new to the site. new to a bike. begginer questions

i picked up a 1980 yamaha maxim 1 650. new battery some new gas. and some oil. and holding the throttle back a little the bike stays running let go it dies out. i understand the carbs do have to be rebuilt what concerns me is that while the bike was running the top front of the motor had a loud tapping noise. i noticed some bike fire out the exhaust.. so beside my next step of picking up a manual. what are suggestions from experienced bike owners that i should do first. i am a car mechanic so i do undestand the mechanics end. im just lookinjg for some. do this check this and try this.. i appreciated all help and time. thank you.

 

Pull the carbs and clean them, do a valve clearance check and a cam chain adjustment IAW the manual. Also a compression check couldn't hurt. Remember to keep the throttle wide open while doing the compression check.

 

wingnut gave you a good start

Also, check the rear brakes for delamination!

 

Welcome. We have the same ride. Not as many of our 1980 XJ's out there as 81 82 or 83.

I am like you, I am a mechanic but didn't know almost anything about inline 4 motorcycles. Read the manual. and then read these post if you have not already

FIRST OF ALL - Rear Brakes, very easy to do, and VERY important
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... ation.html

Valves - take the cover off and have a look see for that noise
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html

Fuze box
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=6350.html

 

Welcome to the site and send us some pics when you can.

 

thank you this weekd end ill start the pulling of parts and ill let everyone know what i come up with. thanks