1985 xj maxim 700 wiring/starting problem any help please

hey i am 18 years old and wanted to start working on motorcycles but am really in need of help. i bought a 1985 xj700 a couple months back and it was in terrible condition the lady i bought it from claimed her son dropped it by the house in 2007 and it has been sitting since.

i cleaned the carbs a little, switched spark plugs, replaced the gas tank with a 1979 Suzuki gs1000l tank, oil and filter change, new battery. i tried staring it but would only give me a roar and then die. it once started and continued while i was holding the gas but the second i let go died again. ( it was spitting a lot of oil from the crankshaft valve when i would try starting it at first but doesn't do it anymore)

it wont start and i see i have 2 sets of wire not attached to anything i have a set that is a black, and blue/yellow wire. then i have red/yellow, blue/yellow, black/yellow, and black. ( the wire for the gas tank are also not attached because i have a different tank now and it has different wires i hope it doesn't change anything). i got hold of a service manual online but the wiring diagram is the most confusing thing i have seen in my life.

im not sure if those wires play a role in the bike not starting but i really need help i am all alone i would appreciate any help!!!! thank you

 

Welcome to the forum, you've come to the right place. If you got it to fire up, the primary problem is most likely gummed-up carbs, not electrical. The carbs will need to be completely cleaned, adjusted & synched, AFTER the valves are properly adjusted.
You've got some work to do. You'll need a manual. Read some threads here on carb cleaning, the Church of Clean is really good.
Hopefully one of the more experienced members here will chime in with a more complete "must do" list. Stick around, learn about your bike & how to work on it & you'll be rewarded with a good, dependable motorcycle. Good luck to ya.