first xs400, need help

jcole88

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bought me my first 400! it's not running at the moment. it has good compression but no spark. tried everything, i'm no mechanic. I think it has something to do with the killswitch. Traced the killswitch wire and found thats it's not connected to anything. trying to bypass it but cant seem to find where. if anybody could help, maybe send me a manual or something to help me out. Much needed help guys. Pictures to come soon. Thanks
 
You can download the manuals in the tech section. Make sure your bike has a good charged battery or it won't start. Welcome to the forum:)
 
the battery on it was dead, wont hold a charge, the bike itself has been sitting for quit some time now, but I bypassed using the battery and used a jump box and it tried turning over, just not getting any fire, the other thing is when I do hook up the jump box to the battery terminals the rear lights work just fine, as well as the lights indicating that the bike is on and in nutraul, but the front lights dont work, blinkers ect... would it be easier to just get a whole new wiring or try and use the ones that I have?
:bike:
 
Get the manuals..

Let us know what year of bike

Clutch has to be pulled in and kickstand has to be up. There's a kill switch for each of these which I've disabled.

Checked fuses.. I had to re-bulid my fuse box

I'm assuming that at least the motor is turning over so you can do the compression test. I can't remember if the kill switch's for the clutch & kick stand stop the engine from turning over or just prevent spark. :doh: someone else here will know this

The electrical system can be a bit intiminating but the manual does have a great section on trouble shooting

I have a Yamaha dealer in my town who was a great help and a lot of part's are still available for my 1982 but I did have to get some stuff from another member here

Good luck
 
it's a 1981. I visited my local dealer and they basically laughed at me. they told me when I reach 3000 dollars in repairs let them know. the engine will turn over just not start, the clutch was locked up but i just recently replaced it. and I believe the kick stand was up. I will try all these things again, and get back in touch. my next question is I'm bobbing her out, is there another way to hardtail her without having to buy a custom built hardtail? just wondering. thanks for the advice
 
Sounds like a typical dealer's comment. Most of them are not in it for the love of a hobby but the love of the Almighty Dollar. Revisit your electronic ignition pick up and coils with a vom and make sure you have a well charged battery. I can't stress enough about getting well versed with your specific wiring diagram. And make sure you have good connections in your fuse box. Mine looked good but when I tried to clean the fuse holders they all but fell apart on me. Most here have replaced their fuses with a smaller blade type fuse box and have had little to no issues since.
 
it's a 1981. I visited my local dealer and they basically laughed at me. they told me when I reach 3000 dollars in repairs let them know. the engine will turn over just not start, the clutch was locked up but i just recently replaced it. and I believe the kick stand was up. I will try all these things again, and get back in touch. my next question is I'm bobbing her out, is there another way to hardtail her without having to buy a custom built hardtail? just wondering. thanks for the advice

JCole, you must have been talking about the guys at Montgomery Honda/Yama. I went to their parts department to ask for a single size jet for my 06 Roadstar. Dude looked at me like I was retarded and told me a qualified mechanic would have to work on the carb that I couldn't do it. I told him where to get off. I rode to the HD store next door and they gladly sold me the single jet.......7-8 years ago I knew several of the guys there at the dealership and they were great help, but they have changed personnel since and I haven't been impressed........You ever need any help I'm 2 hours west of you. My inlaws are in Prattville.
 
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