Replace clutch or just a quick tune up on it?

Hey guys i just got my 82 maxim 550 runnin clean but when i kick it into first itstalls out immediately, im thinkin this is a clutch issue, will i have to replace it or is there a quick tune up i can try on er? I appreciate any info

 

It could be electrical.
There is a safety relay that kills the engine immediately if the sidestand is down (or it thinks it's down) and you shift out of neutral.

Can you start it in gear? Mine will start IN gear with clutch pulled in and sidestand up. I'm not sure if yours will behave the same way.
There is a switch on my clutch lever too.

Fitz will know the exact answer....he is the 550 master

 

Ok cool ill try that out when i get home from work, neverthought the bike was that technical, im new to the bike, a buddy gave me 2 for 400$ n ones in great condition so i think im gonna do up a maxim custom forthis summer

 

These XJ's have more safety features than a '48 Tucker

 

You may have some additional troubleshooting to do;but start here:

Clean and Lube the Sidestand Switch and Linkage.

Remove the Screws mounting the Switch.
Extract the Rod from the Tunnel at the Hinge Bolt.
Remove the Dust Cover.

Flush the Switch out with Electric Parts Cleaner or Isopropyl Alcohol.
Clean the Rod and Boot.
Sand the end of the Rod that moves within the Tunnel.
Clean and Sand the Tunnel.

Lube the Tunnel and Activating Rod end with Synthetic Waterproof Grease.
Reassemble the Parts after lubing the Switch with a spritz of WD40 or a light oil like Sewing Machine Oil.

 

There is no linkage, no tunnel nor actuating rod on the 550s.

The switch hangs right out in the road spray, making it even MORE susceptible to becoming unreliable. If the boot is split, start looking for a new one. (You'll notice my boot is cracked, it's since been replaced.) Meanwhile, flush it out as above.

 

Help me understand the real purpose for this switch. Does anyone leave their kickstand down and try to ride? It's like second nature to me to just slide it up and roll out off my right root as a temporary kick stand. Isn't it just easier to disable it?

 

NO.

The sidestand on the XJs, especially on the 550s is hard to SEE when it's down, it's hidden by your foot.

It's also got some rude geometry to it, such that if you roll into a right turn with it down, it can lever the wheels off the ground and drop you.

I've been riding for over 40 years, and riding XJ550Rs for four seasons now. EVERY NOW AND THEN, I'll forget; and the bike will shut down. It's rare, but when it does happen, I'm glad the system's there.

Yamaha knew what they were doing. Fix it.