A big thanks!

In my first attempt at motorcycle mechanics, I have finally found what seems to be total success... (knock on wood). When I purchased my XJ650 Maxim, the PO had apparently thought of it as a dirt bike, had the mixture all out of whack, and let it go quite some time without the general upkeep.

The first thing I did was peel the tank off and utilize the wonderful electrolysis method suggested by this wonderful place... I also purchased a tank sealer and installed an inline filter.

While the tank was off, I pulled the carbs, along with the Pod Airfilters that I desperately wanted to change after reading all the posts regarding them (a big thanks to RickCoMatic for the final decision in that). I cleaned the carbs and ordered a stock airbox/filter.

Of course my first project would involve removing the engine, and though it came off with some trouble, putting it back in went very smooth.

Slapped it all back together, changed the oil/filter, and fired it up... No longer lean, and that first day, it ran like a beauty - the plugs were tan, no hesitation on the throttle, a nice cool idle... I was pleased... until the next day...

This time, I fired it up, and there was some backfire from the exhaust... followed by a 12 inch flame... Though it looked pretty nifty, it was back to it... The spark plugs all tested fine, but, after some trial, I replaced them anyway... Apparently the NGK's weren't cutting it, and she fired back up with the replacements... without the backfire or flames.

Then she smoked... replaced the oil (as it was riddled with gas), then I broke the fuel line (thanks to the straight inline filter). Found a 90 degree filter, replaced the fuel line - and after some playing, she's running again. The bar across the street had taken some interest in my progress, and I got a little ovation upon ignition...

Now that it's mechanically sound, I can cosmetically mod - I replaced the seat with a Corbin, and after a little rigging, it sits tight and straight. I plan on lowering the rear end, installing forward controls, changing the instrument cluster, etc. etc. etc.

I wanted to extend a big thank you to everyone on here, this is a very valuable source of information that has helped me along tremendously. Couldn't have done it without you! (Maybe I could have, but it would have taken a lot more error!)

 

Yeah! (collective cheer)
We ALL are pleased to hear the news and congratulate you on your efforts. The rewards are sweet aren't they?
And I'm certain all of us are proud to be a part of your collective success!

 

How much did a corbin seat cost? And can you just order them for an '80 off the site...I probably should look...but when i saw Corbin in your post....got excited!!!

 

I'm going to ditto that!!! This site has been invaluable in my restoration and modification of my xj550. Thanks All!!!

 

DianCecht- I'm pretty sure that, after getting flames to shoot out of my exhaust I would have ended up in the bar across the street, myself. Congratulations on keeping with it. As an XJ owner, I'm pretty sure I've got a carb rebuild ahead of me somewhere in the future. I'll keep your story in mind when I do.

Way to go on getting your bike running well.

 

Another success story.
Looks like the only thing left to do...
RIDE