1981 650 Maxim where to start

I just bought an 81 650 maxim. The guy I bought it from stored it for 6 years. I haven't even tried starting it because I don't know where to start. Any suggestions?

 

First welcome to XJBikes! Glad you've joined the fun.

Start with cleaning by hand everything you can. Remove the seat and clean all your electrical connections, check fuses, battery? It will need to be 12.4V at rest or more.

Then I would get new plugs, remove the old and squirt a little Liq wrench, Kroil, or Deep creep in each cylinder, replace plugs and let it sit for a good while. Change out the oil, new fresh gas (don't use any that is in there), hopefully your tank is rust/dirt free but just in case get an inline fuel filter to catch any debris and protect your carbs, drain the carb bowls and then switch to prime to let in the new gas. You could check compression at this point, or check your valve clearances to be extra cautious and ready to try for a fire up. If everything looks good to this point you can give it a try and see if there be life in there!

If it does start, yea!-but don't just ride off into the sunset. You will want to go through every maintenance step to be sure the bike is safe. Starting with brakes. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but you can't afford a breakdown, lockup, or similar while riding a moto at speed.

 

Thank you so much!
I can't believe there's a site this great.
I talked to the guy I bought it from and he has a few bikes an he told me he 'prepped' it for storage. So I have my hopes up. She actually doesn't look in bad shape. I did pop open the oil cap and I can definitely smell something he put in it before putting it up. Ill give it a shot and see what happens!

 

LRamirez,

Welcome. Just a Reminder...If you're not sure...DON'T! You've come to the right place to get your bike running and safe to ride in good form. Read and ask questions and members will reply. Again...Welcome...now...GET TO WRENCHIN'!

Gary

 

I wouldn't try to start it! First I would go through the carbs, after 6 years without use I can guarantee the carbs need to be cleaned at least. Take this from a motorcycle tech. Were are you located?
Natan

 

Not necessarily so Natan. He said the PO prepped it for storage. If he's worth his salt that means he drained the tank, the carbs, and fogged it all. If he did all that and it wasn't stored in a water logged basement, it may be just fine. Obviously doing the carbs would be great and may still be needed, but personally I would try to start it before I spent hours and hours cleaning-maybe not the most prudent way to go but hearing it run would be motivation for me to continue the refurbishment.