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Draft:Yamaha XJ550

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Yamaha XJ550
An XJ550 Seca in a desert.
A 1981 Yamaha XJ550 Maxim, North American Model
ManufacturerYamaha
Parent companyYamaha Corporation
Production1981 – 1983
PredecessorXJ650H Maxim
ClassSport/Cruiser
Engine528 cc air-cooled four-stroke inline-4, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore / stroke57 x 51.8 mm
Compression ratio9.5:1
Top speed122 mph (196 km/h)[1]
Power73 hp (54 kW) @ 9000 rpm (claimed)[2]
Torque41.9 lb⋅ft (56.8 N⋅m) @ 7000 rpm (claimed)[1]
Ignition typetransistorized
Transmission6-speed
Frame typetubular steel
SuspensionFront: Telescopic Coil Spring Forks
Rear:
BrakesFront: Single 300 mm disc
Rear: drum
TiresFront: 3.25-H19
Rear:130/90-H16
Seat height29.3 inches
Fuel capacity15 liters/3.9 gal
RelatedYamaha XJ650 Maxim

The Yamaha XJ550 is a mid-size sport/cruiser hybrid motorcycle created by the Yamaha Motor Company and introduced in 1981 and produced through 1983. The XJ550 has the smallest engine capacity of all of Yamaha's XJ series bikes during the 1981-1983 period, and is based on a slightly different engine design than all other bikes in the XJ series. It is also the only XJ series bike to come equipped with a chain final drive, as opposed to the shaft.

The XJ550 was produced in two primary models: The Seca, a sporty, fairing included version aimed primarily at the global market, and the Maxim, a variation styled more like a cruiser/chopper for the North American market, featuring a retuned engine designed to produce more lower RPM torque, as well as a teardrop shaped gas tank, a wider rear wheel, and swirly patterned front and back rims.

History

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Overview

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The 4 cylinder, air-cooled, twin-cam 550cc engine is housed in a cross-braced duplex steel tube frame. Yamaha made the engine narrower by locating the alternator behind the cylinder block and above the gearbox rather than on the end of the crankshaft. The XJ550 had chain drive, unlike its contemporaries.[3]

The XJ550's high revving engine coupled with its chain drive has made it, and continues to make it, a highly sought-after motorcycle for the chopper and modification enthusiast community. Many different components of the bike could be removed or modified, with builders often modifying the airbox, seat, rear frame, and exhaust system to reduce weight to a minimum. Modifications to reduce weight and change the bike's sprocket ratios allowed the bike to pull up to 9500 RPM in 6th gear, topping out at 122 mph, which is more than 10 MPH faster than its stock configuration.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference speed was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Dave, Calderwood (November 12, 2012). "XJ550". MCS. Retrieved March 6, 2018.
  3. ^ https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/yamaha/yamaha_xj550%2081.htm
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