And stainless braided lines are a must as the stockers are beyond old.

I’m connecting a battery voltage display on top of the instrument panel. Also, I’ll be attaching 2 x 10w driving lights up front. What’s a good place to attach the ground? Where’s a ground connection that won’t overload the 10 AMP headlight circuit?
Cheers,
Bill

Problem solved.  It was not ignition related.

I found that one of the idle(?) fuel passages in the carburetor was plugged.  It is a passage at the bottom of one of the cast tubes that lets in fuel from a small bore right next to it.  There seems to be a tiny brass jet in there that is pressed in and cannot be removed.  I used a guitar string to clear it out (after trying air, solvent and other things).

After putting it all back together the bike fires up instantly.  Now all I need is some brakes...

Where are the bikes located?

Hi, My name is Les. I have 2 1983 xz550's I am putting up for sale. One is a "runner", the other is a parts bike. I purchased them to be my retirement project, but I developed serious medical issues. I know my riding days are over. The carbs were removed from the "runner" for a rebuild. They were never rebuilt. Carbs are disassembled. I have some new Yamaha Parts and a new Athena SPA (Italy) Motor Gasket set, never opened. The "runner' bike has a clear title. No title for the parts bike. There is 1 full shroud and 1 sports shroud. Some cracks in the fiberglass. The parts bike is missing both carbs, front wheel rotor, and some small parts. I'm asking $1000.00 for both, buyer arranges for pickup. I will be posting the sale on Craig's List Chacago in a few days. I can be E-mailed @ lester5873@comcast.net. I have pix of both bikes.