[docstrange]

I picked up this xs 850 from a barn. Owner said he ran it for a year about a year ago, started her for me and she sounded good. Got her home to clean her up but she won't start. Like won't even kick start.
I took apart the right forward controls for cleaning and noticed the kill switch line was badly corroded so I took it out to replace, yet to do that. My main concern is the damn bike won't start.
I replaced the factory filters with pods and checked all my lines. Full battery, clean ish plugs...can't figure out how to start her up! Need help, anybody out there?

 

[Dodsfall]

Got her home to clean her up but she won't start. Like won't even kick start.
I replaced the factory filters with pods

This is one thing I hear a lot. I'm beginning to think that pod filters are a lot more trouble than they are worth.

Have you tried changing the intake back to stock to see if that's part of the issue?

 

[Eye_m_no_angel]

Start with the basics: Fuel and air mix, spark at the right time, compression.

 

[docstrange]

There was no change between stock intake and the pods. It must but fuel air mixture right. What do i do to adjust it?

 

[docstrange]

And what do I do about the compression?

 

[Dodsfall]

If the compression is bad, it usually means piston rigs or valves are leaking.