1981 Yamaha XJ 650 - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

I had this problem last year. I was told by a reputable Yamaha service technician that I could "jump" the leads on the solenoid to unstick it. It worked. However, in retrospect, I wish I would have just replaced the solenoid, given that it is a relatively cheap component (~$40 new). Since then, I had the sticking and clicking problem again this past March right at the beginning of the season, and during my attempt to repeat the success, I shorted out the bike because I got careless about what my disconnected wires touched on the bike. Shame on me. So I'd recommend replacing the solenoid.

Starting doesn't go through the ignition switch it goes through the starter solenoid and the ignition switch controls that solenoid only about 5 amps.

dry axle, wd40, hammer out, REMEMBER put nut on axle before hitting with a hammer or threads will be damaged

Check... points, coil, spark plugs, carburetor(s), compression, valves.

There used to be a copper ring as a gasket between the oil filter and the motor. Look if you forgot to put one there. (copper ring) Supposed to be a new one with every filter.

Go Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B58WrCV-k6Q

Hi. Yes more than likely it is the battery. Even when boosting it the battery can drain all the power from the boost battery. You could try topping up the acid then charge it.

change the spark plugs

If you mean the "WHEEL LOCK ASSEMBLY":http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1981-yamaha-maxim-650-xj650h-side-cover-tool/o/m147135sch225615Item #29 = $76.76

you should of adjusted those valve at least twice already

It might have a "wet" clutch like my Yamaha which means that the clutch is in contact with the motor oil. If you use motor oils that have cleaners in them to remove gunk and all that bad stuff then it can cause your clutch to slip. I don't mind the clutch slip though it keeps the bike from popping a wheelie under hard acceleration :)

With the spark plugs in it would be very challenging. Your best chance of trying this would be to roll it down a hill and pop the clutch ....But this really begs the question of why would you want to? For help in solving any problems with your XJ, visit XJBikes.com. It is a free forum/discussion site for all things XJ related and you will find more knowledge and troubleshooting than you are likely to find anywhere. The folks there are extremely friendly and helpful to novice and pro alike.

YOU MAY WANT TO REMOVE THE FLOAT, IS IT ALL CYLINDERS OR ONLY ONE, CHECK YOUR PLUGS TO DETEMINE THIS. I'VE SEEN THE FLOATS GET A SMALL HOLE IN IT AND SINK IN THE BOWL. I'VE SEEN COMPSITE FLOATS ABSORB FUEL AND SINK. TRY THIS.

Hi unless some one changed the main jets they should all be #110 mains, the diaframs and needles if stock are all the same.

Make sure the battery is fully charged and the battery connections are free of corrosion and tight. A fully charged 12 volt battery should read at least 13.25 volts. Also check the fuses, making sure each one is not 'blown' and is making proper electrical contact in the fuse box.
If the above items are correct but it still won't crank over with the electric starter, locate the starter solenoid and - using a large screwdriver - carefully touch it across the two large cable connections on the top. If the starter spins over, then you've got a bad starter solenoid. If you've got voltage to the top of the solenoid and the starter still doesn't spin, then you've got either a bad starter motor or a bad electrical connection going to it.