my bike is on fire.Is that normal

I try to start my 81 xj650 every day or every other day,let it idle till its warmed up, then shut it down.I have a thread started about fixing the brakes.I noticed something dripping out the left tailpipe.It has rained constantly the past several days, I figured it was just condensation.It was on the sidestand not the centerstand. But it suddenly became flames. I turned the motor off, waited for it to quit on its on.I then put a wet rag in the tailpipe and it went out.This bike I have owned about 6 months.It has never been ridden more than a few blocks at 10 mph due to nonfunctional brakes.It starts easily, idles good, once I take the choke off it will run indefinitely. I usually shut it off at about 10 minutes.Possibilities 1.stuck carb float,2.sitting too long,3. on sidestand instead of centerstand. I was hoping to get the brake thing fixed then ride it.Before I got it the former owner said a shop had removed pods someone else had installed and properly cleaned,rejetted the carbs and reinstalled the stock airbox. Till now I never doubted the bike would be rideable once the brakes are fixed.Input appreciated

 

It sounds like fuel is getting where it shouldn't. The question is, the path it's taking. You could have a leaky petcock or leaky carbs or both. Obviously, important to track down. Have you rebuilt the carbs? I didn't get that from your message, so it's certainly possible you have a float valve that's not closing properly and on top of that, if the petcock is not shutting off properly when the engine is shut down, you'd get a path for fuel to get into the float bowls and then follow whatever path it can. Often, you'll find some fuel in the airbox, so start checking that. Remove the filter and feel around in there.
Most of us will tell you, if you didn't refurbish something yourself, don't assume it was done, or done right. I know on my bike, I had the carbs rebuilt (user "hogfiddles" here), and rebuilt the petcock myself so I could be sure the fuel system was in good shape. I've not regretted that decision as I've been riding the bike as often as I can since!

Be careful around the fuel leak.. don't want to hear you got burned, or worse.

 

thanks dk. I have lots to do.My plan is once the brakes are working to slowly methodically go from front to back fixing whatever needs done. I am not patient, and that doesn't help.Soon it will be winter.What we call winter.no snow but freezing temps.A good time to go through things.