Fuel ecomomy now starting issues with 85 Maxim XJ700

I just started riding again and picked up a '85 Maxin is pristine condition, it had sat for 2 years prior I'm told. I have been getting horrible gas mileage on it (25 mpg). Took it out for a longer ride over the weekend, seemed to clean it out a bit. Saw on a forum where it was suggested the air filter may be plugged, checked it out, seemed fine. Started back up, ran fine. Now it won't start at all. Clearly it has some issues leading to poor gas mileage, but is it possible I messed somethig else up. The one wiring harness I disconected I reconnected. It makes a very weak attempt at "catching" but won't start, just keeps turning over. :?:

Thanks!

Mark

 

if it sat for two years you are in for some carb cleaning, more than likely tank draining and cleaning. None of which is hard but is time consuming. Also if it sat that long the battery is possibly toast these bikes need proper voltage to run properly. You can try to spray some(little) starting fluid in the air box and see if it starts if it does then yup you guessed it time to get dirty and clean them carbs up.

 

I second 85MaximXX's suggestions those will probably fix your problems. Check to make sure the brakes aren't dragging. You might also gain some info off looking at the spark plugs and seeing if it's running rich. If your unsure what to look for, pull all of them and post a picture of the bottoms.

 

Plugs are black, one was a little wet with gas, this after sitting for several hours. Now does not even catch at all. It really ran rough on the reserve setting, I guess it could have allowed some more junk into the carb. Is it possible that I messed up something when I removed and returned the air filter? I put the gasketed side facing the motor, is that wrong? Beyond that I will be taking the suggestion to have the tank and carbs cleaned. Just need to get it running so I can drive it to the shop.

 

Y take it to a shop?? the carbs aren't that bad the worst part is just getting them off the bike a second set of hands is nice if available. pickup a service manual for your bike or the xj-cd i don't have the cd but heard it is good. you can save alot of $$ and learn some stuff incase you have problems while on the road. nope you couldn't have done anything by removing n replacing the filter. there are also some good walk throughs on here to.