XJ550 Bogging out

I have not had this bike for more than a month it sat for almost 6 months outside when I bought it. The bike runs great but sometimes when I go to start the bike up it struggles I start and I have to mess with the choke to start it up even when it's hot. I put good wire shrink wrap over all of the plug wires and put new plugs in the bike. Still same problem. I'm beginning to think its a fuel problem but where would I start. My other symptom is sometimes when I give it gas almost 3/4 full throttle it Boggs out sputters then it cleans up and takes off. It does not always do this sometimes it'll run great.

 

If you have not cleaned the carbs yet, it's probably where you need to start. Clean them, Bench sync and adjust you float height. Then you need to do a running sync.

By the way what bike do you have? Put your bike in your signature and we will be able to give more specific help.

Edit: Oh, it's in the title. I need to read those better.

 

Is it quite a job to clean them an adjust them.

 

Quit trying to ride it and until you check the rear brake or something bad could happen: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

The above advice is correct. You need to clean, service and properly adjust the carbs.

To do this correctly you will need to get the valve clearances in spec.

To accomplish the above you will need a service manual, which can be supplemented (but not replaced) by the information on this site.

I don't mean to sound abrupt; but that's what will be required. And you're going to need to rebuild the brakes, trust me. (Check my sig.)

You have some work to do; and there will be a cost involved as well. It's a 30-year old neglected bike; sorry to say but there are no quick fixes.

We're here to help as much as possible; you supply the time, the effort-- and go get a BOOK.

Here's a Mikuni carb like on your bike, "field stripped" for cleaning and service; check it out: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=31061.html

Look in "XJ FAQ Suggestions" for how-tos on valve adjustment, carb cleaning, etc.

http://www.xj4ever.com/ has a collection of PDFs for various procedures as well.

But you'll still need a manual.

 

I just replaced my brakes but thanks for the heads up. I may hold off on the carb work till winter it's not running that terrible I would like to atleast ride it as much as I can this summer.

 

As in, replaced the 30-year old lines that were supposed to last 4 years?

Replaced the 30-year old caliper and master cylinder seals that were supposed to last 2 years?

If you didn't the front brake will begin to act up on you, as you'll soon discover. When it does, you'll already know what needs to be done.

At least check the valve clearances before you hurt the motor. Seriously (again, check my sig.)

And good luck neglecting all the stuff that's been overlooked for 30 years. We'll be hearing from you again; and we'll give you the same advice; because we've BEEN THERE.

A 30-year old bike IS NOT like a 30-year old car. Don't get hurt finding out.

 

Okay well I guess I should listen to you then. Your right I havnt been there. Tell me other things I should be checking out on the bike.

 

Get a manual; factory preferred, Clymer OK.

Go through the "maintenance" section item by item, and do them all; in order; and don't leave anything out. Don't skip anything because it seems difficult; that's why we're here.

I'll dig up the actual "list" but just doing the things I listed above will get you a long way toward where you need to be.

Meanwhile, track down a book. If you're looking for a factory book, you need the 1981 XJ550RH book. Yes, it's for the "Seca" but that was the bike the rest of the world got. There is a Maxim Supplement, but it doesn't contain anything you'll need; it just covers the specs. If you find a factory book and really want a Max supplement, I can hook you up.