Need some advice on my new(ish) ride: 1982 XJ 550 Maxim

Just picked up a 1982 XJ550 Maxim. Bought it from the original owner's son. As the story goes, this guy bought the bike in 1983 and then skipped town never to be seen again. The bike mostly sat in storage over the last 30 years and was ridden a few times by the son, who I bought it from.

Here's the kicker, the bike has less than 2,000 miles on the odo 8O (which I was skeptical about but seems to be true after inspection). She has a bit of rust on the outside but the inside seems to be in good shape. I took off the carbs and they were squeeky clean.

At this point I've changed the oil, inspected the carbs, replaced battery, and am going to do the front brakes next as they are pretty weak. A few other cosmetic things need to be done but they are not major.

Is there anything else I should be doing here? Just want to make sure I make it as safe before riding season.

Thanks,

Dave

 

I'd change both tires. Even if they would look good.

ANd check rear brake shoes for delamination.

You should also check your valve clearances.

 

Anything rubber should probably be replaced. Brake lines must be replaced or you could be dead on the first panic stop you have. As above, the valves are good, replacing the gasket (again, it's old and should go anyway).

Nice find, Dave.

 

Awesome! you should not be riding it until you replace tires, brake lines, brake shoes and pads (look at servicing master cylinder. If it can go make sure that you can stop it safely and reliably.

If it had 2,000 miles I doubt the valves ran enough to be out of spec (schedule calls for every 5,000 miles).

Get it road safe and enjoy since it seems to have a lot of miles left on it

 

Wonder why he didn't skip town on the XJ?!

Get a manual and go through the whole maintenance section, it won't take too long if it's in good shape. What's been suggested is a must, but any lubricated part bearings etc should be done. If you do that now you won't have unexpected issues cropping up right after you begin to enjoy the bike. Congrats on a great find and bike.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I forgot to mention I just ordered new tires so they are taken care of. Seems the brakes may need a bit more attention that I had first thought. I have new pads/fliud but never thought to replace the lines. I have the manual so I'm hoping I can figure this out on my own. That said, if anyone has done this and has any tips/warnings please let me know as It'll be my first time.

Thanks again!

Dave

 

Those original lines were only spec'd to be good for 4 years from the factory. No doubt they have lasted much longer and some (not so bright) owners are still riding with them. Obviously stopping is job #1 if you don't have a death wish.

Any questions you have just come here and ask away. Often the advice you get here will be better than the manual as it's 'been there, tried that, fixed that' advice. I've even received bad advice from supposed local bike mechanics but this site set me on the right path.

You can get SS brake lines from XJ4Ever (top right parts link here) and you will be amazed at how good they are.

Oh yea Welcome to XJbikes! and to your new addiction. My 550 is basically the same bike as yours, you can check it out in the gallery.

 

The manual is good, a service manual even better, BigFitz and the other wizards here are better yet. 30 years sitting is worse than 30 year running in many ways. But you know you'll have lots of miles ahead after doing your maintenance.

I can't emphasize enough that being able to stop is more important than any forward motion, so you're on the right path with your brakes. Those lines have to go, I'd put $10 that they say 1981 on them, so they should have been replaced, even unused, in 1985. They may work for slow stops, but if you have to panic stop (the most important stop of all) the road will be full of brake fluid and your blood. The Stainless Steel lines mentioned above are well worth the money, and last much longer that rubber.

You're going to have fun on that thing. Now if only the mud would go away so I can have fun on MINE!