bike ran for one ride

Well I finished changing the oil, and I got my new plugs today and installed them, put the bike back together, I hit the starter button and Vrrooom. It fired up instantly and ran great. I let it warm up for about 20 minutes to let the new oil get where its going. Rode it around the neighborhood and for the first 15 minutes it did great then it didnt want to stay running. I kept it running with the choke, that worked for a little while then it died, and now I have the same problem, It wont start. It tries but the engine wont stay running. I know I probably need an in-line fuel filter, but does it sound like a carb problem now or what?

 

I'd say the Carbs have something to do with it. Running on the Enrichment Circuit is the BIG Neon arrow pointing right at the Carbs ...

But ... What about the Fuse Panel?
And,... What about the Alternator Brushes?
Plus,... What condition is the Battery in?

You need to restore the Bike "By the Numbers"

1. Install all new Inline Fuse Holders or Replace the Fuse Panel.
2. Clean the Carbs and Install an inline Fuel Filter before starting the bike with the Clean Carbs.
3. Measure the Alternator Brushes and replace them if they are Under the Service Limit (11mm)

You need to do all of this stuff to assure yourself that these Systems are all correct and bike is ready to GO.

 

I just wish everybody would:
1) Get a XJ (or their bike of choice)
2) Buy an inline fuel filter
3) put it in the fuel line (before riding home)
4) start the bike
5) ride and enjoy

Why dont people understand that a fuel tank that's 1/4 century old might be crudded up?

That inline filter is the cheapest fix I know

 

Inline Fuel Filter is now at the TOP of my Signature "To-do's"

 

The fuse panel is the original style with the cylinder type fuses all are good. The battery is in excellent condition now that I saved it with distilled water and re conditioned it, and gave it a fresh full charge. The starter gets plenty of power, headlight burns super bright, horn honks loud, even my indicator lights are brighter. As far as the alternator brushes, I dont know, I need to find out and let you know. I beleive (the way the bike is acting) the main problem is the carbs need a good cleaning and an inline filter installed. The bike did sit not running for many years before I bought it.

 

1st there is the switch on the rt handle bars, if it's off it wont crank.

Then there is the side stand switch

Then there is the starter relay

Then there is the neutral switch

Oh yeah the clutch switch

and last but not least there is the push button switch

If all that is ok and the starter spins but dont turn the bike over then you may have a starter clutch problem (which is BAD juju)

 

It does sound like a carb issue, but make sure to get the electrical system up to par as well. Do you have the ability to measure the voltage? Mine used to do what you are describing for the first run of the season, boosting it with a little more voltage fired it up instantly.

The fuses can be "good" but the connection to them isn't necessarily putting through as much voltage as it should, or any other connection for that matter.

Try charging the battery up again and if that changes the performance then you may have an electrical issue as well. Going through and cleaning up all the electrical connections solved many of the little annoyances I was experiencing with my bike.

It appears that overfilling the oil can allow some to seep into the alternator housing if the seal isn't 100%, so you might want to double-check for residue while checking the brushes.