ADVICE NEEDED - Tuning/Cleaning - NewPurchase 1982 XJ750 Max

I have recently purchased a 1982 XJ750 Maxim with 54,000 Km. First and only test run the thing hauled and shifted smoothly, but wasn't idling well (probably due to the 2 year old gas?)

I am looking on doing a complete overhaul clean and tune up on the bike, and was wondering if anyone could give me advice in doing so? I was planning on taking the bike partially apart in order to clean out built up crude/dirt etc. I was also planning on doing this as cheaply as possible (broke uni student) without sacrificing quality.

I have purchased an original Haynes Manuel off ebay for relatively cheap. I was planning on replacing all oil and fluids (engine, drive shaft, brakes, front susp), spark plugs, oil filter, air filter, brake pads, and a complete carb clean. (the bike already has new tires and battery)

Am I missing anything essential?

Is there anything I can do to "clean" out my engine etc without taking it apart? Such as fuel additive? Iv seen a ton of these at automotive stores but am not sure if they work or if they can be used with a bike like mine.

Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated, sorry for the essay.

Reed

 

Your already ahead of the game, you have a manual.
I can add to the list"
Valve adjustment
grease steering head , wheel and swing arm bearings.

 

DO NOT use "additives" and the like. Do a few "short" oil changes.

Use MOTORCYCLE-specific oil. ALL automotive oils that meets current specs are bad for the clutch and starter clutch. Castrol 4T is widely available; run 10W40 in cooler temps and 20W50 once it gets pleasant outside.

GET THE VALVES ADJUSTED. You won't be able to sync the carbs until you do; plus it's vital to the health of the motor.

Add brake LINES to your brake parts list; they were only supposed to last four years. Take the opportunity to upgrade to stainless steel lines; it's the single biggest improvement you can make to the stock brake.

Sounds like you're on the right track. Be meticulous, it will pay off.

 

Awesome guys, thanks for the advice! Cant wait to get her on the road

 

Wait if need be.

Don't hurry and get sloppy or skip stuff or you'll just have to revisit. Ask all the the members who "cleaned" their carbs like 4 times.

These bikes will force you to discover the raw truth behind the idea of "do it right, do it once"; take shortcuts and you will be doing it again.

You want the bike to be bone stone dead reliable turn-key just have to change the oil and ride reliable?

Spend 6~11 months and GO THROUGH the thing with almost dental cleanliness and it will be. Of course, the more free time you have the quicker it can really be accomplished; the point is, the more thorough you are in your recommissioning the fewer "problems" you'll have to deal with.

Honest. I "rushed" my first one and fought with it for a while until I... went back and did things right. The second one I simply overlooked nothing and it took considerably longer; but it was worth it. It's been like a new bike for the 8800 miles since, no surprises.