1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca

Steve Searles · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 8:37 am Post subject: 1983 Yamaha XJ900 Seca

Just bought this. Is this only one year in the states?? Then went to the Diversion in other countries? I need a gas tank, lowers, gauges, everything really could be an upgrade. Anybody got parts for a Seca 900??

KirkN · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 10:12 am Post subject:

One year only in the states - 1983.

Went on and on and on in Europe. One of Yamaha's biggest sellers there, in fact.

By boss, an expatriate German, still owns one, about a mid-90s model. Very few updates, apparently, over the years. Kind of like Kawasaki's Concours or their KLR650. Very few updates over the years.

Post some pictures of yer new toy, if you can.

Kirk

Russell · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 1:06 pm Post subject:

I did upwards of 70,000km on one.Under-rated machine. can be ridden quite sportily if set up correctly and when you understand the effects of the shaft drive on handling.
Mine appreciated 20w in the fork with about 8-10lb air in the fork as well. (If your model has the air fork.) Appreciates tyre pressures well above the manufacturers spec. From memory mine was great at 36/39. Oil drains under sump a bit of a trap. Either 2 or 3 drain bungs from various cavities. Does pay to get them all. 200,000 km plus with no internal work is totally possible with one of these over built work-horses.

KirkN · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 1:20 pm Post subject:

My boss's - turns out it's an '87, he sez. Waiting for him back in the Fatherland.... Smile

Blue · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 2:05 pm Post subject: Kool !!

Well, sounds like a beauty. The 84 was the revised version at 891cc but never made it to the U.S.. Really though very few differences exist, the xjs900s/gt had softer or more, I guess you'd say more conventional forks as opposed to the ant-dive ones on yours, hence the fork oil mentioned in the prior post. Carb size went up tp 36mm from 35mm and a belly pan was added. Is you engine code 31a? They were produced and sold in the U.S. in 84 also. Don't know much about the "diversions" other than didn't Yammy re-introduce it last year or so in a 600cc?, read that in Cycle Wourld I think (I'm old remember). If I come across abything You'll be first to know.....Blue

Steve Searles · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 2:13 pm Post subject: Seca 900

Thanks guys. I have the rare 1983 smaller displacement engine. 31A Same wheels though. They say the little fairing mounted on the handlebars worked poorly at 105 mph. Would make the bike and head shake. Not my idea of fun. Some say this is the best UJM (Universal Jap Motorcycle) ever produced. I am going to check it out!!! Kerker four into one so it should be fun. It is a rat bike right now for a few hundred dollars to get a running bike, I'll take it!

Russell · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 2:58 pm Post subject:

Mine was the 85 with the ineffective anti-dive(unless you had it on the firmest setting).There was no doubt the frame mount fairing on mine was much more stable in effect than the earlier handlebar mount.

Like so many Yamaha's of the era with a hint of sportiness in the steering it needed the steering head tensioned just right or it was just on the verge of head-shake at times.Higher front tyre pressure helps greatly.

Oddly,being a Euro style riding position and shaft drive with it's very direct throttle response,I found my SECA to be a relatively capable loose surface bike.

My one took a 4-1 well enough with no re-tuning to suit however there was that characteristic slight hesitation in the power delivery about
4500-4800 with 4-1 fitted.

From memory I found that K&N had a filter for the 900 Seca way back then.

Best UJM? I'd put the GS1000 series of Suzuki slightly ahead but only just.

Blue · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 3:17 pm Post subject: Fairing

That handlebar fairing was replaced later in the year and in 84 with a more secure frame mounted one that eliminated the "buffering" encountered at (excess) speed, of course I know you will never test the durability of the fairing, will you? LOL......Blue

Steve Searles · Posted: Mon Aug 10, 2009 9:20 pm Post subject: Seca 900

Let's hold off on the best UJM for now. I got to ride it a little and did not like the higher stance of the handlebars. The head seems stiff but maybe because it has been sitting. May be a little top heavy???? Let's just wait and see. Now.....how much money and effort do I put into this old girl???? That is always the question.

yamasarus · Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2009 10:11 am Post subject:

Steve,
I bought one a few months ago that needs restoration. Parts are very hard to come by. I got one report that said only 1000 of these came here. I don't know if that is true, but I'm beginning to belive it! I don't think keeping it on the road will be a problem, but cosmetics require the usual searches. I would love to have a new or very good set of mufflers for mine. Even a 4 into 2 would be considered. I haven't started on mine yet, but I am looking forward to it! Speed and Sport reproduces the decal kit for it.

Russell · Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2009 2:25 pm Post subject:

Around New Zealand there are a lot of 750 Seca's that were imported as used imports directly from Japan. Visually they appear to be virtually identical to the 900 versions.

Ltdave · Posted: Fri Aug 21, 2009 6:22 pm Post subject:

Steve Searles · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 7:17 am Post subject: Seca 900

AWESOME!!! ltDave You have given me inspiration. I will keep working on it, get it running and then try to find a gas tank, or fix mine which is pretty bad. I may need to borrow your tank to get the colors right for repainting. I need a maroon piece somewhere with the gray. Anyway I will keep it for awhile and see how it goes. I like that the number may be only 1000 here. Thanks again. BTW, Nice Seca XJ900. You do good work, I can tell by the fuse box.

Ltdave · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 6:29 pm Post subject:

Steve Searles · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 7:56 am Post subject:

Where do you think I can get a windshield for the Seca 900???