My Shocking Xj650...

Good day all. My Father-in-Law gifted me with a 1980 yamaha xj650 maxim. It did not run, but with information gleaned from this site I was able to bring it back to life. Mainly Carb issues, every issue that carbs can have, it would seem. So thank you all for that. There are two remaining issues.

1. I need to synch the carbs. the synch tool is to arrive this week, so I think I can deal with that.

2. When I take the bike out for a test spin I thought I was hearing a tapping, but if I take my legs away from the tank it goes away. After much testing I realized that I am getting shocked by the bike. If I wear shorts (which I rarely do while riding) then I can feel it much more.

So the question is, would this be from one of the main grounding points having a poor connection, or could my coils need replaced, or one of many other things?

Thanks for any info.

Lance

 

Start the bike up in a garage or at night and look to see if the spark plug boots/ cables are arcing. Replace if needed.

You should go through the 37 year old electronic connections (especially the grounds) and clean, die electric grease and tighten them all.

 

Thanks, I'll give that a whirl.

 

An upgrade is to use Honda CB750 coils these have replaceble plug wires and mount just like stock coils...and can be bought new Cycle Recycle part 2 has the coils for 39.00 ea and they sell the plug wires and caps. I have used them for 2 years now with no issues. Dyna coils are another one but are a little bit higher in price. Of course if your coils are cracked you could try to fill in with JB weld

 

be a man, just reach in there and grab the plug wires. you'll know if their good real quick

 

This works better if you stand in a puddle and lick you fingers first.

 

with one hand on chrome of handle bars to ensure a good ground , as we all know good grounds are important to carrying current