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Joined: Feb 23, 2007 Posts: 1045 Location: Orlando, FL
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 7:15 am Post subject: 82 Yamaha Seca 400
So, back in August, my son picked up this little gem for $300. Needed a tank, which we sourced from a guy in Australia (thanks netbikes!) and a little TLC. He's put nearly 7500 miles on it but has moved up to something bigger. But, the bike fit me so well, and was such a sweetie, that I bought it from him.
1982 Yamaha Seca 400. DOHC, made for only 2 years. Counterbalanced, electronic ignition, 6-speed, monoshock, self-cancelling signals, 55+ mpg and a 5 gallon tank!. Smoothest twin I've ever ridden.
Needs a paintjob to make all the bits match again, and maybe a seat cover, but that's it.
Joined: May 12, 2007 Posts: 275 Location: Ontario, Canada
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 10:01 am Post subject:
Of all the Seca's, I like the 550 best, but this one comes a close second. The tank is a work of art and I love how the angular engine just seems to hang there unobstructed from the traditional frame down tubes. Let me guess, the original tank rusted out at the four low points?
Joined: Feb 23, 2007 Posts: 1045 Location: Orlando, FL
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 10:32 am Post subject:
Oh, yeah. Rusted out and a half!
The PO threw in the old tank, and it had HUGE rust holes at the two in the back - nearest the seat on each side. Both the inside wall (the tunnel) and the outside wall (where your knees would be) had holes of 3" diameter!
Anyway, this tank was a bit dirty inside, so I gave it the vinegar treatment. All nice and clean now.
Shame they designed a tank with 4 distinct, obvious low points below the petcock level.
I, too, like the 550 best. I owned an '82 back in the day and owned an '83 a year or so ago. But, lately, I've been digging narrow light twins rather than in-line 4's, and this is a nice one.
Those aren't the stock mufflers, either. Just universal clamp-ons. Sound nice, though. I'm heading up to Tallahassee tomorrow to pick up a parts bike that looks to have a nice set of stock mufflers, among other things.
Joined: Oct 02, 2006 Posts: 2051 Location: New Britian, CT
Posted: Fri Dec 02, 2011 5:35 pm Post subject:
The 400 Seca was sold in the states for two years. They acutally sold that bike in Asia for two more years after they stopped selling in the states. I know this because because one of my old girlfriends use to own one when she lived in Malyasia. She said it was the best bike she ever owned.
Joined: Feb 23, 2007 Posts: 1045 Location: Orlando, FL
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 1:49 pm Post subject:
A quick update:
I came across a guy selling a parts-bike for $100, so I picked it up. It got me a very nice original exhaust set (much quieter and includes the OEM crossover), a nice set of fully functioning original gauges to replace the non-stockers that were on it, an unbent handlebar, mirrors, and a set of unbroken original front blinkers and a few other little bits and pieces.
I also picked up a set of bar risers from the same-vintage Yamaha Maxim 400 off ebay, which positions the bar an inch or so further back and an inch or so up - much more comfortable for me.
I've put about 1000 miles on it, and it's still a sweetheart of a commuter!
Joined: Nov 02, 2008 Posts: 1087 Location: New Zealand
Posted: Thu Feb 23, 2012 2:56 pm Post subject:
Yamaha had such a rough start with their bigger 4 strokes,but they did get it right with the Seca range. Hard to find tanks that don't need fixes at those low points though. I loved my 900 Seca and it did everything well enough,from sport touring,to exploring the boondocks on loose surfaces,and it was going to take a pretty determined effort to wear it out!
Joined: Jan 08, 2008 Posts: 102 Location: Bellflower, IL
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:18 am Post subject:
Yo, nice bike KirkN I have one only in the dark blue. Has just over 4,000 miles on it. Don't have the handlebar risers on it, but I can see that helping in the comfort level for sure!
Joined: Feb 23, 2007 Posts: 1045 Location: Orlando, FL
Posted: Fri Feb 24, 2012 8:09 am Post subject:
Thanks. Actually, I think this bike was originally a dark blue. There are chips and scratches on the tail section and beneath the bright red is dark blue. The tank came from Australia. Those stripes weren't on the US versions, I don't think. And, the swingarm was painted that red, from the original silver.
Here's a close-up look at the stock Seca bar risers and the Maxim risers now on it.
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I have one only in the dark blue. Has just over 4,000 miles on it. Don't have the handlebar risers on it, but I can see that helping in the comfort level for sure!
