I was just given a 1981 Xj650 maxim by somebody. It sat in a garage for about 2 years and then outside in the weather for about a year. The problem I have is it will not start(starter doesn't turn over motor) when I press the start button. When I put the key in and turn it the neutral light goes on, light, turn signals and horn work. I tested the starter, solenoid, ignition switch(where key goes) and they're good. I also checked all the fuses and wire that goes from the solenoid to the starter button as well as the ground wire that goes to the button. I took the start button apart and tried touching the blue wire with the white stripe to the black ground wire, still won't start. Is there anything else to check? The battery is dead so I did all this with a charger/jump starter.

Can you hear the solenoid click?

The solenoid doesn't click either. If I connect 12v across it does so it's good.

Chek the main earthing points on the bike. This sounds like a bad earth problem.

I checked the negative battery cable going to the motor and it's fine. It grounds to the frame and handlebars also. Is this the only earthing point?

Does anyone have a wiring schematic for my exact model that they could email to me? I have a book but the schematic in there is different then mine. Thanks

Try touching the blue and white wire to an earthed point on the frame with the ignition on (handlebars maybe?). Does the starter work by doing this?

It does nothing when I do that either

Where does the red wire with the white stripe that comes from the solenoid go? Somehow back to the battery I know but, I really can't find where it comes out.
Are there some sort of safety switches, like to make sure it's in neutral before starting? It could be bad if there is.

There is an interlock that disables the starter when in gear. I will have to look at mine and post again tomorrow.

the engine stop switch will stop the engine turning over as well, may be its caput?????? on the switch the 2 red and white wires are the engine kill join them together ,this will bypass the switch, engine start switch ,switches to earth through the switch case through the bars :ph43r:

There also seems to be a red and white wire coming from the side stand cut out switch. If you could let me know the first part of your frame number (i.e. 5N8-00) I will try and scan a wiring diagram for you.

I am still trying to send the wiring diagram, don't give up on me yet.

I can't paste the diagram to a reply but I have noticed that on the home page of this site the tech section has "Daves electrical diagrams" or some similar title. If you look on here you want the diagrams for the 650 H. Hope this helps. If not, let us know and we will see what else we can do.

I finally fixed it, it was the engine stop switch. I had tested this before it was ok, but now there is a small amount of resisance in the switch, must be corrosion. Thanks for your help!

Glad you got it fixed :D