1981

Hello everyone, I just purchased a project Yamaha XS400 a couple of weeks ago and am going to turn it into a cafe racer. While going through it to get it started, I needed to replace the plug caps and figured I would replace the plugs while I was around that area. I ordered the NGK plugs off of...

Hey all, I’m new to the forum but was wondering if you could help. I picked up an 81 xs400h, special 2 for basically free, but it needs a lot of help. It’s been sitting outside forever. The motor turns over but I’m not getting spark. I’m using the kick starter because the electric start does not...

Hello guys, I own a 1981 XS400SE and would like to change the brake master cylinder. I am new to working on motorcycles and not really sure how to tackle this task. Has anyone already done this? If so what compatible replacements have you used? What should I watch out for and what should I...

Hey y’all! Been reading a while but finally thought I’d post something. I picked up a bone stock 1981 for $300. Today I cut it in half and installed a hardtail kit from VooDoo Vintage. It’s my first time doing something as in depth as this but I think it’s coming along pretty good so far! The...

I'd like to use the "Saddlemen Eliminator" tail section and seat for my '81 build and was wondering if anyone has used this seat on theirs before. I need to figure out if the seat frame hoop I'm looking at will work. What size seat frame hoops are you all using for cafe/brat builds?

I recently have started working on my uncle's/dad's XS400, my first motorcycle project. I have worked with QT50's and other small mopeds in the past, but nothing this size. The bike hasn't been ridden seriously since the '90s as far as I know, although it has ran a few times since then. Today I...

Hello all, I'm new to this site. I don't really have much experience working on Japanese bikes, but I recently got an '81 XS400 Special and I'm thinking about doing a scrambler build. I'm wondering if anyone has experience converting the rear drum to a disc? Also planning on deleting the airbox...

Hello everyone. First post! I've done a bit of searching, but have a couple of questions about some carbs I've just bought - as I have a bit of time to wait for them to arrive, and was hoping to get some other bits ordered whilst waiting. I've got a '79 250 frame, which I'm putting a '81 (14V...

I recently bought a 1981 xs400. Rode it 2hrs home but it died a few times on the way. I think it was running on one cylinder. I was able to get to 80mph but then I could only hear engine sounds on the left side and my speed dropped to 45-50 then like 35 and I couldn’t go any faster. It backfires...

Hi guys I am Dav-len. New to the forum, actually first time on one .not sure how they work yet. But here goes. I just bought a 1981 xs400 Sohc and was wondering if anyone had a second hand carburetor that is in fair condition to sell in South Africa? Mine is busted?

Hey Everyone! After hijacking a few threads, I figured I'd start my own. I'm rebuilding my 1981 Yamaha XS400H (4R5 engine). It's my first bike. I'm pretty mechanically inclined but I've never worked on anything like this before. Here goes nothing… A Little Intro: Bought this guy for $600 CAD...

Hello, My name is Ryan, I'm from Columbia, MD, and I am a Graphic Designer. I just wanted to make my first post as I am new to this forum. I picked up an 81 XS400 Special a couple days ago for $500. This is my first motorcycle (besides some dirt bikes growing up) and I cant help but modify...

So after cleaning and rebuilding my carb I started putting it back together and when trying to screw the float bowls back in 7 put of the 8 screw holes on the carb turned out to be stripped. If you look at the pictures they are the screw holes that attach the float bowl to the carb itself. The...

So after cleaning and rebuilding my carb I started putting it back together and when trying to screw the float bowls back in 7 put of the 8 screw holes on the carb turned out to be stripped. If you look at the pictures they are the screw holes that attach the float bowl to the carb itself. The...

So I have just started cutting into the frame to add a loop to try to make a sweet brat seat. I am wondering if anyone has some good tips/ideas about mounting a seat as well as ideas to try to minimize The wires and electronics that I need. The box for my battery that I have that I will weld on...

I'm looking for the right hand switch assembly for an 81 XS400. I'm missing the starter button, which is proving to be quite the pain. Any help would be great!