Things to look for when buying an '81 XJ550 Seca?

Hi all,

I've been shopping around for an Enduro bike to use as a commuter bike while my CB550K restoration project goes along, but I ran across an '81 XJ550 Seca for sale the other day. I'm going to go look at it tonight...the cafe looks really caught me.

What are some common problems I should look for? Are these bikes known to be reliable?

Thanks a lot, I'll be sure to post pics if I end up coming home with it!

 

I have an 81 maxim. Has been en excellent bike. The rear brake shoes are known to delaminate. If you buy the bike that is one of the first things to check. Prior to buying perform a compression test. If the numbers are low you may be in for expensive repairs should you buy it. I guess its like buying any bike, just do your homework and this is a good first step. The members here will tell you more as I have owned mine since new with almost no issues. The fuse box will require replacement, the start button will pop out, the side cover grommets will crack (replace them before you loose the covers). Most parts are available through Chacal at XJ4ever right here on the site.

 

Thanks for the advice. I'll check all those things you mentioned out, but unfortunately, I doubt I'll be able to do a compression test. Most craigslist sellers of a $1000 bike probably wouldn't let that happen, haha. He advertised it as 10,000 original miles and in good mechanical shape.

The two problems he mentioned, other than the bike having a few cosmetic issues from the wear and tear of the road, is that the fuel gauge sender unit is bad and the valve cover gasket is starting to seep very slightly. He'll let me take it for a test-ride so I'll give it a shake down.

 

If the owner won't allow a compression test, walk away. You don't buy something like that unless you really know what you are in for if the cylinders are shot.

 

I'll see if he will let me, I'd have to go rent a compression tester, though. I was going to approach the problem by taking it for a test ride and seeing if it has the power it should (and check for smoking, etc), haha. Guess that isn't thorough enough?

 

I got my Seca 650 off CL for way less than $1000 and insisted on a compression test; otherwise I wouldn't have bought it.

Unless you're very familiar with the power curve of the 550 Seca, you won't be able to tell from riding it if the motor is solid of not.

And as far as reliability goes, it is a direct function of how thorough YOU are in reversing 30 years' worth of neglect, and neglected maintenance.

The platform itself is solid, and doesn't have a couple of the "ticking time bomb" issues that the bigger bikes have. You're going to have to go through it anyway, if you really want to ride and use it; and if you do that, they're quite reliable. Bring it back to 100%, and it won't let you down.

 

I bought the bike. Runs and rides like a dream and looks pretty good too. The guy I bought it from took meticulous care of it. It has new fork oil, chain, sprockets, tires, seat, carbs were recently synced, cleaned, and had larger jets installed, etc. He even drained some of the oil out of the bottom for me to look at (which wasn't new oil, but it wasn't filthy dirty). The only thing that needs immediate fixing is the turn signal relay (clicks on and stays on when using the left turn signal). I'll post some pics tomorrow). Got it for $800.

 

Congratulations and you are now an official XJ biker. Check the rear brake for sure, tire age, and front brake lines. A little care and you will learn to love that machine.

 

Congrats on your purchase. I would definitely check all the things mentioned here on the post even though the PO took good care of the bike. Better safe than sorry. Also post your location in your profile. Who knows you might have another owner right down the street or in the next town from where you live that might lend you a hand with your ride. Welcome to the xj family and good luck with your ride.

 

That's great Vig, for 800 bucks you've got a nice, reliable, very good-on-gas motorcycle! Congratulations. It sounds like you bought it from a decent guy who really wanted to sell it and moreover, wanted to be sure that you could appreciate all the work that he put into it to keep it nice.

That's the best kind of seller and although some might say that you paid a hundred or two more, I think it's well worth it for a bike that has been well taken care of. The smaller engines don't last too long without things like clean oil and air so it doesn't take much to rag them out.

How many miles are on the clock? You should be able to fleabay the parts that you need fairly cheap and I've usually used auto flashers instead of buying new yamaha, honda etc since they work fine and cost one fourth the price.

