An introduction

Greetings,

I'd like to introduce myself but first want to express my extreme delight over finding this web site! I bought an '82 XJ550 Maxim for my girlfriend last September and there's lots to learn about the bike.

She had been riding pillion on my bikes and decided she'd like to have her own bike to experience the sport in person. I found a semi-sweet 550 on ePay that also happened to be close by so here we are.

The bike had been stored for a few months and needed some TLC so I'd originally planned to work on it over the winter so it could be ready when she completed the local MSF course.

Well, the road to hell is paved with good intentions and while I did manage to get some things done the bike still needs some work.

There are two primary things that need to be done: Carb overhaul; and electrical check including charging system and turn signal issues. One other thing, when I went to replace the oil and filter I noticed gasoline had entered the crankcase during the many winter months the bike sat idle. The oil filter housing bolt was difficult to remove and rounded off way too easily. I found its replacement on ePay but am left to wonder why it was on so tight to begin with.

I managed to get the carbs off and have rebuild kits on order but I have no idea how I'll get them back on. Yes, I have new rubber manifolds.

The bike has just under 11K miles and appears to be in okay shape but I'm thinking it's had its fair share of adolescent abuse, all I can say now is that it's being pampered and will be well taken care of from here on out.

I'm a member of many other MC related web sites (BMW, Ducati, and sport touring related) so I've done my time posting and replying to just about anything. I'll be doing the same here as my only previous Yamaha experience was a 1979 750 Special triple. Great bike.

Regards,
Randy

 

Welcome! BTW, if there's gas in the oil, in addition to fixing the carb floats, you might want to overhaul/replace the fuel petcock. Not sure what the style is on the 550, but make use of the forum search function for a few options.

BTW, do you have to BYOB tot he MSF course in Colo? Here in IL, bikes are provided in the Beginner class. Only in the Advanced do you BYO.

 

Bad fuel petcock?? Now I know why I see that mentioned around the internet. Thanks for the tip, I'll search this site for more info.

As for the BYOB at the MSF, no, my SO had use of a 250 Honda something or other. Nice little bike and just about her speed. I'm hoping the Maxim won't be too much for her and have my fingers crossed that she won't be intimidated. She's already taken ski and golf lessons and if you saw her doing either of these sports you'd be saying a rosary for her as she attempts to ride a MC. 8O

 

Welcome Spanky, I'm glad to hear your heading in the right direction starting out with a BRC for your SO. I'm looking forward to your contribution to our collective passion.

 

I hope for your sake she doesn't stalk this site, we'd like to have you around here for awhile. :lol:

BTW welcome aboard.

 

welcome!!... now im worried about my petcock...great! :lol:

 

Yea, I thought about that after I hit the send button. She's lurked on some other boards I belong to and it got me in serious trouble once - very serious - but that's all in the past now......no, actually it's not. Every once in a while she'll bring it up. :cry:

Seems she took umbrage at me mentioning to my discussion board mates that an old girlfriend was trying to reconnect.

Women..... :roll:

 

Well now, she has to be realistic that these sorts of things are bound to happen and that you, the good fellow you are, will excercise gentlemanly caution and descretion and politely parry the advances with a firm but gentle reminder that you are happily involved at this time. That will cover your buns and you look good too. I don't think I have anything floating around that I would worry about with my wife and I don't expect that she would care too very much either. I am blessed with a very wonderful relationship that embodies trust and mutual adoration. It isn't easy sometimes, but it is the best and least worrysome way to go. I hope your situation resolves itself peacefully.

 

Oh, it resolved itself last year and all is well. And yes, I AM a good fellow....I bought her a Yamaha Maxim!