I did some trading and got my first bike!!!

Hey guys! I did some trading recently and acquired a 1980 Yamaha XJ maxim 650. I've never owned a bike and was always afraid of motorcycles. I thought what the hell. Get it running and flip it using a gas saver pitch. I put a new battery on it and turned it over. Oh wow it's loud. Someone gutted the mufflers. Wouldn't run right though. Gas running out of the left exhaust pipe. I pulled the carbs off and went through and cleaned them well. They were very very dirty. After putting them back on and a fresh set of plugs she came to life. Deafening loud but sounding very strong. I adjusted some screws between the carbs until it was idling on all cylinders. This fixed the raw fuel that was coming out of the left pipe. So now that it runs I get cocky and want to ride. Little scary at first, but what a smile on my face. That stopped suddenly when it quit and wouldn't restart. Found that the fuse box was bad. Replaced it with a new blade style box and no more dying. I've since ridden over 100 miles and I'm hooked. So much fun. So much freedom. I'm taking baby steps and only riding in places where I'm comfortable. Actually drove on the 4 lane today and got her up to 70. What a rush. Anywho, it still needs some work. The turn signals don't work and the rear turn signals are on all the time. Stay lit. Also need some brake work. Ordered master cylinder rebuild kit, caliper rebuild kit, pads, and speed bleeders. Loving this thing though. Any suggestions on the wiring?

 

As for the turn signals, you likely either have a bulb blown or corroded bulb socket.

 

Welcome. It's a great Club. Lots of knowledgable members here. Also, a lot of unique and quite impressive things being done with these bikes. Like you, this is my first bike. If you're smiling now I would like to see the look on your face once you have your bike in top form; can ride it comfortably and can keep the maintenance on it...well, let's just say and for the sake of sanity...I never thought I'd actually want to "kiss" a motorcycle (the members here know what I'm talking about). SHE'S ADDICTIVE...I CAN'T LEAVE HER ALONE! 17.8k when I bought her last June...23.5k now.

Gary

 

what did you trade for it ?
Rocs, i never thought about it but where exactly would one kiss a motorcycle?

 

Polock,

I read your post, you're a smart dude and obviously not a rookie. Get creative, wherever you kiss her she won't mind (LOL). And since we have ladies in the Clubhouse and this is Col.'s thread I'm going to behave now. Later.


Gary

 

I would disconnect the fuse to the turn signals until you solve the problem and check to make sure no raw gas entered the engine oil when it came out the exhaust or you can screw up the bearings, make sure the fuel shut off actually stops the flow of gas when sitting and check the colour of the plugs on all cylinders ( nice tan colour is best ) to make sure a cylinder is not overheating - one step at a time cover all the basis I wouldn't be riding that fast until you go from back to front on the bike and check everything - as you see something refer to a manual Clymer has been great for me and ask questions here moving forward - always respect your bike - don't ever ride after drinking - watch what is going on all around your ride and on the highway try to have some kind of escape route if things happen in front of you or from behind - watch sand on the corners, avoid driving or stopping or turning in the center of a lane particularly when it just starts raining ( oil from cars floats to the surface of the payment until there is a good wash - it can be like riding on ice - ramps to highways are particularly bad for this as your bringing the bike up to speed ) not trying to take the fun out of it but since your a virgin lol we want you to get max enjoyment from your new sport

 

Don't ignore the REAR brake! Read: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

You also need to replace the front brake LINES. Original lines were to have lasted 4 years. Designed-in safety margins aside; they're OLD. Use the opportunity to upgrade to stainless steel lines; the single biggest upgrade you can make to the stock brake.

 

Good luck!

 

Welcome!! Have fun!

and check the tire age and do the valve shims!!