Where to start...

Hey all.
I joined up awhile ago and was very enthusiastic to get my newly acquired XJ550 Maxim roadworthy.
With family and work (I'm military and gone all too often) I've neglected my XJ and now it's been so long I dont know where to begin. When I was starting off before I was going to address the valve shims, cleaning carbs and new tires.
Also a new battery.
I'm going to be getting some time (finally) and some finances to be able to do some of the work but would like some suggestions, or even just a list to prioritize. I dont need links or walkthroughs just more of an order of importance.
I appreciate any help and apologize if there is already a thread for this.

-Aaron

 

I'd like to mention I was going to try to message senior members personally but cannot for some reason. I have sub par internet where I am.
Thanks again.

 

the first thing you want to do is make sure the motor is good. do a compresion test.

measure your valve clearances. correct any out of spec . repete above test

test the ignition system by ohming it out see if it is in spec. this will include ignition coils , sparkplug caps, pickup coils
ohm out the charging system to see if it is in spec.
start cleaning connectors and ignition switch , left and right controls

then it is time to at least do a dirty clean of your carbs get all the jets cleaned out , check the needle valves , wet set fuel height see if bike will start
bike running time to go to church of clean on those carbs.
clean your gas cap

when bike starts you will want to check the charging system

then rebuild brake system
check wheel bearings ,headstock bearings
chain and sprockets if needed
shinko tires

go for a ride

then you can start painting stuff

 

That's literally what I needed and I greatly appreciate your time.
As I get deeper I may pick the brains of the senior members here but I'll do my best to search through what's already here so I dont ask too many questions that have been already answered.
Thank you again.