Just wanting to say HI!

HI All. I'm Chance and this is my first forum I have ever joined. I have 3 XJ bikes, 82 xj 550 Maxim, 83 xj550 Maxim and an 83 xj750 Maxim. Only the 82 is currently on the road, the other two are in variouse states of disrepair, ie other 550 is in boxes and the 750 is mostly together but missing lots of parts...lol I am new to wrenching on bikes, but I am have a blast. My 82 sat for 20 years before I got it, and with help from reading the forums here I got it going, now to get it galloping....lol

 

Welcome to the camp Chance.

Lots of good folks here will help you become the owner of a safe and reliable motorcycle(s).

You should read this.
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/the-information-overload-hour.27544/

 

welcome nice bike

 

I like my 550'S

 

So this was the pic just after cleaning it up, it hadn't started yet. I had to rebuild the carbs using parts from the other 550's carbset as they are totally finished, and the original carbs started letting gas just flow and set the bike on fire. I redid the wires 17 hours of splicing and cutting in a tempo tent, added padding to the backrest, and now find the head leaking at the gasket on both sides, kept my hands warm by placing them there boxing day while out riding with my son on the back. How bad would it be to ride with that leak for a while? I put new tires and brakes on it and using the master brake from the 750. I will take another soon and post it. just need to be able to get it in a clear area.

 

I have read information overload, butI think I will read it again. thanks guys.

 

head gasket or valve cover gasket leaking?

I know it is a little late for this piece of advice but my Number 1 tool and the first one I get when working with gasoline related parts is my fire extinguisher.
not sure this applies to your fire situation just thought I would post it

 

Head gasket and as for the fire the 4into1 popped of just before the muffler and the bike flooded spat a bunch of gas out and then backfired, I now have a fire exstinguisher, almost burned down the tempo tent. lol I can laugh now cause no one was hurt, just my pride...lol leather cloth I had covered the flames and put the bike out once I got it outside and then I just through everthing that was on fire out of the tent... I need a garage...lol

 

At least your neighbors were entertained!

Glad you weren't hurt and property damage was minimal.

 

Welcome aboard.

Gary H.