I need expert help!! 1982 xj750 maxim

I have a 1982 xj750 maxim that I bought on impulse the bike ran great driving it home about two weeks of riding at lights the bike just dies im 24 years old and not very mechanically inclined I was told to clean the bowls and jets and I did they weren't too dirty but I took off the bit of grime that it had and put it back together after doing that the bike started up but rpms shot up to 8 and would not come down no matter how much I messed with the idle knob ive been looking around for a shop to help me fix this but no one wants to mess with it because they dont have a yics tool or because its too old I was told by a shop that they can TRY and work on it for 500 bucks but did not guarantee it will be fixed I need expert help please I want to get back to riding please

 

Mine acted exactly the same way after I cleaned my carbs and what worked for me was a bench sync then backing off throttle.

 

Irritateddave thanks for the reply do you know of a video or how to? I can try doing my self im not that mechanically inclined but I would do anything to get it started and riding again

 

a quick list of things that you should do that could help getting the engine running right.
-check valve clearances (http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html)
-clean carbs (http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2908.html)
-wet set carb float levels (http://www.xj4ever.com/setting%20fuel%20levels.pdf)
-make sure you have a new strong battery
-oil change

all of these things are fairly easy to do, i was able to do them all and i am by no means a mechanic. im sure others will come along and leave some more advice but these things need to be done in order to get your bike running prime.

 

Silent raven thanks alot for your advice im getting a new battery today and the oil change was done before all this happened I say about 2 and a half weeks ago

 

Im trying to upload a picture from my phone galaxy note 2 and its not letting me says my pic is way too big

 

upload it to a image hosting site and post a link then.

 

To what silentraven said you can add:

Color tune and sync the carbs

And, most important of all:

Inspect your rear and front brakes to make sure they're safe! If they haven't been worked on in a while it's a good investment to renew the whole thing.

Chacal has all the parts you need to get your bike running well and safely. A lot of other people came here like you (me!) not knowing anything about mechanic, but these are easy bikes to work on and for a small(ish) initial investment you can save yourself a lot of trouble down the road (like finding out those brakes hasn't been touched in a while).

 

Old bikes aren't plug and play, they require a lot of DIY, and reward you by how much work you put in. I always say if you want to just jump on a bike and ride, don't get a 30 year old bike. Old bikes can cost you more in maintenance than a newer machine and if you don't do the maintenance you'll either have a doorstop of metal or be dead. You need to check everything rubber and replace it if it's past due, you need to check your brakes (stopping more important than going forward), valves, carbs, etc etc. Previous owners, even if they are your best friend, shouldn't be trusted with YOUR life.

For videos about bike maintenance, I suggest Max Storey http://www.youtube.com/user/mrmaxstorey

Don't be afraid to dig in to the mechanics. It can be frustrating, but be patient and methodical: this site is full of information and experience that will get you where you want to go.

 

Make sure your throttle cable is seated well at both ends. It is the small things that you will get you.

 

What scared me more was when 2 different motorcycle mechanics told me they couldn't work on it this was a yamaha dealer and an independent shop I asked if they knew anyone they both told me good luck so I was disappointed on the purchase I made and I feel like my investment is going down the drain... so I thought to myself if these called experts can't work on it I dont think I can thats when I found this site =D

 

I'll echo this sentiment. I know you just want to get out there and ride, but an older bike like this requires you to go through pretty well all of it before you put serious mileage on it. You might not be mechanically inclined, but you can learn this things by getting a good manual for the bike, and by soliciting the advice from the members of this group. But you just can't rush the process because safety comes before everything.

I would suggest that you start by doing your valve clearances, and then try to find someone on this group who is local to help you with your carb issues. You might bait them in with some free beer and pizza.

Alternatively, sell the bike and buy something newer if you are not inclined to acquire some mechanical skills.

 

They told you that because THEY SIMPLY DONT WANT to work on the bike, and in many cases, THEY DONT KNOW HOW to work on the older bikes.

YOU need to stay with the bike, YOU will learn how to take care of your bike, and YOU CAN learn to do that if you stay with US.

MANY of us here learned how to do that by BEING HERE.

Hang in there. You're case is no different than many others. You got an old bike, and it's going to take time and effort to get it back in shape, but you will end up with a bullet-proof ride when you're done.

dave F

 

Alrighty then. The above responses are correct. The reason the so-called experts wouldn't work on it is that they DO know at least enough to realize that they couldn't make any money trying to fix it without charging you twelve times what you paid for it.

A bike this old IS pretty much a DIY project. If you want to do this, you'll need to be willing to learn and have a budget of around $600 ~ $800 for the parts and tools you'll need plus a spot to work.

