What 2 do

Hello all,

I am new to the site and love the information on here.

I just traded my 350x 3 wheeler for a 1981 XJ650 maxim. Was told the bike sat for about a year the guy I traded with had it idling last year but was idling rough. I am in the processes of cleaning the carbs (a lot of help full info off this web site) all the jets were plugged and the plunger needles on 2 of the carbs were pulled out of the seat that hold them in the plunger. What I am looking for are some things I should do before I put it on the road. 1 question I have is how do you get the old gas out of the tank is there a trick to it should I get the tank coated if so can I do it my self or do i take it some where?? I have been looking on here and there is a lot of information and for me to go thought each thread it would take me months. Any advice/help would be great. Thanks in advance

 

Shooter, welcome to the site. You should be able to drain the gas by putting the fuel valve on pri & drain into an appropriate container. You do not need to coat tank if there is no rust in it, be sure & check.
Things you need to do.
1. Get a maual for your bike & go thru every maintenance step listed
2. Check your rear brake shoes for delamination, replace if the are seperating, BIG SAFETY ISSUE!
3. Check the date codes on your tires if they are very old replace even if they look good.
4. Install inline fuel filter.
5. Replace OEM fuse box with blade type fuse box.
6. Be sure enrichment circuit in float bowel is clean, will cause starting problems if not.
7. Bench synch carbs.
8. Check/replace fuel & vac lines.
9. Do the clunk test, be sure the slides will slide by them selves.
10. Check valve clearences.

Most of this info is available in the FAQ forum. Go there & print each one, it will pay dividends.
Good luck & keep us posted on how you are doing,
Gregg

 

Welcome, Gregg has already given you some great advice.

Post up your questions as they come up.

 

Thanks for the advice will check all.

One thing the bike came with after marker K&M air filters and no old filter box so it looks like I will have a hole where the old box goes is that what I will see? I have not had the filters on the bike yet I just started with fixing the carbs so I don't know what it will look like does anyone have any pic of it without the air box installed. On that note looks like the fuses mount to the top of the air cleaner box with no box where is a good place to mount the new fuse rail any ideas?? Thanks again and the site is great will be on it daily.

 

Or you could run a couple bottles of NOS energy drink through it.

*sorry, couldn't resist*

 

what does the blade type air box look like? and where do I get one? I have an 81 XJ550.

 

shooter, yes you willl have an empty spot in the opening behind the battery/under the seat & behind your side covers if you have them. If I am understanding you right you have pods, individual filter for each carb? If that is the case you may be in for a tuneing experience. You need to check your jet sizes & see if they are stock or the PO change them out for larger jets. Most on here do not advocate using pods due to the tuninng it takes to get bike to run correctly, & there are others on here who have not had to rejet & others who have rejetted & been successful.

98, you can PM Chacal, he has them & can get them to you real fast.

 

Just want to make sure you mean fuse box and not air box. Search in the forums for fuses and I'm sure you will find a few posts with pictures.