Couple questions about the new bike

Just picked up an 1981 (I think) XJ550 Seca and I have a few questions. This site has already helped me a bunch as it is though.

With this Vin# 4U80001851 is this really an 1981? I got this from the title paper work, and I've tried looking on the bike but the plate is all scratched up.

Can I use a XJ550RH shop manual for my bike?

Is this a Mac 4 - 1 exhaust? It came with the bike so I don't know if this is aftermarket or not.





And Are these the stock shocks? I haven't seen any other pics of bikes with fluid reservoir on the shocks



Thanks...

 

It's an '81. VIN decoding: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14577.html

Since what you have is an XJ550RH, that's the manual to use.

That is definitely an aftermarket pipe, can't tell what brand.

Those are NOT the stock shocks, somebody has spent some $$$ on that bike; the fork brace isn't stock either.

I have a couple of questions for you: How many miles are on it?

Is that a BLACK rear sprocket?

Be sure to check the rear brake for delamination, very common and can bite you big time.

Lose the K&N in favor of a stock filter; fit an inline fuel filter immediately; and rebuild or replace the fusebox.

Camchain is manually adjusted; be sure to check valve clearances since it was probably neglected; and watch the drive chain for signs of rusting if the bike has been sitting.

New brake fluid; new lines (soon) and you should be good to go.

Good find; the 550 Seca is a hoot. If you want it to REALLY FLY, go back to a stock exhaust and get it tuned perfectly.

 

It has about 35,000 miles on it. I have my caliper rebuild kit on order, it rubs a little. I've checked out the back brakes, and they look pretty good (no delamination). Installed a new relay for the flashers, so they actually flash now. I haven't done the valves or the carbs yet though. It starts and has really good throttle response though. The back sprocket is aluminum, the angle I took the pic makes it look black. I see that alot of people on here have problems with the fuse box, but mine looks good. There isn't any oxidation or rust. Is any other reason to rebuild it, other then to modernize the box?

 

the metal used on the use box over time became very brittle... like if you sneeze of the fuse box it's broke... try pushing on the tabs and stuff, see if they break.. it may have been replaced.