82 XJ550 Maxim Problem Bike

Hi i have a 82 XJ550 Maxim with 20,000 miles. I bought it in February for $700. I rode it twice and it started immediatly but didnt run very well. So i changed the battery and put fresh gas in it. And it still started right away. Then i changed the oil, oil filter, air filter.
Then it wouldnt crank at all the only thing it would do is when i pushed the start button the starter relay would click. So i replaced the starter relay now it clicks and makes kind of a whine but still the starter doesnt crank.
Any input would be greatly appreciated it is my first bike and the weather is getting nice. Thanks

 

Check battery voltage. IF your charging system is working, it won't charge the battery until 2k+ rpms, so if you spent a lot of time idling (with the headlight plugged in) it'll drain the battery. If it's not working...then your ignition will just drain it (this happened to me)

You could also have some other kind of short, but make sure the battery is charged first.

Not running well can be a lot of things. How long did it sit before you rode it? Carb cleaning on these old bikes is inevitable. Don't be afraid of it, and don't trust anyone else to do it for you unless you pay some SERIOUS dough (at least half what you paid for your bike). It take a lot of TIME to do the job right...but anyone can do it.

 

Yup! I just did it for the first time and the carb works really great. I did though have great advice from start to finish that came from this forum & answered so many questions I had. Chacal supplies most every part you'll need & he's a supporting member of this site. When you click on the forum index you will see his link. click here: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewforum/f=23.html and read "In the Church of Clean" & you'll get the big picture.

It's a lot of fun, specially when your bike is running like new and much, much cheaper than new!

YES!

 

Fully charge the battery. Check all wiring connections to/from the battery and solenoid. Pop the alternator cover and have a look at the brushes, and while you're in there CLEAN everything. Check the big white connector off the rectifier for corrosion or burnt connectors. Unplug it and carefully examine both sides.

CHECK YOUR REAR BRAKE for delamination before you start riding the bike! http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

Also, with 20K miles, you better check your valves SOON. If they have been completely neglected, then you are at the point where damage will begin to occur. No sense burning a valve when a little maintenance could have prevented it...

 

i replaced my starter relay too, the new one clicks sometimes too. & I'm pretty sure i found a bad ground on the neg batt terminal, it looked good, felt tight, but wasn't... Weird

 

@Fitz thanks I'll have to check it out. I'll have an update shortly.