poor running at higher speeds

I have an 82 xj750 and am having a problem when I get around 55-60mph. It starts running rough. I try to open the throttle up and see if that helps but it has no power at that speed. I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions as to what I might want to look at. I know nothing about bikes but have a manual Thanks for the help in advance.

 

Have you looked at the basics, air filter, spark plugs? Change and clean if needed.
If they are in order then I would start looking into the carbs. Slides could be sticking, float levels out of adjustment, jets clogged, or any number of things.
A valve adjustment should also be done if you get into carb work.

 

All of the above.

Miles on the bike?
Its history to the best of your knowledge?
Your history with it?

The "problem" isn't a problem at all; it's a symptom of neglected maintenance and it could be one of a dozen things but is probably a combination of at least a half a dozen things.

You said you have a manual; I assume you mean service manual? Start in the "maintenance" section and go through all of the recommended service procedures one by one, IN ORDER, leaving none out and skipping over nothing.

When you're done, the bike will run fine and you will have learned a whole BUNCH about bikes in the process. If you don't, then the battle is just beginning, trust me.

You might also want to read this and take it to heart: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=24010.html

 

thanks guys. I am going to do just that. Go through maint step by step. I keep up on the oil changes but usually have another guy do stuff for me. I have a little fear that if I try it myself I might screw it up and not be able to fix it. I think going through the maint step by step will build a lot of confidence and I will gain some real knowledge. Thanks.

 

The answers to these questions will help us give you a little more "targeted" advice. "Fix the whole bloody thing" probably seems rather daunting (although it IS the "bottom line.")