Project "Just get it started" now complete

Hey to all and many thanks for all the help.

Ok, finally got the bike started and running.
Background....bought non-running '82 XJ750, P.O. said would run at most 2mi then die. So far I've checked valves (thanks Fitz, not too far out of spec, but many still need to be adjusted....waiting on tool), rebuilt petcock, rebuilt starter (wasn't even turning over), changed oil & filter, changed (actually it was missing) air filter.
Added a gallon of fresh gas and fired her up....took a couple cranks but she fired right up....I let her warm up, snapped her in first and did laps around the my parking lot for about 10 mins., then out around the business park.
HOLY MOLY is this thing quick!!! Rode around business park for about 3 miles and came back....letting it cool down now.

I know I still have a lot of work to do (brake overhaul comes to mind, and finish the valves then sync carbs), but one concern I have is taking left hand turns the bike felt just a little "squirrelly"....maybe it was me (I'm just getting back into riding after many years away)....it just wasn't confidence inspiring....I know I'll be needing new tires, and NO, I'm not taking it out on "real" roads yet or over 35mph.
What should I be looking at before the new tires get here?

 

right on!!! good job bro

 

If it's feeling squirrely, take a look at the steering head bearing adjustment. Yes, it could be you having less confidence in left-hand turns than right-hand, but if the head bearings are loose, I've found that the thing can "shift position" at the weirdest points during manuevering. YMMV.

 

For starters, QUIT riding it, AT ALL, until you check the rear brake.

Looky this post: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=34257.html Serious biz!

Your squirrelly feeling could be tire pressure, worn out rear shocks, worn or misadjusted steering head bearings or a swing arm pivot in need of adjusting (get a book!)

You shouldn't be exploring "how quick" it is before you fix the brakes, honestly.

 

Thanks Fitz....done riding.....for now.

You are correct...safety first! Time to put the key back up on the top shelf 'till those brakes are inspected.

Was just hoping to replicate the "2 miles then dies" scenario in an uncrowded, wide-open, close to home environment.

Part one complete. Now on to Part Two - Get it running "correctly"..... Then Part Three - Get it running "safely".....Then of course, Part Four - Having fun riding my bike!

 

"Was just hoping to replicate the "2 miles then dies" scenario in an uncrowded, wide-open, close to home environment."

Sure sounds like a plugged gas tank cap.....if it starts to die, have it setup so you can flip it open, it will have to be quick since it will take a few seconds for the bowls to refill....but it will only begin to die as they empty!!

Congrats on getting it running....sure is a good feeling isn't it?

jeff