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XJ Secas, Earlier vs Later Models - advice/opinions wanted

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by edgar67, Aug 12, 2007.

  1. edgar67

    edgar67 New Member

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    Back in the early 90s I sold my Seca XJ550R. I have regretted that decision ever since. It was my first and last street bike. I really want to get back on 2 wheels again and I'd love to find a nice XJ650. They are REALLY hard to find. I placed a bid on ebay for one last night and then this morning I saw the auction was canceled by the seller. Apparently he got an offer he couldn't refuse.

    Here's my question: How do the Seca II XJ600 compare to the earlier XJs?

    Thanks!
    Edgar
     
  2. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    Grass Valley? Is Schidel's still around??? Used to hit the Octoberfest there every year when I was a kid, beautiful place. Oh yes, you asked about a 650. Seca or Maxim? I see both of them on a fairly regular basis on Flea-bay and Craigs list. Have you hit the Bee classifieds? Look under Mechanics Specials. I've scored great deals there (non-running, parts only $120, got me my 650 Maxim. Bliss ever since). You should hook up with Smokamoto, he is in the greater Sacramento area.
    My humble opinion, I'd take the original Seca over the second generation for comfort. The II is set up like a rice rocket, not a general bike. But on the plus side, the II is easier to work on.
    Welcome aboard Edgar, nice to hear from some old neighbors (I grew up in Orangevale).
     
  3. edgar67

    edgar67 New Member

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    Re: XJ Secas, Earlier vs Later Models - advice/opinions want

    I had to ask my wife about Scheidel's. I guess they are still in business. They're located in Alta Sierra so I pass them on highway 49 quite often, but I have never eaten there.

    (My old bike was the Seca XJ550R- black w/kerker 4into1.)

    Your comment about the Seca II xj600 is what I had surmised from the photos I have seen. It doesn't look very comfortable, but the old xj650s look like they have the perfect combination of comfort and handling.

    What about the xj750s? I have seen many more of them for sale, but from what I see they seem like they'd be too much bike for me. (I'm 5'8", ~170lbs)

    So you ride a Maxim 650? Those are great looking bikes. I've never ridden a Maxim. How do they handle compared to the Secas?

    Anyway, thanks for your input, Robert.
    I'll keep my eyes out on those sites you mentioned.

    Have a great day!
    Edgar
     
  4. Nick

    Nick Member

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    Re: XJ Secas, Earlier vs Later Models - advice/opinions want

    I'm 5'9", ~ 174lbs, love my XJ750 Seca, great at "normal" highway speed, would love to have a bit more weight to it or something for the "above normal" highway speeds. :)

    I don't thing I would call it too much bike at all.
     
  5. edgar67

    edgar67 New Member

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    That's good to hear. In fact, I suddenly have memories of being blown around on my Seca 550.

    I've seen some great deals on the 750 models.
    Thanks!
     
  6. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    I've no problems riding either (6' 1", 175lb), I think either is a great choice but I would take the Maxim for comfort. The Seca is a great "around town getter" but I wouldn't be inclined to take her on any long trips (longer than a day or so). Handling... well the Maxim is very docile and forgiving, the Seca less so in my opinion. They are set up to do slightly different things in terms of riding style. Let your tush be your guide and good luck! I can hook you up with a friend of mine out in Coloma who runs an old 82 Honda I gave him last year. He sees bikes fairly often.
     
  7. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    The 750 Max I resurrected has turned-out to be my main ride and I have a 900 in the stable.

    It was moderately comfortable from the get; but after a "Seat-foam-ectomy" she's the most comfortable bike I have ever owned ... and, the list is long and distinguished.

    When I get around too it, I'm getting some different handlebars. The stockers are just a smidge too wide for my taste ... but, still ... we're racking-up some serious miles together.

    As a large fellow, I like the 750's get-up-and-go. I often wish for two things on rides up to the Lakes Region:

    A 6th Gear ... too bad it only has 5 of 'em. (5th is a close to 4th "Overdrive" ... I'd like a full 'nuther ratio)
    A Speedo that don't top-out at 80 mph. (On 93 North in New Hampshire ... the traffic is cruising at 80+ ... and, I got NO Earthly idea how in the HECK fast I'm going)

    She's bone stock. I might bump-'er up a Main Fuel Jet size to compensate for my wide berth.

    Just the same ... she's as mellow as a little kitty around town and can get out in the 3rd or 4th Lane and go when you show her the whip.
    Which I do ...
    On clean oil and the optional 900 Oil Cooler she has tucked-in where the horns used to be.

    I tweaked the livin' daylights out of 'er.
    Starts before the Button is bottomed-out.
    Screams like a "Bat out of that place where all condemned souls go for ever".
    Rides like a two-wheeled Corvette.
    If you want to have some real fun ...
    Get a '83 Max and make it go good.
     
  8. edgar67

    edgar67 New Member

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    Re: XJ Secas, Earlier vs Later Models - advice/opinions want

    Robert,

    I like Maxims too.
    I like the 700 X models but I understand their tanks are smaller, and honestly maybe the 5 valves per cylinder are more than I should have.

    Is there a certain year Maxim that is preferable over others?

    Thanks for the tips. I appreciate the offer to get hooked up with your friend in Coloma, that would be great.

    Edgar
     
  9. edgar67

    edgar67 New Member

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    Re: XJ Secas, Earlier vs Later Models - advice/opinions want

    Rick,

    Thank you for your highly descriptive & enthusiastic reply :). That's what I want to hear. I want a bike that I can really enjoy riding. Sounds like the Maxim could do it. That really is a bummer that there's only 5 gears though :-(. Nonetheless, it sounds like a very enjoyable ride.

    Edgar
     
  10. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    The "right" bike is a matter of individual tasts and requirements. I don't believe there is a particular year or model that is preferable. Let your heart (and pocket book if the missus is inclined) be your guide in selecting the bike of your choice.
    I would entertain that the 82-83 750 Maxim would be a good fit for you, but you look around and see what peaks your interest.
     

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