First off, I want to thank everyone for being willing to take the time to share so much information. It has helped me with my first motorcycle.......a 1996 Seca II !!! I will post photos soon. It is red, with blacked out engine and exhaust. It has the air scoop under the engine.
I decided to learn how to ride a motorcycle as a fun way to commute the 10 miles to work along a slightly twisty route through a nature preserve (Armand Bayou). I took a basic motorcycle riding course at a community college, then took my written exam and passed! I was looking for a 'beginners' bike and one finally popped up in Craigslist near me. $2,200. When I bought it two years ago it had 6,000 miles on it and had been maintained by a meticulous retired engineer as his wife's ride. He kept all records and receipts. He was also kind enough to let me test ride it, show me how to tighten the chain and basically told me all about it. He followed me home in his car while I rode the bike home, then gave me a ride back to his house to pick up my car. At first I was very cautious because I had really never ridden on a bike outside of a parking lot, but now I am more comfortable.
The bike has been really fun and reliable. It does warm up slowly and stumble at low revs when cold, but warms up quickly enough. All I've really done with it in 2 years is change the oil and clean and lube the chain.
I must admit that I have lusted after other bikes, now that I am a better rider, but I have decided to keep the Seca II. It does everything I need it to do and I know it has a lot of life left in her, since it now only has 8,500 miles.
I recently bought a few things on ebay to upgrade her. Many of the items were mentioned on this discussion board. The NOS center stand, the rear rack, an extra rear center panel to drill holes in, an old beat up corbin seat for $40, that I had recovered for $100.
There are a few things I will eventually need to do, but I am a bit inexperienced. Some day I will need to change the brake pads and fluid, change the fork fluid, replace the chain and sprokets etc. I'm sure I will get support here on XJrider and appreciate everyone sharing their expertise.
Arnold in Houston.
