Hi all!
Just bought my first enduro, a nice XT 550 -82. I have been riding/maintaining a shaft driven old boxer for the last 8 years, so almost everything is new for me with chain driven bikes. I spent the first four days restoring the looks of the bike and now it is time to get into the technical stuff.

I tried to find a manual but neither Haynes nor Clymer has one for the specific model. Can you point me into a right direction to find one for XT 550?

Another newbie question:

XT 550 seems to be a little hard to start. Any hints for the right technique how to kickstart it? I have already changed a new spark plug, air filter, oil and oil filter. Although it is hard to start, when it fires it idles fine and seems to have ample low end torque. I was amazed how light and capable it feels for such an old bike!

I have no information about the services done by the previous owner, so I think the next thing to do is to give the carbs a thorough cleaning.

All maintaining/restoring tips are most welcomed!

yamaha xt 550 Service Manual torrent downloads

there a few there. At 209MB, you'll have to download it yourself ;-)

Delayed thanks to Bruken for the link! Anyway, I ended up buying a cd manual from Ebay and hope to get it soon.

Maybe this should be a subject for a new thread, but can you tell me which is the best way to kickstart it when cold (perhaps that is included in the manual but I just can´t wait ?

It only needs one kick when warm/hot, but cold starting is a little problematic.

I cleaned the carbs during the weekend, and found nothing suspicious. Also welded one broken ignition coil bracket for better earth connection, but neither procedure helped to cure bad cold starting.