XJ550 Rebuild to do list.

Since my XJ550 is finally on the road running around I'm now in the process of taking stock of the things I intend to do to it over the winter.

So far here is the list:

1. Rebuild clutch(will be my first time, looks like it'll be fun already.)
2. Touch Up and/or repaint tank and side covers.
3. Replace scratched/dented headlight bezel.
4. Possibly Rebuild the carbs.

This is of course after I give it an oil change this weekend with 10w30 motorcycle oil unless anyone else has some suggestions on that choice. Also if I'm missing anything to add to my off season list or something I should check I'm all ears.

 

Hey JD,

I would go with 10-40 or higher. I read here that a thicker oil helps the primary chain tensioner have a little bit more pressure at idle which will help with the chain noise.

 

what have you done to get it running?

inspect brakes front and rear
check and lube wheel bearings
lube cables
inspect chain and sprockets

 

Brakes have been inspected, cables are functioning properly, chain and sprockets both inspected. Tires are good as well, but I'll make sure to go back and check the lube on the wheel bearings just to make sure I didn't miss it.

When I do the oil change I also have to replace the oil seals for the tachometer that I've had waiting for awhile now.

What it took to get the bike roadworthy though is another thing. PO left the gas tank dry so I had to remove rust, solder pin holes, and give it a good going over with Red-Kote to seal it all up. Locksmith had to make a new key since the PO lost it. After that I had to replace the coils with Dyna Mini coils, spark plug wires, caps, and give it a good set of plugs. Then it was onto replacing the altenator rotor, stator, and new brushes since the rotor and brushes were in bad shape. Lastly I had to give it a fresh battery, and ensure the funky readings I got off my Reg/Rect were caused by a bum battery.

But considering I spent $450 for the bike I'd say I haven't come out to badly so far.