Segment:
Mid-size Sportbike/Standard Motorcycle
Era Competitors:
Suzuki GS550, Kawasaki KZ550, Honda CB550
Differentiation:
Yamaha's XJ550 offered a blend of performance, comfort, and advanced features for its time, often appreciated for its smooth inline-four engine and refined handling.
Engine Layout:
Inline-Four Cylinder, DOHC, Air-Cooled
Design Variants:
Available in Maxim (cruiser-styled) and Seca (sportier, faired) variants, sharing the same core mechanicals.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, tuning, lubrication, cooling, fuel system (carburetion, fuel pump), ignition system, exhaust system
Transmission:
Gearbox internal inspection and repair, clutch operation, shift mechanism
Drivetrain:
Shaft drive system inspection, maintenance, and repair
Chassis And Suspension:
Front fork service, rear shock absorber maintenance, swingarm inspection, steering head bearing service
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system maintenance (hydraulic lines, calipers, master cylinders, discs), bleeding procedures
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, charging system (stator, rectifier/regulator), starting system (starter motor, solenoid), battery maintenance, instrumentation
Fuel System:
Carburetor disassembly, cleaning, adjustment, synchronization (Mikuni VM series typical), fuel tank and petcock maintenance
Cooling System:
Air cooling system analysis and maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacement, chain adjustment (if applicable), spark plug service, valve clearance adjustment, air filter cleaning/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based problem resolution for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for all major component repairs and replacements
Component Overhaul:
Detailed rebuild procedures for engines, carburetors, and other key components
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid types and capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)
Engine Type:
4-stroke, inline-four cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Displacement:
550 cc (529 cc for some sources)
Bore X Stroke:
58.0 mm x 50.5 mm
Cooling System:
Air-cooled
Horsepower Rated:
Approx. 49-54 HP @ 9000 RPM (varies slightly by source and model variant)
Torque Rated:
Approx. 28-30 lb-ft @ 7500 RPM
Carburetion:
4 x Mikuni VM Series Carburetors (typically 34mm)
Fuel Capacity:
Approx. 16 Liters (4.2 US gal)
Ignition Type:
CDI (Capacitor Discharge Ignition)
Safety Features Era:
Standard motorcycle safety features for the period: effective braking, stable chassis, reliable electricals.
Braking System:
Front: Single Disc Brake (Hydraulic), Rear: Disc Brake (Hydraulic)
Lighting:
Halogen headlight, taillight, turn signals
Infotainment System:
N/A (Classic Motorcycle Technology)
Assistance Systems:
N/A (Classic Motorcycle Technology)
Connectivity Features:
N/A (Classic Motorcycle Technology)
Gauge Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge (on some models), warning lights.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km (1,800-3,000 miles) or 6 months
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
API SE or SF, SAE 10W-40 or 20W-40 (check manual for specific recommendation)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 2.4 Liters (2.5 US qt) with filter change
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Final Drive Oil Type:
Yamaha Chain & Gear Oil or equivalent hypoid gear oil API GL-4 SAE 80
Final Drive Oil Capacity:
Approx. 120 ml
Common Wear Items:
Carburetor synchronization issues, aging fuel lines and seals, fork seal leaks, exhaust pipe corrosion.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses can degrade; issues with charging system components (rectifier/regulator) can occur.
Shaft Drive Maintenance:
Regular lubrication of the shaft drive spline is crucial to prevent wear.
Yamaha Motors:
Yamaha Motor Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer with a long history in musical instruments and later, motorcycles. Known for innovation and performance.
Xj Series:
The XJ series was Yamaha's line of transverse inline-four motorcycles that replaced the outgoing XS models. The XJ550 was a key step in offering a more modern, shaft-driven, four-cylinder package.
Production Years:
1981-1983
Manufacturing Location:
Japan