I realize there are many threads devoted to new comers that are "how-tos" for maintenance and rebuilding. I thought it would be fun to have a...
I have always used Exide lead acid batteries for my 83 XJ550 Maxim. Currently they are $40 locally and I seem to get 3, maybe 4 seasons out of...
Ok, so this may be the trivial question of the day. I noticed the other day that the play in my front hand brake lever was tightening up. The...
My 1983 XJ550 Maxim has the original rear shocks. They have an irritable 'squeek' every time I get on and off the bike. Other than losing...
My stock xj550 Maxim mirror is loose enough at the swivel it won't stay in place. I don't see any obvious fix. Some websites suggest locktight....
I'm curious and haven't seen much posted on this topic. One day my XJ will be running just absolutely perfect. Another day, it is running well,...
After a ride I have oil on lower right side of engine. The oil drop collects under the bolt housing below and in front of sight glass. Using...
Bought a Masterforce socket extension at Menards. Peeling back the label I was surprised to see the tag indicated it was Craftsman by Sears. Is...
https://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Home/News-Story/2017-motorcycle-and-scooter-annual-ride-to-work-day I rode my XJ to work today. Did anyone...
I'm curious if anyone has information on which XJ "overall" model (by engine size, since I realize there were many models within that parameter)...
I asked Chacal and he suggested I post this. Can anyone tell if tiny white spots in plug photos are a concern? Is it piston 'melt' from running...
I thought I would share some photos I took the other day with Nikon D5300 and 55-200mm lens. [ATTACH] [ATTACH] [ATTACH]
A topic not much discussed directly on this forum - the impact of tire brands/models on the ride of the XJ series bikes. Because of a nail in...
Got the parts from chacal and followed the excellent instructions: http://www.xj4ever.com/gas cap.pdf Couple lessons learned: 1) there are...
Anyone have experience with the oil filler plug temperature gauges that fit on the air cooled XJ's. Useful or worthless?
Supposed to be an unseasonable 65 degrees tomorrow. Already in 50's today. Should I get my XJ out from storage, or should I wait as I know it...
My wife's Christmas present to me finally came from the DMV...shout out to Jayrodoh for the idea. [ATTACH]
Everytime I go through the garage my XJ550 looks cold under its storage cover. Green battery tender light makes useful night light in the garage,...
I just noticed my oil level light no longer lights when ignition on but bike not running. Oil level is fine. Other than a bad bulb in the cluster...
I am curious how popular these bikes were in their day. Were they major sellers? Were they rated and/or esteemed well by bikers and reviewers? I...
I bought probably the last NOS seat in the world for my 83 XJ550 Maxim. My old seat was glued from a split seam and starting to look crappy. For...
I found a photo of me taken in 1985 with my brand new XJ550. The second photo is me with the bike in 2015. [ATTACH] [ATTACH]
[ATTACH] I've had the bike since new. Thanks to this site helping me bring it back to great running shape, 10 % of the miles were in the last...
I realize many models of XJ's are shaft, this thread is for those of you with chain drive. I've been trying to resolve a cruise 'surge' for 2...
I periodically see postings from people asking if a mid 1980’s XJ on craigslist for $1000 is a good deal. I don’t think people realize how much...
I just got done adjusting the valves on my xj550. All my valves now have a size 265 or smaller shim. I have one 270 shim. Am I right in guessing...
Ok friends. Here are my numbers. What shims do I need? Thanks in advance. All numbers in millimeters intake 1 .12 255 2 .02 260 3 .11...
I have an '83 XJ550K Maxim, that I've owned since new. It has 24K miles on it. The valves, if I remember correctly, were adjusted last around...
I've owned my 83 Xj550 Maxim since it was new. It hasnt been running well in the last 10 years due to cummulative neglect. Since I only ran it...
Curious who rides with a windscreen or without? Most of my riding is in town, so during middle of hot summer I go without my windscreen in order...
After 31 years one of my seat straps finally broke today. I'm trying a buildup of shoe goo to repair the split at the mounting bracket, but given...
Bike is factory stock. I need to take off the petcock. Without buying a rebuild kit: What size o ring is used to reseal between petcock and...
Whenever I have to remove the front tire of my 83 XJ550 I place it on the center stand. Then using a hydraulic jack and block of wood placed under...
I have an '83 XJ550 Maxim, in pretty good shape. I was in the cycle dealer the other day getting a new front tire mounted. I was looking at the...
Bought it new in 1985, two months before my wedding. Hasn't been running very well for 10 years. Thanks to this site she back running better than...
I have an '83 XJ550K Maxim. When I "bounce" on the seat, there is an annoying squeak. I've lubed the bushings on the rear shock mounts, tried...
I'm doing some work to bring my 83 XJ550K Maxim up to speed. I've owned it since new, but haven't been on it much for years. I've got it running...
Any one have this happen? Pulling away from a light, COMPLETELY died. No lights, power, nothing. Checked main fuse (20 amp) and other in box....
Note: I originally posted this under another topic, someone suggested I post here. New to this forum and have a couple maintenance questions...
New to this forum and have a couple maintenance questions about my 1983 Yamaha XJ550k. Let me preface by saying I am an average driveway mechanic...
