Howdy

Hey all. I'm new to the site, and a new owner of an '82 XJ550 Maxim.
I've been reading everything I can since I found the forums, and have to admit, I'm a little frustrated right now.

I know the bike was sitting for a couple of years before I got it. I've done a proper carb cleaning(read the tutorial, and followed it), and will be doing a valve check in the next couple of days, when I can actually get some time to work on it.

As a first bike, while learning how to do all of this stuff is good, it's also really frustrating. I've got a 2 year old, and between work and family, there's not much time to do work on it. I'm almost thinking I should have passed on this one, and bought something that had been running regularly.

Right now, my biggest frustration, and what is preventing me from even just taking the bike for a run around the block is that it won't run off choke. If I have it running, and try to give it some throttle, it bogs like it's starving for fuel.
Like I said, I did the carb cleanup, and have checked out the petcock, so I know that works. Fuel filter has been replaced. Can anyone give me some idea of what's happening with this thing?

Thanks.

 

Well.. I am not of the highest knowledge but.

Sitting for a few years --> You should probably check the gas tank. It could have possibly rusted up and will keep gunking up the carbs no matter how many times you clean them.

Also another easy check would be to see how your spark is on all 4 cylinders, it's easy for one of the wires to get corroded or separated.

I'm sure somebody else will chime in, welcome aboard!

 

Funny, Char--I made sure to get a first street bike that was running because I didn't trust myself to work on it... Now, two months later, I feel like an expert and wish I'd saved the money and bought a non-running bike. Ah well.

The 500 or so you saved will be worth it in the end when it is running well. I'm sure you're almost there.

Check spark for sure (what do your plugs look like?), consider the possibility that you did something wrong on your carbs, and have you checked compression?

Did you set float levels?

Have you adjusted the mixture screws?

The valve check should have been done before a proper carb tune, because it affects the vacuum sync.

You did get down into the enrichment circuit? You saw light out the end?

Make sure to have the gasket ready before you pull off the valve cover.

Go read this thread if the frustration is really getting to you: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/p=321583.html

I know it's hard when you don't have all the time you want to give the project. Just keep looking at the future when the present is dark.

 

Charred.... I've been there + done that.... been so frustrated I've wanted to set the bike on fire. Take some time, give it a break if you have to. Check out the carb clinics, rides, + rallies forums + go to a carb clinic. Or even shout out to local members in your area if you're really frustrated. You can really get a wealth of information from those that have already been down the same path.

PS. if you don't already, get yourself a service and/or haynes manual. it's diy motorcycle porn.