Probably the dumbest question about XJ's ever:

Alright, so some of you are probably aware that I picked up a basketcase of an '81 XJ550 Maxim (really not that bad, but has been "bubba'd" by one of the PO's). I'm in the process of getting the bike to run & roadworthy (I plan on doing brake lines & pads next). Seems to blow good numbers as far as compression goes (hovering right around 130 for each cylinder), but I'm still finding myself needing valve shims. I also probably need a coil if my venture into the electrical system says otherwise (one coil fires, the other doesn't).

Sooo... how would a good running '81 XJ550 (maxim) stack up against other bikes in terms of handling, braking, & acceleration? I have an '04 1200 Sportster (better cams, etc. than previous versions) that is QUICK, but about 200lbs. heavier IIRC than my XJ. It brakes & handles just fine, but can be a little clumsy if you're really romping on it. Ridiculous amounts of low end torque but starts to wheeze at higher speeds (I95 & I84 in CT can all of a sudden morph into 90+mph cruising speeds with traffic).


Just wondering what to expect from this little guy. The more I play around with it, the more I'm starting to like it. :wink:

 

0-60 in oh wow; will pull redline in the first three gears almost as quickly as you can shift; and in 6th gear (yes, 6) it should top out around 115mph or so.

A properly tuned 550 can run 80+ mph all day without breaking a sweat.

130psi is fine compression for a 550.

 

That's kind of what I've been hearing about the 550's. I was never expecting it to be any semblance of "fast" (I sincerely doubt any XJ would hold it's own against a more modern crotch-rocket), but if it's that quick, I might either sell the Harley & keep the XJ, or keep both of them. :lol:

The Sportster gets kind of tiring to ride after a while if you're on a realllllly long trip (to the point it hurts). Even though it can be a clumsy bike, I can still lean the thing over & corner like a cat.



How do the XJ's handle? They've gotta be more nimble than a Harley (and easier to ride to boot... the line of work I'm in has left me seriously, permanently achey & to some extent broken).

 

I've owned a sportster and an flt full dresser. My xj750 handles better than both. It's a lighter bike with hi end torque(5000rpm and up). Don't be leaning back powershifting into 2nd at 9k rpm or you'll flip it! hehehe Serious torque at those rpms! The only downfall is those skinny front tires hate dirt roads(at least mine does) and the 82 xj750 rear brakes are u-powerd (no lie). Drum brakes that are worthless even though I put new brake shoes on and sanded the drum with 80 grit sandpaper for some grip. Poor design. I'don't think I could skid the rear tire if I stood on the rear brake lever! Keep both at first and then decide if you want 1, the other, or both I'm finishing an 84 goldwing and am planning on keeping them both for a while at least.

 

I was an owner of a Sportster o3 model for 6 yrs. It was ok around town but I was glad to get off it on a long ride.
Before the H.D. I owned a 81 650 maxim for 20 yrs. I loved to ride it. Handles great on twisted roads. You may have heard of the dragons back in the Smokey Mtns. 330 turns in 11 miles. That 650 could lean way down without sliding. I now own a 83 750 maxim. I love it. It's almost ready for a trip out west, in aug.

 

dont know about the 550, but my 700 will embarrass most harley's and some modern sportbikes....

 

ABS

Seriously though, what shoes did you fit? The rear should lock up while compression braking and using the drum without needing to press the pedal very hard.

 

And to think I bought mine as a "starter" bike. Yeah, right.

 

Never met a Harley I couldn't eat for lunch.

And yeah, it handles.

 

Fitz,

Every time I see this bike I think it should be illegal to post, it is XJ porn all those polished surfaces… and not only HDs but almost any xj you just put to shame with that good looking and shiny seca.

 

Eat up my brothers 04 883 all the time. He's still pretty mad cause he was sure when he bought it he was gonna smoke me. Lol. He can't even keep up unless I slow down. I rode it once and that was enough 10mph in first not really my thing.

 

Baldwonder, I think it's kinda funny they are called starter bikes. When I was in my early 20's starter bikes were 90 and 125cc. 650 750 and then the 900s and 1000s were huge bikes! Back then! Man that was a long time ago...

 

So how does my 85 xj700n stack up against a suzuki gsx 750. Not sure of the year but I'm thinking mid to late 90's

 

When I first got the bike, I called up my insurance agent to start a policy. He's an older gentleman and a family friend, probably in his 70s. When I told him it was a 650, he said "whoa, that's a pretty big bike!" I thought to myself "what's he talking about?" Now I realize he was just used to another day and age.

 

I put on shoes that I got from the local yamaha shop they had in stock. They looked fine to me. I have very little play in the brake lever. I'll take a look at it and see if I can readjust it for better performance.

 

Alright, here's another dumb questions:

WHERE DO I GET VALVE SHIMS??? Of course, I still need to run a feeler gauge under each cam lobe (haven't done that yet, although, so far I've just wanted to get the bike to start for a second just to confirm it's worth doing).

Anyone have a general idea how much they cost? I know they're not that hard to do, but I'd rather not dish out $100 on a bike that I really have no financial attachment to yet.

Kind of a pain in my balls so far. The bike pops if you shoot a little ether into the plug holes, but not if you shoot a little straight into the carbs (with the throttle cranked open).

 

XJ4Ever (click the logo/link in the site banner, upper right) carries them new for about half of what Yamaha gets; or forum member HogFiddles runs a "shim pool" exchange program.

Here's an exploded Mikuni; you're going to need to service the carbs: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=31061.html

Valve clearances: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html

Part Deux: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29209.html

 

(And no, I do not make the use of starting fluid a common practice. I just want to hear the bike actually fire for once!).

 

Getting back on track with the original subject,

Size-wise, it depends on how tall you are whether you fit on a 550 Max or not. My elbows would hit my knees; but the Secas have plenty of room for my lanky self. Performance-wise, a properly running stock XJ550 of either flavor will easily keep up with most larger-displacement bikes in real-world, stoplight-to-stoplight situations because of their better power to weight ratio. And flat chew up Harleys.

I should try harder not to neglect the other bike. It has more shiny bits. I blacked out a bunch of stuff on the '83.

(Not trying to hi-jack here; just giving you some more inspiration and I can't resist messing with the Dragon Warrior.)

 

With a capable rider you wouldn't see which way he went for dust. Believe me, I owned a K2 GSXR750 for five years and it was capable of 180MPH with handling and braking to match.

 

Geez, Fitz!! You must using Photoshop. 'cause those ponies are PERFECT!!!

Seriously though, they look better than new!! Good on ya!!

And Gunbunny, remember you have a "Seca" engine under the saddle!

Rosie, my bride's '82 XJ650J keeps up with my '80 Yamaha XS1100 all day long!