take a run over with my camera and take pictures and give it a once over before you drive 4 hours to check it out. Let me know what you want to do.


Cheers, Graham

 

I just don't see what all the fuss is about. It's a 550 Maxim that needs a lot of parts. Just like many other projects. It also has parts the need to be removed or replaced, just like many other projects. The Honda lights gotta go, the front fender needs to be put on the correct way, the harley fronds need to be thrown away, and the seat is torn and patched. Looks like the side cover has been sprayed right over the badge, and the footpeg mounts should be aluminum. Looks like a dent in the left side of the tank, but it could be a shadow I guess.

On the plus side, looks like you really only basically need the engine, and the rim/wheel assemblies. Yes, little stuff like the chain and mirrors, too, but you have the most of it already. Hope the wiring harness is in there, I assume it is, with all the other electrical stuff still intact..........

Yeah, it would be nice if the rest of the bike is in some other crates. That way you'd have the complete project that you could get busy on.

Even if you don't find the rest of the parts, we have them through out this site.

Dave F

 

Which lights are honda lights? And yes someone spray painted over the maxim badge on the side covers. Havent heard back about those parts found in london. Still hoping he has them.

 

Offers still open if you want me to go and check out the parts.

 

Thanks! As soon as I find out if he still has them or not I'll let you know. Haven't heard back yet.

 

All four of the turnsignals, from the looks of it. Maybe they're Honda, so they oculd be Suz, or Kaw, or something, but I've never seen that kind of turnsignal on anything but honda. I believe they should be a rounded back.

Dave