LOT 280
1981 Yamaha 528cc XJ550RH Seca Registration no. DWR 553W Frame no. 4U8-004879 Engine no. 4U8-004879
Sold for £805 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 280
1981 Yamaha 528cc XJ550RH Seca
The Autumn Stafford Sale - The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show|11 October 2026, 11:00 BST|Stafford, Staffordshire County Showground
1981 Yamaha 528cc XJ550RH Seca
Registration no. DWR 553W
Frame no. 4U8-004879
Engine no. 4U8-004879
Registration no. DWR 553W
Frame no. 4U8-004879
Engine no. 4U8-004879
• Rare USA model
• 22,507 Miles displayed
• Needs re-commissioning
The Yamaha XJ550RH Seca is a distinctive example of Yamaha's highly regarded middleweight sports-touring motorcycles of the early 1980s. Introduced as part of the XJ range, the 550 Seca combined Yamaha's proven 528cc air-cooled, DOHC, four-cylinder engine with a practical, yet sporty, chassis, creating a motorcycle noted for its smooth performance, distinctive styling and everyday useability. The XJ550RH features Yamaha's characteristic transverse four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed gearbox. Its compact proportions, responsive handling and relatively light weight made the Seca an appealing alternative to larger superbikes in the USA market, and are now becoming collectable.
DWR 553W is part of a deceased's estate; it was purchased by the late owner in 2000 from JMS Motorcycles (invoice on file). It is a matching engine and frame example, and appears to be an import from USA, being first registered in the UK in 1997. The deceased owner, a mechanic by trade, used the bike from 2000 to 2006/2007, albeit for very limited mileage alongside other motorcycles and cars in his collection, with the mileage covered between 2000 and the present day of only 176 miles. It has been unused since 2006/2007 and displays a total of 22,507 miles at the time of cataloguing. Accordingly, having stood since 2007, it will require some re-commissioning or restoration before returning to the road, hence sold strictly as seen; however, we can confirm that the engine turns over when checked in gear, and the gears select. The front brake operates, but binds when applied, and will need attention. Rear brake is a traditionally-operated drum type. Interested bidders should note that the V5C incorrectly states the colour as Maroon. Classified for road tax on the V5C as 'bicycle', DWR 553W should be eligible to be re-classified as Historic Vehicle class on application.
Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old V5C, an old V5, a quantity of expired MoTs, and the aforementioned purchase invoice.
Offered with key
• 22,507 Miles displayed
• Needs re-commissioning
The Yamaha XJ550RH Seca is a distinctive example of Yamaha's highly regarded middleweight sports-touring motorcycles of the early 1980s. Introduced as part of the XJ range, the 550 Seca combined Yamaha's proven 528cc air-cooled, DOHC, four-cylinder engine with a practical, yet sporty, chassis, creating a motorcycle noted for its smooth performance, distinctive styling and everyday useability. The XJ550RH features Yamaha's characteristic transverse four-cylinder engine, paired with a six-speed gearbox. Its compact proportions, responsive handling and relatively light weight made the Seca an appealing alternative to larger superbikes in the USA market, and are now becoming collectable.
DWR 553W is part of a deceased's estate; it was purchased by the late owner in 2000 from JMS Motorcycles (invoice on file). It is a matching engine and frame example, and appears to be an import from USA, being first registered in the UK in 1997. The deceased owner, a mechanic by trade, used the bike from 2000 to 2006/2007, albeit for very limited mileage alongside other motorcycles and cars in his collection, with the mileage covered between 2000 and the present day of only 176 miles. It has been unused since 2006/2007 and displays a total of 22,507 miles at the time of cataloguing. Accordingly, having stood since 2007, it will require some re-commissioning or restoration before returning to the road, hence sold strictly as seen; however, we can confirm that the engine turns over when checked in gear, and the gears select. The front brake operates, but binds when applied, and will need attention. Rear brake is a traditionally-operated drum type. Interested bidders should note that the V5C incorrectly states the colour as Maroon. Classified for road tax on the V5C as 'bicycle', DWR 553W should be eligible to be re-classified as Historic Vehicle class on application.
Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old V5C, an old V5, a quantity of expired MoTs, and the aforementioned purchase invoice.
Offered with key
Additional information
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