Additionally, there is no "quick fix" for this. You will be embarking on a bit of a project in order to get the bike up and running safely and reliably. It can't be rushed (or you'll just end up doing stuff over and over.) If you're up to it, then we're here to help.

If not, then the other advice given also applies; find a newer bike (one less than about 5 or 6 years old.) ANY bike older than about 10 years will generally require some major work; and shops don't like to take in unprofitable repairs.

Not trying to discourage you; just being honest.

 

X2... and make sure you didn't mix up your throttle cable and "choke" cable.. that has happened more than once.

 

http://db.tt/vmYw9ywy please let me know if you can see pic I drove this bike and I fell in love with it the power and how comfortable it is if you guys can walk me through it Im willing to learn to get it to run again what would be the first step?

 

I can see your pic, but I can't zoom enough to look at details. I seem to see a sort of long loop with a fuel filter on the lowest section, is that correct?

 

http://db.tt/p4pSL0n3

 

The po did that its an inline filter but the hose was way too long I have no idea where to place it

 

Nice color scheme!

 

Thank you I love the color its bright orange/red sorry about the pictures im doing this on my phone who uses computers nowadays anyway haha

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/4444slvafrune95/oYY-B0o0zx

 

With that long fuel line, I would be afraid air got trapped in the high part of the loop, and then you'll get big air bubbles in the carbs when you don't need them (acceleration)

 

That thing is a beauty. Stick with it, get your self a manual, start asking questions here, you will make it. Btw fix (shorting) that fuel line, It shoul not hang lower than the carbs.

 

Shorten-up the Fuel Line.

Remove the Seat.
Prop-up the Tank
Run the Fuel Line straight-back.
Install a 90-degree Hose Union. Add a short section oh Fuel Line allowing the Fuel Filter too be retained.
Connect the Fuel Supply Hose to the Filter.

Optional:

Loop the Fuel Line under the Tank.
Tape or Tie-wrap the loop preventing kinking.

 

Thank you guys for taking the time to comment so to get tje bike running again should I take the carbs apart again? ?

 

I will do the under the tank technique sounds good ive seen a small glass filter from autozone would that work? Instead of this big thing?

 

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/hfkvha0o4kigohb/T6N6EMvlEk this is what it looked like when I took the bowls off to clean

 

Just from the looks of that bottom-end, ... you'll need to do a thorough cleaning.

Some of that residue may need to be "Tooth-brushed" off.

You might even need a "Brass Detailing Brush"

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=htt ... 0#imgdii=_

 

Superman, Stick with this bike.....it may seem like a challenge for you but there is a lot of knowledge on this forum.......

I have had my 1982 XJ750J from the very beginning...30 yrs +; they are a great sport/cruiser bike....

Grin & bear it......& do the the right maintenence required ....you will be rewarded in the end.....

Here is mine.....

 

fiveofakind, is taking off carbs your anti-theft device?

 

sektorgaz, now that was funny.....I laughed.....they are going to have to push it, to get it....

Just at the point of putting back the rack on bike.......after a thorough teardown.....I will be working today in triple digit heat today but looking forward to it & arrival of Chacal's parts.....

 

Is there anyone in Houston that could be willing to help me fix my carb issue I will gladly compensate your time please

 

I am in cleveland tx 40 miles north. Willing to help, and meet a fellow xj owner. And i know my way around these carbs. Pm me your number.

 

Just my 2 cents, but I spent over a year bringing back to life a very neglected '82 750 Maxim and I don't regret a single minute of that time. Between original purchase ($200) and parts ($800), I've got a thousand into it but it rides as well as any of the bikes I've owned.

That's a great looking ride and appears to be in decent shape so it's worth saving.

Good luck!

 

Trailer the bike here and i will have you in top shape in no time.

 

Wow im very grateful how helpful you guys are razz1969 im looking forward to meeting you I pm you let me know what I got to do

 

Superman,

Click on profile...& add the year & model of your bike......so when making posts in the future......nobody has to guess what bike you have.....it will always be a part of your signature....

 

Well hey guys im happy to report that razz1969 worked on my bike and he did a great job he is very knowledgeable and there are a couple of other things that the bike needs to have up to date and hopefully razz can show me hands on and maybe later we will upload of future rides that we do ive gained friend

 

I love happy endings

 

I would do it all over for any one out there, thanks for the kodos.

 

Hey Razz,

Let me know when you come visit San Diego......I will have you over.....I will serve beer & tacos.....for a few pointers......

That is great news that you could help out Superman with his issues......

 

FMan i love San Diego havent been there since high school. That would be a real but burner from here. Thanks For the offer, and likewise, my couch is your couch.