TO ALL NEW XJ OWNERS

I have read a lot on the forum, from new XJ owners, mainly on carb. and break problems. As you know, you are now the proud owner of an Antique Yamaha. I'am an original owner of a 82 XJ-1100 that I like riding a lot more than I like fixin. Here are a few things that have worked well for me over the past 30+ years. On carbs. start at the gas tank, the petcocks will need a rebuild kit, there is a little metal washer that puts pressure on the rubber diaphragm, put it in a vise and bend it a little, it has flattened out over time, and even with a new guts the petcocks will leak thru. XJs with gummed up carbs can and will drain the gas tank thru the carbs into the crankcase, if your petcock turns with very little pressure, Fix it. The vacuum operated fuel shut-off diaphragm "spider"-"octopus"-"WTF" assembly stopped workin 2 years after your bike left the showroom. Always turn your petcock to Off. You can easily remove and bypass the "spider" assembly, block off the "Forward" petcock outlets with piece of fuel line with a bolt inserted and clamped. Run a fuel line from each of the"Rear" petcock outlets to the carb inlet connections. The above will stop carb. problems at the root source. There is a lot of info and videos on how to remove and clean your carbs, if you think you can, do it, if not, look for an independent shop with lots of experience. Did my own quite a few times over the years. Recently had them ulta-sonicly cleaned, the bike now runs better than when it was new. With your carbs now cleaned, petcocks repaired, always use a fuel additive-stabilizer to combat the effects of ethanol. I have very good results with Lucas Ethanol fuel conditioner. I use 1-2 oz every other tank full, and now that you got it running right, Don't Ever let it sit more than 2-weeks without at least starting it, and let it idle for 10 min. I also use only Super-unleaded gas in both my bikes and all small engine equipment, no more carb. problems, can't explain how, but it works. On oil, I have used Castrol 20w 50 since new, I also use 1/2 pint of STP oil treatment. When I pulled the valve covers to inspect the cam and check clearances, it looked like the engine had never run. Never had any clutch issues with this combination either. This may be a little heavy for cooler regions, I live near Houston Tx. which is 2x hotter than hell in the summer. On to electrical problems, check your fuse box first, clean up all corrosion found. I use a product called "Corrosion X", then anytime you have access to any and all electrical connectors, switches, terminals spray them with CorrosionX.
Motorcycle batteries only last 2-3 years max, a weak battery on a 30+ year old bike is only good for 1 or 2 start attempts, then the carbs flood and the the bike will not fire, and the the battery continues to run down. A battery must test above 12.5 volts for the bike to fire. With the bike running you should see 13.5-14 volts at the terminals, if your alternator is charging correctly. On to brakes, XJs never had very good brakes to start with, you will need to rebuild all your calipers, and in the process, flush your break lines and master-cylinders, this is really not hard to do, its just cleaning and replacing 2 rubber seals. The hard part is bleeding the linked front and rear caliper. I have a procedure to do this, that works well. I would be glad to share it with you, just contact my e-mail anytime. Lastly the Yamaha XJ series in-line 4 is fast, smooth reliable and basically indestructible, you have to be tryin hard to break it. If I remember right, the XJ-1100 would do 0-60 mph in 3.2 sec and 1/4 mile at 11.5 sec. It was only last year that a factory ZO-6 Corvette was able to run a 1/4 mile below 12 seconds. So clean up your carbs, fix your brakes, do it right, and you"ll have a damn good running classic Yamaha
Dan

 

Your petcock may have an "OFF" position to turn it to......but the majority of Xj petcocks don't. It's ON,RES, and PRI.

 

and some reading for you which may answer some of your questions


some reading for you

The Information Overload Hour

The Ultimate Relay, Switch, Sensor, and Diodes Guide

IN THE CHURCH OF CLEAN

THE SECRET LIFE OF CARBURETORS

Something New, Something Naked

TALKIN' TECH: Various thoughts on various issues


AIRHEAD VALVE ADJUSTMENT with Pics

AIRHEAD VALVE ADJUSTMENT Part 2: The Tool vs. ZipTie -w/pics

Choosing Oil for a Wet Clutch Motorcycle


SAFETY ALERT Drum rear brake bike owners please take a look


our forum supporting vendor plenty of parts and advice Chacal

XJ4Ever - Supporting Vendor

his web site
www.xj4ever.com

 

My petcock has a turn off: leaking float valves!

 

My petcock is always turned on

 

With sparkly carbs like yours, who wouldn't be?

 

Mine is always on as well, but then hogfiddles built my carbs

(can't help thinking about "Jesus built my hotrod". music reference for those scratching their heads)