New guy in Vermont

Hi All, Just bought a 85 Maxim XJ700N, I have had it for 1-2 months now. I Have been spending all this time reading this site, discovering all the things I do not know, all the things that I must learn. I plan on doing all the work myself. PO tried to get it going with starter fluid. Ran nice on it, then would die. Figured i would have to clean out the carbs a little. Was i suprised when the jets and bowls were green.

things I have learned so far from this site.

-how to read VINs
-on the side of tires. there is a sequence of numbers starting with DOT. the last four are the month and year made. And that I should not run on these tires (front 12 years old, rear 6 years old) even though they looked good and PO said "only 800 miles on rear tire".
-That I should use oil marked 4T 20w50 (do not know what to use In winter yet,,,,, I can wear a jacket!), and I am glad I did not put in the car oil I originally got. I also learned about synthetic vs reg and oil additives/modifiers.
-A better understanding of how carbs work
-brake fluid types

And to many things to count. I have a lot to learn. I would like to thank all previous posters for leaving your questions/suggestions/answers it has and will continue to help me immeasurably.

figure if I do this right the first time, I will have a safe bike. A bunch more tools I will not have to buy again. A sense of pride knowing I did all this myself to get it on the road. Confidence I can fix any problem that comes up myself (with help of this site and youtube).

I look at this like MercuryMans sig says.
The obstacle is the path. ~Zen Proverb


Thank you everyone

 

Welcome to the site and don't forget about checking the rear brakes for delamination(brake pad separating from brake shoe).
Those tires will start to crack and separate if you use them, just make sure the new tires you buy are indeed new. Had a local dealership try to sell me a 12 year old front tire, the manager tried to assure me that it was still good. I told him to put it on his bike, he shut up and walked away.

 

Welcome! Looking forward to the pictures!

 

The jets turn green in the the carbs because of the ethanol in the fuel at attracts moisture. Moisture gets in the gas and rusts the inside of your tank and causes brass and copper to turn green just like it does when left outside in the elements.
Best measure of prevention. Use fuel with no ethanol in it. If you can't find any then use a small amount of sea foam in each tank of fuel. When the bike is going to sit , drain your carbs and spray WD 40 in each bowl drain. Winter storage drain the fuel from the tank and use fogging oil to coat the inside of your tank as well as coating your cylinders.

MN

 

Welcome cage fighter. As one who lived in both Maine and New Hampshire, I know how nice it is in your neck of the woods. Best of luck with the maintenance endeavors!

 

Welcome cage fighter. As one who lived in both Maine and New Hampshire, I know how nice it is in your neck of the woods. Best of luck with the maintenance endeavors!

 

Cool user name, Cage Fighter ! Welcome !!

Plan on front brake rebuilds and improvements when time allows.

Do every bit of "scheduled maintenance" in a Shop Manual.