[1982 xs400 new rider help?]

So, went to start her up today and no problem starting even without choke (it was a pretty warm). She idled for a few min a little on the low rpm side around 1k or less so I opened the throttle and she cut off . . . odd. So, I started her a gain this time with choke, started no problem idled higher around 2k i eased off choke and rpms dropped, hit throttle and she cut off . . . odd. She hadn't done this before please tell me I'm just out of gas from having the reserve open the whole time (seriously i have lol) I'm hoping my little oil flooding hasn't damaged too much. Thanks in advance for the help.

@drewpy, thanks for the help with the engine i printed out a service manual still looking for a owners manual for those pesky user questions like how to the petcock settings work

Hi Nysmansx400. I bought an 1980 xs400 a couple of months ago. It wasn't running when I got it, but after rebuilding the carbs and adjusting the valve clearance, it is at least running. But I've got the same problem: starts up and idles, but cuts out when throttle is applied. I'm guessing it is running to rich, but making adjustments to the pilot screw (aka air/fuel screw) has changed the problem, but not really solved it. Now it doesn't die, but will rev too high... If I make any more progress on getting this tuned, I'll let you know. Good luck! The service manual does offer many clues!

[hello from a new owner]

Hi there. I bought my first motorcycle a few weeks ago - a XS400. Previous owner had said it was running a little rough a few years ago and took off the tank to do some maintenance... and never finished the job.

After cleaning out a strange green gunk (is that what gas looks like when it is 2 years old?) and rebuilding the carb, got it started after many tries. It is running pretty rough, and hesitates when revved. One cylinder doesn't seem to be firing (one exhaust pipe is cold), but it does have spark. Seems to be getting fuel... as gasoline sputters out the tailpipe on that side. So... I've got some work to do.