The XT550 Thread: Info, Stories and Mods Inside!

[jimmybeam]

bought a gallon of this and All new parts to rebuild my carb, whats your opinion on Yamalubes Carb Cleaner solution???? wondering what some of you guys had luck doing? god i hate pulling the carbs on this bike haha

[jimmybeam]

before pic





sorry some pics are bad, but finally added the front fender, not sure if i like the original better or not...

[sharkeysmachines]

Originally Posted by jimmybeam

Sharkey, your motor is amazing. wow, sand blasted then powder coated? how much did that set you back?

Sand Blasted yes, but I'm a cheep SOB, went to Advanced Auto Parts and got a couple cans of Dupli-Color Engine Enamel.

[sharkeysmachines]

Originally Posted by G600

wow... that is something. Very impressive. I am really looking forward to seeing how this bike turns out.

Me too the 1998 Grizzly 600 intake should be here by weeks end and when the weather gets better (not raining) I'll be able to blast the frame and swing arm then paint them.

[sharkeysmachines]

Originally Posted by BIG ED XT FAN

Your front wheel looks good. A front end off a XT600 will bolt right on. And then you would have a disc brake. . Or get a YZ 250 front-end. Is the back part off a husky??
Thump-On BIG ED XT&TT600 Fan!!!?

I actually have a complete 2000 (I think?) YZ 250 sitting next to me. I seriously thought of using the front end and weld in the rear caliper mount on the Husky swing arm (yes its a Husqvarna 250CR 1983 rear set-up), however my "point" of building this was for nostalgic purposes. I'll post my reasoning later
P.S. I like my cheep engine mount - it worked perfect

[sharkeysmachines]

This will be like a AAA confessions, and you-all are in the circle. I appreciate this site because it reminds me that I am not as weird as all my family members, neighbors and friends (around here) do. I used to live in South Jersey (heavily wooded believe it or not). My company relocated me, when I was promoted, to Florida. During this time I kept all my motorcycles with me, and added many more for my wife and three kids. The kids are either in college or driving sports cars and dating. Its just me, no Jersey buddies like me riding around here. My "bucket list" has one thing, and one thing only: Drive a motorcycle from the Atlantic to the Pacific before I'm 50. So a couple years ago I called the friend in South Jersey that I sold my last competitive Enduro race bike to when I moved (1983 Husqvarna 250XC) - he still had it, so I bought it back. But since I used to work for Yamaha I wanted the suspension of the Husqvarna (one of the last year double rear shocks and last year made in Sweden - very nostalgic), but a Thumper Yamaha engine. I searched for months for a XT550 or a XT600 -something with a Title that could be registered. Got the 550 for 500 bucks - running. They are both 1983 and I named it (again) The 550XTC Husqvayama. I have another year to complete it. Wish me luck, and sorry to bore you-all.
SHARK

[Shuswap Rider]

Hey guys, my primary needle jet has five slots for the locking clip, does anyone know what the factory position is? My secondary has five as well and I read in this thread it should be in the middle position. I've never seen anyone mention the primary being adjustable. Mine was in the middle position so I raised it up one slot so it would sit lower but my plug is still cold fouling.
As before, it started on the first kick with no choke, I can get a new starter set for $55 Canadian, guess its worth a try.
Help!

[ThumperStorm]

My manual says Jet Needle-clip Position is -

Primary - 5C30-1/1

Secondary - 4A70-1/1

I don't know what the numbers mean.

[sharkeysmachines]

The needle is usually set in the middle. Your movement of the clip would make it leaner. Have you checked the choke plunger itself? Its base has a rubber seating point, sometimes it can get hardened.

[Shuswap Rider]

Originally Posted by sharkeysmachines

The needle is usually set in the middle. Your movement of the clip would make it leaner. Have you checked the choke plunger itself? Its base has a rubber seating point, sometimes it can get hardened.

It looks okay, but it is hard. I have a new starter set on the way, I hope it will be here by Monday. If nothing else I will have a ton of new parts in the carb! Thanks for the info.
My buddy just got a new DR 650 and he is giving me a hard time about owning a Yamaha, this is getting personal!

[nuncanadamas]

Hi all,

I am new to this forum. Somehow I stumbleded upon this thread while surfing the internet for my favorite bike, XT 550.

This is my machine:



On a beautiful day sometime last year.



The bike is pretty much original, except the stainless steel manifold. I bought her about 20 years ago with a rotten CDI for Euro 200. This is my second XT 550, the first who died of a blocked oil filter a couple of weeks before I got this one.

Cheers,

Ulli

[ThumperStorm]

That is a nice looking bike. I like your skid plate.

[Shuswap Rider]

Originally Posted by jimmybeam

before pic





sorry some pics are bad, but finally added the front fender, not sure if i like the original better or not...

Your front tire looks quite aggressive, how is your bike on pavement?
I'm looking at changing mine and I have a tire with the same tread. (Your bike looks good by the way!)

[sharkeysmachines]

[sharkeysmachines]