I could use a hand

So I had the front wheel off, a new tire put on, put on new brake pads (which worked great and arrived well packaged and quickly - thanks Chacal!), and it was a couple of days before I was able to get the wheel back on. So the bike sat up on jack stands for a couple of days - on the center stand, but tilted back so the rear wheel was nearly on the ground. I got the front wheel back on, and took it for a test ride.

Which was when I discovered that the brakes worked great, but that it was running real rough. I let it warm up for about ten minutes or so last night and took it for a ride. Did about 5 miles or so around neighborhoods etc., and then was on the way home and hit a red light. When I stopped and let it come down to an idle, it just kept going down and died. I kept trying to restart it, and it finally fired after I'd pushed it most of the way into the gas station on the opposite corner. It died again as I was turning into my driveway.

I'm suspecting something in the carbs, but the thing is that it ran absolutely fine before I had it sitting for those couple of days. Any easy fix tips? I'm mechanically inclined enough to do things like brakes, but I've never done anything like engine work or pulling carbs. So if it comes down to that, and there's anyone around sort of local, I might be looking for a helping hand, too.

 

Make sure all of your fuses are firmly in place... I know it sounds stupid and probably is not your problem, but my bike used to die when the fan tried to kick on due to a short. It would start again after it had cooled a bit. Replacing the fuse and seating the new one properly fixed my problem. This was on an X though, '82 650 shouldn't have a fan short... ah well it's a cheap place to start.

 

How did it run when you were riding? After a few days of sitting I usually put the petcock on prime for a few seconds before starting to make sure the bowls are full.

You could have a "lazy" petcock (not opening properly). Repeat your ride on prime and see if you have any issues. Just don't forget to put it back to on at the end.

You can do the carbs - not really hard just follow the instructions and stay organized. If you have not done them you should so you know their condition.

 

I agree on the carbs. You should do your own at least once so you know what your dealing with. Good luck. Whatever the problem is, your on the best site to figure it out.

 

Agree with Bill.
Another easy thing to check is your Vac Line going from your Intake to your Petcock. Mine did that too when I forgot to attach my Vac line and it wasnt getting enough fuel. I ran her on prime for 3 miles before I figured it out, pulled over, and fixed it. Your line could have leaks in it. Just a thought.
Or Lazy Petcock. Rebuilds are easy for those.
Carbs are super easy too. Its just a lot of pieces parts, but when you're done its well worth it in the end. You'll find it more satisfactory for you and your wallet if you do your carbs yourself. They probably need a good cleansing
-SLKid

 

mine did the same thing after letting it sit for a couple of days. I just had to keep it running with the throttle, But i went for a hour or so ride and when i got back from riding it was idling fine. My guess was there was some lil gunk in the carbs that eventually broke free after riding. i would try riding it for a while and keeping it idled?