where to begin?

Great forum! I have been lurking for a week or so and have finally been convinced to dig out my dust covered xj from the back corner of my garage. Not sure if I'm a record holder or not but my bike has been parked for, Get this........10 years.
I bought it in the fall of '98 to learn on, parked it for the winter and never got around to riding it. So it sat and sat, and sat.... and now it has some issues. But I am hopeful that I can get it on the road before the snow hits.
None of my local shops will agree to even look at my bike so it looks like I'm on my own, This forum has some great info BTW. I'm not much of a mechanic but I am starting to feel confident that I can tackle this project.

I know for certain that I will need to do at least:
Change all fluids
Clean and rebuild carbs
New Battery
Check rubber parts (fork seals etc.)

I will probably find other issues along the way but I would certainly appreciate any advice that any of you could give me so if there is something that you think I should know don't hesitate to post it.
Thanks for the great forum.

Oh yeah, my bike is an '82 (I think) maxim 550

 

Welcome, A_Dawg!

10 years is a long time, but not nearly long enough to kill an XJ!
My 550 sat in a barn for 20 years... It took all of 6 months and lots of pestering of extremely helpful folks on this forum, and now it's running like a top.

You might add a couple of things to your list:

1. Fuse box - if yours is stock, trash it and replace it with a blade-style unit. The old buss-style box will give you lots of grief down the road.
2. Chain and sprockets - check them for wear.. I'd replace at least the chain (o-ring or x-ring chain would be a good choice).
3. Check gas tank for rust, and install an inline fuel filter.
4. Tires... 10 years is a long time for them.

If you don't already have one, get yourself a service manual...

Our local parts guru Chacal has just about everything you might need to get going.

 

Welcome A_Dawg !
At least you know you parked a running bike!
Read and follow one of our longer carb rebuild threads, and take your time, and you should be in good shape. (unless your bores went rusty 8O )

 

Thanks for the replies. I will be sure to add those items to my list.
I have one more item to add unfortunately, I'm not sure if it's scary or funny but i don't have my key to the bike, and my chances of finding it are pretty slim it seems. Anybody have any ideas? I suppose that i will just begin by calling a local locksmith. Maybe they can make one up for me.

 

There is a number bottom of the ignition housing. lock smith or dealer can make a key...

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of XJ bikes.

Others have hit on some great points. One I would like to stress is that you should replace the tires.

Even if they look good. They are not. Unless you put your bike up on blocks so that the wheels weren't on the ground.

The tires will probably be dry rotted or worse. And since they were probably sitting on the ground, there will be flat spots.

Was there gas in the tank? If so, be prepared for a lot of rust. And the most unusual smell from 10 year old gas.

Be sure and ask questions, there are lots of people here to help.

And, most of all, have fun. They are a riot to ride, and fun to work on.

Dan

 

Yeah, I have done some looking around and I found a radiator shop that will clean the inside of the tank for me. (as soon as I can get a key to open it that is) LOL!