I just bought a yamaha XJ750 Maxim 1983. The previous owner drove it to my house (about a 20 min drive), then the next day I took it out for about a 20 min drive myself. Now, I can't get the bike to start. It turns over, but wont actually stay on. I've gotten it on a few times but then dies right out. I've topped up the battery, recharged it, checked the plugs (good) and the plug wires (alright). Also, after trying to get it started, the bike usually has a backfire soon after. Any ideas? All I can think of is the carb, but I don't know how to clean out a carb, nor do I have any way to get it to a shop where they could.

Pull the cab off spray it with carb cleaner, pull float bowl off to spray it clean, be careful not to drop anything and check to make sure your floats move up and down...I would suggest taking the carb over to a friend that know about carbs and he can clean it for you in just a few minutes.

You are probably right ,the carbs need a good clean and also while your doing that try a new air filter unit .If you have never done a carb strip down ,then now is your chance .It would help if you had a manual ,if not ask a friend who understands the bikes workings .its very easdy as long as you know what to do .

Do not put the choke on all the way or it will not start only use half of the choke and it will fire right up. Earl

Location of oil drain plug on a 1983 yamaha 750 maximum

I'm not familiar with this bike but does it have a fuel shut off valve, maybe check that.