sayosen
XS400 Addict
Before and after pictures of cutting the rear section. I will admit I felt a little regret as I did it... I hate cutting a perfectly good frame.
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Lola's Build ~ '78 XS400 2E
- Thread starter sayosen
- Start date
sayosen
XS400 Addict
And here is a mock up of the rear loop in 3/4". I will bending my own loop out of 7/8" mild steel loop to weld in. Also, planning on removing the current raised cross bracing strap and welding in a flat one so I can fab up a flat seat pan. Thinking 16 gauge, but wondering if that is too thick or too thin. Feels firm enough to me.... any thoughts?
brownv1
XS400 Enthusiast
I was wondering the same thing about that brace except I was thinking of leaving it out all together since the new rear loop is going to be much stronger than the stock square hoop. Has anyone just left it off?
LuckyEight
Head-scratcher
nice bike in the background...
sayosen
XS400 Addict
That is my buddy's Kawasaki S3 - we've affectionately named her "the Reluctant B*tch". She's earned her name time and time again!
I kept the square hoop in till the rear hoop was welded to keep the frame integrity. then I cut it out and out in flat bar and a stainless sheet as part fender
sayosen
XS400 Addict
Tank after blasting. Think I got lucky as those two dimples are the only real flaws I see in this tank. Now if I could just decide how I want to pant this bike...
sayosen
XS400 Addict
After the first round of hand polishing.
Next time I need to remember to wear gloves... as Philly said, "Looks like you were giving robot hand jobs. Again."
Next time I need to remember to wear gloves... as Philly said, "Looks like you were giving robot hand jobs. Again."
sayosen
XS400 Addict
How to recondition a head light bucket in 10 easy steps.
1. Empty old bucket
2. Clean old bucket
3. Prime old bucket
4. Glaze old bucket
5. Sand old bucket
6. Discover hairline crack in old bucket
7. Curse like a Portuguese sailor about old bucket
8. Price new bucket.
9. Repeat step 7.
10. Fix old bucket.
1. Empty old bucket
2. Clean old bucket
3. Prime old bucket
4. Glaze old bucket
5. Sand old bucket
6. Discover hairline crack in old bucket
7. Curse like a Portuguese sailor about old bucket
8. Price new bucket.
9. Repeat step 7.
10. Fix old bucket.
lamina1982
XS400 Member
will you be using those handlebars? I need a set of stock bars
nico
78 XS400-2E
Really excited to see where this build goes as this is EXACTLY the style I am wanting to take my 78 2E. The black Holiday Customs 360 is one of my main inspirations.
I had to replace my coils and wires and ordered from Mikes. 53 for both coils.
Also, check out some of Gravel Crew's customs
I know these are SR400, but similar style
and a beautiful XS650
lamina, i've got stock(or at least what I took off mine when I got it) bars. message me
I had to replace my coils and wires and ordered from Mikes. 53 for both coils.
Also, check out some of Gravel Crew's customs
I know these are SR400, but similar style
and a beautiful XS650
lamina, i've got stock(or at least what I took off mine when I got it) bars. message me
sayosen
XS400 Addict
Bars are shipped - I'll pm you tracking number!
sayosen
XS400 Addict
Dang, Nico - Now I need to step up my build!! Those are some great looking bikes.
Really excited to see where this build goes as this is EXACTLY the style I am wanting to take my 78 2E. The black Holiday Customs 360 is one of my main inspirations.
I had to replace my coils and wires and ordered from Mikes. 53 for both coils.
Also, check out some of Gravel Crew's customs
I know these are SR400, but similar style
and a beautiful XS650
lamina, i've got stock(or at least what I took off mine when I got it) bars. message me
sayosen
XS400 Addict
Took a look at my races when prepping the frame for sand blasting. They seem to be in good shape, but I am wondering if I should replace them or even switch over to needle bearings. Any thoughts?
sayosen
XS400 Addict
Quick mock-up with the finished rear loop.
I can tell you how those dimples got there.
Clip-on handle bars.
I just installed a set on my '78 yesterday and guess where the two mounting bolts make contact with the gas tank on full lock? Yep, right where those dimples are.
You know whats weird though? The clearance was worse on the left (where your dimples are) on my bike too; the right side had slightly more room.
I had to rotate the bars so they are nearly straight to avoid this contact; it looks fine, but having extreme "pull back" simply won't work without modifying the tank or steering.
Your old races look fine. Switch them out if money is not an issue; they're only like $35 and the taper bearings are better.
sayosen
XS400 Addict
You might be right about the dimples, BC! It had the original bars on it when I picked it up, but I can tell the PO had done some work to her and none of it was done well. As I am contemplating going with a raw tank, I will leave the dimples and consider them "character".
sayosen
XS400 Addict
Nothing against show bikes - some of those bikes are amazing and the guys who build them really are artists. But we all know some of those bikes couldnt be ridden in the real world. As for me, I just want to build a bike I can ride - which means I will be putting on such mundane things as turn signals, a license plate bracket, a comfortable seats, and a front fender.
sayosen
XS400 Addict
Started carb rebuld last weekend.
Noticed one of my pilot screws was a bit shorter than the other... what the hell?
Turns out the PO had broken the tip of the screw off inside the carb... After a few drops of Kroil, some poking with a pick, and a fair amount of cursing, the tip came out (Insert your own dirty joke here).
Noticed one of my pilot screws was a bit shorter than the other... what the hell?
Turns out the PO had broken the tip of the screw off inside the carb... After a few drops of Kroil, some poking with a pick, and a fair amount of cursing, the tip came out (Insert your own dirty joke here).
