XJ 650 Maxim Start Issue (new to this bike)

Hey everyone,

I just got the XJ650 81' on Sunday and immediately began working on it. It was my fathers before and he had not ridden it in about 3 years, though he did say he had it RUNNING last summer. Once I got it, I immediately started to work on the standards. I drained the oil and did a complete oil change. I cleaned out the tank. I replaced every spark plug. I bought a new battery and trickle charged it, and i did a quick clean of the carbs. Once I put the bike together though and went to start it, the neutral light did a slow fade in and fade out. I switched it to run, held the clutch and clicked start. Nothing happened, no turn over, no clicks, nothing. The neutral light dimmed a bit, but that was it. My first guess is bad solenoid, but that's really my only guess. The lights wont turn on on the bike either. Any recommendations out there for things to check? Thanks guys!

 

New battery does not always mean good battery. Perhaps it could use some testing. These bikes often have fuse problems, but the symptoms you describe don't point to that...

 

The headlight won't turn on until the motor spins up enough to latch the headlight relay on. This is normal to ensure you have maximum amps for the starter avaliable.

Service manual has a good section on troubleshooting the electrical system, including the starter and safety system.

https://www.xjcd.org/650G_service