What's next?

I have been reading through the last three weeks of postings here on the XJ Chat forum - what a wealth of help! I have been printing stuff off like a fiend!!!

I have recently acquired an 85 XJ700N. It sat in a garage for at least two years the guy tells me. It is in very nice shape - it was obviously kept in a garage and taken care of. The gas tank shows no evidence of rust, etc. The bike started and ran for a bit, but then gas came flowing out of one of the carbs. I tore the rack down, cleaned everything out (per the advice and help of many a posting here) and now need to dial it all in. I may have the help of someone in South Jersey to do that, I hope.

My question is - once that is done, what should I be checking out next? Don't get me wrong - I am NOT LOOKING FOR A PROBLEM! However, after cleaning the carbs, dialing them in and flushing out the gas tank - what else should I do before hopping on this bad boy and getting her out there...

Point me in the right direction and I'll be off and running. Thanks -

 

If it were me...I'd check the breaks and make sure they are in working order. I'm in the same spot as you are. Just dialed in the carbs on my 82 XJ750. Going to move onto the breaks next because the rear drum on mine needs a little help.

 

Brakes are the first place to start just as Meighty advised. It is also common for mice and other critters to make nests in the airbox. To check just pull the top of the airbox and check the air filter. If you find anything then pull the tube that goes from the top of the tranny cover to the airbox and make sure it is clear. I had a critter stop mine up. Had to beat it against the wall to break the mud packed nest up. I would also change the oil and filter if you haven't already.
Then do a simple saftey check of the lights and signal system. A stuck brake light is not a good thing anymore so than one that doesn't work. After riding a while check the front forks for any sign of a leaking seal. Then enjoy!

 

You might change your oil and filter,
inspect tires for wear and cracking,

You did say your synced the carbs now that you had them off? right?

You ought to colortune your carbs too.

Add an in-line fuel filter. (cheap insurance)

If everything is in good mechanical shape,,,,, wash er up and jump on and ride!

 

Fuel petcock would also be on my list of things to check, also the fuse panel replacement with the modern fuses, and check the alt brushes!

 

Get the DMV Inspection list:

Massachusetts checks:
Lights
Brakes
Tires
Horn
Steering Head Bearings
Fork Seal integrity
Headlight Aiming
Brake Light function
Cotter Pins through Axle Castle Nuts on BOTH Axles.
.............
You check:
Battery
Fluids
Oil
Clutch adjustment

Evrything else you want to do to feel comfortable riding a bike Layed-up for some time.

 

Thats a good i didn't think of. After taking last dirt bike season off my boots sat in my shed all summer. Went to go dust them off last night and get ready for next week. I had a little surprise...about a 25-30 bee nest. Nothing a little carb cleaner didn't take care of but still, i ran like a little girl.

I second the fork seals and an all fluid check.

 

Ok, then... brakes, oil change and filter, lights and forks - after riding it for a bit. It all sounds good to me. Checking the altenator brushes? Fuel panel replacement with modern fuses? Nick - you lost me...

 

I hope you made a typo, I did say fuse panel, not fuel panel, anyway, I’ll try to clarify what I was trying to say….

These old bikes have the glass style fuse block as original equipment. The clips that retain the glass fuse weaken, corrode, and generally give problems. It's one area that should be on the list of improvements to do!
Here's a link to one thread of many on this topic.....
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... =fuse.html

Checking the alternator brushes is another preventative measure. These “alternators use what is essentially a variable rotating electromagnet. This "electromagnet" rotor is fed a current which is adjusted to keep the output of the alternator between 14.2 and 14.8 volts (with no load).” ( quoted from item #6 at http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/7795/ ) The brushes feed power to the rotor and if they are worn out you will have charging problems.

I hope this helped!

 

It did - thanks!