Good luck and look forward to seeing some pic of your new bike!

jeff

 

Thanks everybody. I'm looking forward to having it as an around town bike while my CB550 is being refreshed.

Lostboy - I'm in Frederick, MD. I'll update my profile shortly.

Jeffk - It has a little over 10,000 on the clock.

A good wet-sanding of the tank and some elbow grease and the thing will look great, too. I'm going to pick it up tonight (he signed the title over to me and gave me the keys last night). Too bad it's supposed to rain all weekend and tonight =/. Gotta figure out a way to cover the bike on the tailer with ratchet straps on the trip back from Baltimore!

 

Congrats on the bike! FWIW, go to Harbor Freight and buy their compression tester kit. It works fine, I use my a lot. It's in-expensive, a whole lot cheaper than renting one, and at the end of the day you own it.

Dave fox

 

-The problem with the blinkers is most likely in the switch itself.

-Be sure to check the valve clearances right away. At 10K miles the bike will still be running halfway decent if they've never been touched, but you're quickly approaching the danger zone. Initial check was to have been at 3000 miles; and thereafter every 5000. Quite often completely neglected.

-Check dates on brake lines; replace immediately if original.

-If the bike starts being hard to roll backward because the front brake is dragging, it's caliper rebuild time.

-And regardless of what the PO told you, or how well he appears to have taken care of it, CHECK the rear brake for delmination right away. YOU HAVE TO PULL IT APART and LOOK; there is no other positive way to tell. Last thing you want is an unexpected lockup. (Be sure to check your Honda too; the first delammed rear brake I ever experienced was from Honda.)

 

Thanks for the tips, Bigfitz. I'll definitely be checking the brakes and will replace the rear shoes when the tires are replaced (which will be basically immediately). I feel stupid for asking, but delaminating is when the friction material separates from the mounting plate of the shoe, correct? Good idea to check the Honda, too. Is there a good place where I can find a repository of information (valve clearance specs, etc...)? It's probably on this site, but I haven't looked yet.

I don't think the turn signal is the switch. The signals work fine on the right side of the bike, but when you hit the left side a relay starts clicking really fast. I felt under the tank and there's a relay under there that vibrates badly when trying to use the left turn signal.

I bought the bike planning to replace or at least inspect all of the critical things (brake pads/shoes, lines, possibly brake fluid and a caliper/master cylinder rebuild, tires). PO also replaced the fuse box. I'll post up some pics and videos tonight. Can't wait to get it!

 

The valve adjustment, tach drive oil seal, clutch rebuild, instrument dissection and a myriad of other "how-tos" are located in "FAQ Suggestions."

For some reason the brake delam warning got moved to "Announcements" so here it is: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

 

I'm in Bethesda and have a compression tester and 12mm plug if you want to have a go at it.

Congrats, heck I'm even a little jealous. Those seca 550s look great. Pics?

 

Will have some tonight! I'm heading to Columbia right after work to pick it up. Here's the craigslist ad with a few bad pics:

http://baltimore.craigslist.org/mcy/2336408493.html

 

Those 550 Secas ARE great! They make peak HP at exactly 10,000rpm (the power curve goes almost straight up from 6K) have a 6-speed gearbox, weigh in at just over 400lbs, and handle like an RD. Plus they're rock-stable at 80mph on the freeway all the while being quite comfortable and getting 52mpg while doing it.

Who needs shaft drive, anyway? (Check my gallery.)

 

Fitz, can you post pics of your 550's for us again? They are like eye candy.

 

If you insist; here's a couple shots you might not have seen:





(Before I switched to bar-end mirrors)

And thanks for the compliment. Anybody can do it; it just takes patience and work.

 

Mm mmm. Very nice!

 

Very nice! Does anyone happen to know of a good place to buy seats for 550 Maxims?

 

Here are some pics of mine. Not in the same shape as Bigfitz's bikes, but a little elbow grease and it'd be there! First order of business, after all of the maintenance work, will be new pipes and a muffler (probably from Mac unless anybody has other suggestions).












And one pic of my CB after it got its fresh coat of paint :