Common Alternations

[ChrisValentine]

*alterations.

I searched but perhaps I am not searching the correct terms.

Is there a list of very common alterations/customizations that are done to an old bike, such as my 81 xs400? I know that a lot of technology has changed over the years and some of you may be more aware of that than I am. In fact I'm sure just about everyone is more aware of that than I am

I know that the air boxes are commonly replaced with the K&N style cone deals. This seems a pretty nice switch for a better look and lower footprint.

Are there any other things that are no-brainer type changes that most people probably wont to make when redoing their bike?

Thanks.

Recommendations So far
--pod filters
--replace bus fuses with blade-style
--toss items for weigth savings (the e-start, center stand, battery box, miscellaneous),
--halogen headlight
--LED conversions
--Exhaust (possibly due to corrosion)
--Brake System Overhaul
--Check Suspension

 

[ThePsuedoMonkey]

The most common alterations seem to be: (1) pod filters, (2) replace bus fuses with blade-style, (3) toss the e-start, center stand, battery box, and miscellaneous items for weight savings, (4) halogen headlight, (5) custom builds [chopper/bobber/cafe/hardtail], and (6) LED conversions. It seems like most of the components have held up fairly well over the 30+ years, but some need a little TLC. The only things that seem to be consistently problematic to me are the charging system and the carburetors.

 

[bentwrench]

Exhaust is a pretty common one too, but I suspect that's as much due to corrosion of original components as anything else...

 

[xs400neophite]

Braking or/and front ends, suspension, seats...?

 

[bentwrench]

Ah yes. Stainless brake lines. Spring and shock upgrades.

 

[DanMach]

Just the entire brake system in general. New pads, disc machined(or replaced), maybe new calipers, stainless steel lines, rebuild the master(or replace), new shoes and machine drums...

Brakes seem like a silly thing, but when you have a really tight brake system the bike just feels SO much better.