thegrippler
XS400 Member
Finally done my winter project! 1982 XS400 . what do you guys think?
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XS400 Cafe Racer
- Thread starter thegrippler
- Start date
Looks good, but looks aside-
Get some cans on the exhaust and filters on the carbs. You are loosing performance (and that's the point of a cafe racer, to make more power!).
Put the forks back to where they should be. I bet the over-steer on that thing is high. Also with the forks that low, you run the risk of death wobble/tank slappers at lower speeds.
That's all I got
How are those bars attached?
Get some cans on the exhaust and filters on the carbs. You are loosing performance (and that's the point of a cafe racer, to make more power!).
Put the forks back to where they should be. I bet the over-steer on that thing is high. Also with the forks that low, you run the risk of death wobble/tank slappers at lower speeds.
That's all I got
How are those bars attached?
MrStubb
XS400 Addict
Interesting look. I like that blunt rear with the light bar but I also hope that you've at least got socks in your stacks. It'd be a shame to toast that engine with some injested gravel. I do think those bars are a bit low too but I'm 6'4" 240. Shame you dented your tank with your knees but at least you matched the dents on both sides. Looks like you underslung your bars from the top of the tree. That's impressive but it looks like there's good unused realestate there for mini gages & other bells & whistles. Don't get me wrong The look is REALLY good especially the naked look behind the engine where these bikes get so cluttered.
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love it, just dont ride without some plate protection from the rear tyre. As peeps said, the engine won't last long like that
Looks like a good bike for show. Don't think it will last long for a driver with no air filters, mufflers and rear inner fender. The lack of signals and good rear lights won't do well for other on the road knowing where you are turning or stopping. This must be a "track" bike.
Looks like a good start! I'll second what others have said already. It would be a shame to blow the engine with the first puddle ridden through. Straight pipes are more problem than they are worth both to the engine and your neighbors.
From a purely esthetic point, please add some detail to the engine! It looks like it was taken out, sprayed with a couple cans of BBQ paint and stuffed back in the frame. Some bright hardware, detailing the writing on the covers, etc.
Also, check the chain tension. Looks rather tight.
From a purely esthetic point, please add some detail to the engine! It looks like it was taken out, sprayed with a couple cans of BBQ paint and stuffed back in the frame. Some bright hardware, detailing the writing on the covers, etc.
Also, check the chain tension. Looks rather tight.
bet you wished you never asked now
Narratis
XS400 Enthusiast
I like how you did the rear brake extension. I cut out my stock break to make room new footpeg brackets, but that might have been a mistake.
Love the red frame, but the engine could indeed use some detailing
Love the red frame, but the engine could indeed use some detailing
thegrippler
XS400 Member
Thanks for the feedback guys! Everyone relax , I do have pod filters! The stacks are mainly for show and short trips around town. I haven't done much riding since there's still a foot of snow on the ground here , but I probably will have to raise the suspension for everyday riding . I pondered the bar position for a long time and overall there very comfortable , I'm 6 feet 190lbs . Here's a pic of them getting fabed up!
Attachments
thegrippler
XS400 Member
The light bar does tail , brake , and turn signals. The bikes already passed Cert.
thegrippler
XS400 Member
This will make you cringe , but I sandblasted all the engine crome and sprayed it flat black. To each there own lol
MrStubb
XS400 Addict
Cringe?? Not at all. I like the idea of sandblasting & flat black paint. And I was correct with the bars being underslung. I think from my personal opinion you should be extremely proud of your accomplishments. Also glad you've got pods for the ride.
JimVonBaden
"Cool Aide"
That is pretty slick!
I agree with many of the comments, especially the rear fender to protect the engine. You may ride only fair weather, but you will certainly hit loose gravel and toss stuff from the tire towards the motor.
Nice looking bike overall, especially the tank!
thegrippler
XS400 Member
Here's a few more pics 
I'm liking the red frame. It's something I've been considering for my '82.
The handlebar mounting looks great.
How about a photo of your electronics compartment?
The handlebar mounting looks great.
How about a photo of your electronics compartment?
thegrippler
XS400 Member
This is the only one I have , Ive tidied it up since and made some actual brackets . Basically everything is under the rear cap of the seat
Looks good. Lots of ventilation with those holes.
tundrarider
XS400 New Member
Where did you find that seat? I just bought my first build, an XS400 and was wondering of some good places to buy seats and tanks.
thegrippler
XS400 Member
That was personally hand built by yours truly. I know dime city cycles and mikesxs sell cafe seats but there pretty pricey.
new_idea
XS400 Member
The seat pan and tank look amazing!
