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New nightmare project looking for info

Discussion in 'The Garage' started by DylanB, Mar 22, 2023.

  1. Mar 22, 2023 #1
    DylanB

    DylanB XS400 New Member

    2
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    BC Canada
    Hey all new here,

    I bought a bike that seems be an XS400S for really cheap. The problem is it is missing papers and keys. I am looking for any info on this for like the year and where I should start to get it running again. Using the kickstarter is has compression and seems like it would want to start. This is what convinced me to buy it.

    The VIN is 14W-002551

    The photo is of my friend disapproving my purchase haha.

    Any info helps!
    Thanks
     

    Attached Files:

    DylanB, Mar 22, 2023
    DylanB, Mar 22, 2023
    #1
  2. Mar 24, 2023 #2
    CaptChrome

    CaptChrome XS400 Addict Top Contributor

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    Southern NJ
    Welcome to the forum!

    I don't know what a 14W VIN number would be. A 1982 XS400SJ would have a VIN that starts with 14V, but that would be the only thing close that I know of. Are you sure you are reading it correctly?

    This bike definitely has an engine from an '80-'82 SOHC bike, and the bike looks like either a 1980 XS400SG or a 1981 XS400SH (based on the alloy wheels with the disk brake.) But the rear grab bar looks to be from one of the lower spec XS400G or XS400H bikes.

    Both the frame and the engine have VIN numbers stamped into them, but they might not be the same if some component swapping has been done - always a possibility with a 40+ year old bike. And it looks like you have some swapped parts from different models.
     
    CaptChrome, Mar 24, 2023
    CaptChrome, Mar 24, 2023
    #2
  3. Mar 24, 2023 #3
    CaptChrome

    CaptChrome XS400 Addict Top Contributor

    314
    103
    43
    Southern NJ
    Oh yeah, basic troubleshooting to try and start the bike:

    1. Put in a known good and fully charged battery (it won't run without one).
    2. Clean and gap the plugs or just install some new ones
    3. Check that you have spark on both plugs
    4. Try starting, if no go, then clean the fuel system and rebuild the carbs.
     
    CaptChrome, Mar 24, 2023
    CaptChrome, Mar 24, 2023
    #3
  4. Mar 24, 2023 #4
    DylanB

    DylanB XS400 New Member

    2
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    1
    BC Canada
    Yeah im sure the vin is the same on both the engine and the frame. I am going with it being a 82' bike but really hoping.




    Thank you! I've already started rebuilding the carb because it was super old. I don't have keys so I am trying to figure out my best option as the ignition barrel is missing the code as well.
     

    Attached Files:

    DylanB, Mar 24, 2023
    DylanB, Mar 24, 2023
    #4
  5. Mar 26, 2023 #5
    CaptChrome

    CaptChrome XS400 Addict Top Contributor

    314
    103
    43
    Southern NJ
    For me that is a new VIN spotting in the wild!

    It is probably the Canadian-specific model code for the XS400SJ (there were Canadian codes for the SG and SH also). It has the 10/81 manufacture date - the US XS400SJ started then also. It is definitely not a US bike as the VIN on the sticker would be a long VIN that starts with JYA and has a check digit, model year code and a plant code included also. Thanks for posting this!
     
    CaptChrome, Mar 26, 2023
    CaptChrome, Mar 26, 2023
    #5
    DylanB likes this.

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