$800 for a high mileage 1982 Seca XJ550r that needs carb clean. Am I nuts?

Hey there, first time poster, I'm hoping to get a bit of feedback on a potential bike purchase. I am wanting to get something that I can commute on the highway with, I'm a longtime Yamaha fan having purchased a 1973 DT100 Enduro when I was 14 and having a blast on it. Still got it! An 82 Seca XJ550r popped up on Marketplace, 54,000 kms, it runs but the guy said it should have a carb clean and a stator replacement before I do much highway driving as it has a rough idle and the battery is draining when highway driving. I haven't looked at it yet, heading there next week to get eyeballs on and check the usual suspects like rusty gas tank, leaky suspension, worn sprockets etc, but before I go I was wondering if it's worth tackling the carb job, considering all the special tools that the internet tells me are potentially required and the challenging access to the pilot jet and pilot screws. I'm a successful tinkerer, I like getting things apart and putting them back together but am wondering if this is a job that could have a few too many specific challenges for a weekend warrior mechanic. I do have a local bike mechanic that has said if I get in over my head I can bring it by, so there is that. Any feedback would be appreciated!

 

show some pics of the bike.
The 550 Seca is worth restoring.
It runs so it can't be too bad.
Go for it!
Sounds like you know what to look for, gas tank is a biggie.
Carb synchronization and setting the valves is all common maintenance.

 

Thanks, I'll grab some pics when I check it out, the ones on the ad aren't very flattering. And thanks for the thumbs up, I think I can have a lot of fun getting it into shape and it sounds like a fun bike to ride. I have an older KTM 350 EXC-f that is super fun on the dirt and passable on the street, but sure sucks on the highway, so it would be nice to have something that is solid and has power but isn't going to make me get into too much trouble.

 

Up to the buyer how much any bike is worth. As long as it makes you happy, and if you are married, and they don't mind, go for it. Always nice to have a project or two to work on.

 

FWIW, I got my '81 for $300 in rough running condition. Put much more than that into the bike to make it safe and nice.

 

I got my 650 for free and I've already put in like, $2000 and may need another $600-1000 more to fix the issues I've been having, so it's gonna cost money for sure.

 

True, dat.
There ain't no such thing as a free motorcycle.
Even my own, when putting back on the road after a decade-long downtime, cost around 1000 currency units by the time everything was factored in.