Semi-Noob here

been lurking around the site for a while, always a good resource for when i have questions about my bike
bought my second XJ today, so kinda thinking now this may be more than a passing fancy

got first '85 MaximX about 3 years ago and got second '85 MaximX today - even same color.

new one has fewer miles but runs a little rougher, its been sitting a lot the last 10 years, only has 26000 miles on it

two things:
-first just wanna say hi
-second, anyone got some advice on where to start with a tune-up or other advice to get this new-to-me bike running smoother

i'm def not a mechanic but i'm not unable to do some mechanical work, really just inexperienced

thanks

 

check rear brakes - delamination

measure and replace valve shims
charge battery and do compression test (or do first if you really want a baseline idea - but redo after shims)
clean, clunk, sync, balance, etc carbs + flush out gas tank for old sludge/rust
(buy an inline fuel filter)
change fuse panel

eventually change front brake lines, rebuilt MC and Calipers + pads

Good enough SHORT list?

 

To get it running good. you can start with
Clean Your Own Carb's - The Whole 9 Yards - by: Rick Massey
Then progress to IN THE CHURCH OF CLEAN
Some graphic reference by smuckaholic

Finally work your way through The Information Overload Hour

If your not brain fried by the end of all that you need to make sure it will stop! Get the brakes squared away! Check BigFitz delamination post in my signature.

Ghost

 

So was I when I got my first XJ. Now I'm writing how-to files. One of them deals with breaking down the carbs on the X.

Also possibly of interest is another user who just hopped on here recently by the name of TurboToad; he's got a factory manual he's looking to get rid of. Might want to get ahold of him.

 

thanks all, and yea my helmets on fire

most of this is way over my head, i was thinking more of oil change and check plugs. i'll do some reading and see what intelligent questions i come up with

be back soon
-crow

 

If the bike's been sitting as long as you say it has, it's probably going to need a bit more than changing the oil and checking the plugs. When I first got mine, the PO swore he'd had it running on all four. When I tried it, it barely idled on full choke. When I broke the carbs down, the diaphragm needles were stuck in place with varnish.

I'm thinking you'll need to show the carbs some love.

 

My 2 cents,,, How rough is it running? warm it up, carefully feel the pipes to see if its running on all 4 cyls,, if one isnt firing find out if its lack of spark or fuel,,or too much fuel.
I would bet the issue is your carbs floats or needles being stuck since its been sitting for so long. I would run some SeaFoam thru it, costs about 10 bux, it may just fix it, or at least send you in the right direction.

Hows the gas tank on the inside? I understand these bikes tanks are known for rusting, and that could be sending crap thru to your carbs.

 

thanks again for all the good ideas - i got plenty of stuff to do this weekend now