build

I think I will post how the build of my bike is going here. so i cant rack down any info in the future and hopefully some things are helpful for some people. so far: I bought a working xs400 in shambles. The frame was brown, the rear was chopped off, no seat, sketchy wiring, no blinkers. The...

Hey guys, I’m a semi new rider who just bought a ‘79 xs400. I briefly rode about 5 years ago, and pumped to get back into it. I am going to modify most things on the bike. I’m looking for input from more experienced wrenchers on whether certain things should be done first, last, etc. Any input...

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 all,its been a while but Im hoping to share some of the details this project, listing out what i can (my brain likes this method) and taking some hopefully decipherable photos. So far: Compression @ 140 / 135 - seems pretty low to me, I have these readings pre-tear down and ordered some...

Hello guys!! I would like to share with you that my XS360 project its almost 100% ready. The bike runs and everything but the battery doesn't hold its charge. I can ride the motorcycle for 15 minutes without any problem but when I start using accessories like the lights, speedometer...

Hi everyone, it's been quite a while! Ever since the newest Triumph scrambler came out, I have been pining after a pair of high pipes. Couple that with my friend purchasing a cabin in Northern Wisconsin (offroading trails like you wouldn't believe), and you have the recipe for entering into a...

In 2006, at the young age of 18, I bought my first motorcycle: a black 1982 XS400J Maxim. I didn't even know how to ride at the time. I learned to ride on that bike, I learned to wok on motorcycles on it, even customize motorcycles on that very bike. I loved it. I rode as often as I could...

I am attacking this differently than most build threads. We already finished the bike, but just want to give back to the community if we can after learning so much from this forum in the process, from tips and expertise to inspiration. My cousin and I are both 20 and in college, and he texted...

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...

Greetings all! I finally finished my xs360 build, shes up and running and registered and on the road.....I was nearly over it at the end stages with all the fiddly crap (especially carbs) but got there in the end. This took a long time but I was in no hurry and I got most things the way I wanted...

Hey everyone! I've been a lurker here for a little while so I thought I'd finally chuck up an introduction as well as the project I'm working on. <insert obligatory long intro apology> I'm a gearhead and have been ever since I can remember. My father and I restored a 1969 Beetle when I was a...

Hey guys, so I just bought an 81 xs 400 and want to customize it. I was thinking either a bobber or a café racer, I like both ideas. I have a lot of experience with motors and electronics, and basically everything except fabrication/welding. I was wondering what build would have the least amount...

OK so Im in the market for a new torque wrench.. Maybe two of them. I have used/owned both click-type and beam style wrenches. Both were from Sears and I was happy about them. My place of employment uses Proto wrenches and those are sadly, out of my price range. They would never get used...

Hey guys, I just got my first xs a couple of weeks ago, in a trade. I've been doing some thinking on what I want to do in that time, and have been lurking around here quite a bit. Thought I'd start a build thread for my new project! Here's the before pictures: http://imgur.com/gallery/Kk99P

Hey guys, I finally had the time and motivation to dig into this 1978 (which I've been meaning to do all winter-- but at least its happening now. I have a checklist to do things such as: 1) give carbs a good good cleaning 2) clean air filter(s)? 3) oil change and clean filter 4) new...

Hello all, My name is Cory. I just purchased my first street bike. It is an '80 xs400 special. It does run however it has 28k miles so I am assuming I will have to diagnose the clearances and probably adjust the valves at a minimum. Unluckily for me, I cannot even touch it until may. I am...

Well I have another one:doh: This was the one I almost picked up last year from the guy down the street but had other projects going and it was sold to another local guy. It has 14k on it ans is all stock. It had sat for the last three years other than a 2 mile drive from one owner to the...

Figured i should start a build thread, instead of just lurking around. i have two '79s sitting in my garage, one was given to me, and the other is a build for a friends wife. i worked a deal where i fix his extensive, and ever growing collection of bikes, and he tattoos me (he owns a shop) and...

Looking for an 77' xs400 pivot bolt, or one that will fit the swingarm. All I can find on glorious ebay is a 82' Maxim pivot bolt and says it don't fit mine.

:bike: Figured id start with a first post to say hi and show what ive been up to. Honestly don't know much about bikes but i knew i wanted one for a long time and with a good friend of mine building some kick ass bikes i dove right in. About June last year i picked up this 82 XS400 for...