[1982 XJ550]

could be the starter then, or alternator if the battery is not holding a charge, check the length of the brushes.

Get a Haynes repair manual

There are several sites that have OEM parts diagrams for older Yamaha bikes. Starmotorcyles.com is one.

xjbikes.com also has lots of info on xj motorcycles

[1982 XJ550]

Was the battery new? It does not take long for an old battery to lose a charge and not be able to keep a charge.

[yamaha carb]

just made the same switch, they will indeed fit

[xs400E]

Thanks for all the replies. Here is a list of things that were wrong with this bike.

1. Points were improperly set, left side was grounding itself.

2. Air filters old and falling apart.

3. Carbs seriously gunked up. Swapped them out with a set from an 81 400 that were amazingly clean even after sitting for years, cleaned up quickly.

4. Pilot jets on original carbs slightly mangled and unremovable. right side had air flow carb problem

New clean carbs, points set correctly(timing to follow no timing light yet, new breaker plate ordered) and it fires up.

Mostly this is a list to help others with similar problems, and thanks for the help

[Maxim 650 1982]

Hi all! Just got my Maxim a few days ago and I want to change the oil but I can't find the specs anywhere. It didn't come with a manual and nothing is visible through the oil window. I was hoping someone would know how much to refill. Also, my Virago had a different rear suspension system, does anyone know how to adjust the shocks on the Maxim? I have an idea but I don't want to mess it up. Thanks. Peace and carrots.

_dave

oil should be added to just below the top of the sight glass you should be able to see a small bubble

Haynes manual states XJ650 11N and XJ650 RJ 2.95 liter or 6.2 pints with filter

all other XJ650 2.65 liter 5.65 pints with filter

no disrespect to this site but you might want to check out XJ Bikes.com lots of XJ info there

[Maxim 650 1982]

Hi all! Just got my Maxim a few days ago and I want to change the oil but I can't find the specs anywhere. It didn't come with a manual and nothing is visible through the oil window. I was hoping someone would know how much to refill. Also, my Virago had a different rear suspension system, does anyone know how to adjust the shocks on the Maxim? I have an idea but I don't want to mess it up. Thanks. Peace and carrots.

_dave

[xs400E]

coil primary resistance = 4 ohms (small wire and ht lead)

secondary resistance 9500 ohms (small wire to other small wire)

check ht cap not cracked and has continuity from lead

Swapped out the coils and can get spark from previously dead plug. So far I have traced it to a two prong connector for red and white wires(sorry I don't have a wiring diagram yet) it connects both red and white wires to a single red and wire in the harness. One side works with both coils the other doesn't. I am confused one connector(brass) that connects both wires but one side does not conduct current!!

[xs400E]

pilot jet blocked ,also check twin contacts (if fitted) to check timing/gap

went over the carbs again, now there is no spark from the left plug there is spark to the right, how do I check the coil for viability? the wiring and connections do not appear corroded

[xs400E]

Hello, new to the forum but not new to motorcycles. I currently have a Seca 750 that is running well. I just bought a

1978 xs400E that has been off the road for at least 7 years. I got it started after a quick and dirty carb clean, unstuck the floats and slides. After it was running I noticed the right muffler(as I am sitting on the bike) was much hotter than the left.

Bike runs rough but I expected that. Any suggestions on where to go from here?