New from NY

Gdubs3287

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Hello Everyone,

Very exciting being here. I recently decided that I'm going to get my motorcycle license and learn to ride. I saw a 1982 XS400 for sale on my local Craig’s list and was immediately intrigued. The price was attractive and so was the bike.

I know absolutely nothing about motorcycles. I am brand spanking new to this hobby. I am a gear head though. My last project was a 09' Chevy Cobalt SS that I built to 470 crank HP on a 2.0L motor. So I have a good knowledge of mechanics.

I'm almost 100% positive I will be going with this bike. The price is really attractive for a starter bike. I am a little worried at the availability of parts if something breaks. I'm not sure if there is a large selection of replacement parts available from Yamaha or a 3rd party vendor.

I will be mostly quiet until I actually buy a bike. I will be whoring the threads learning as much as I can with a potential buy date or April/May

Hope everyone here is nice and helpful as I am sure I will need a lot of assistance unless I find a great XS400 thats in good working order when I decide to buy. I also hope there is someone local/close to me to show me the ways in person.

Thanks all,
Geoff
 
Easy to work on, easy to find parts generally, rings are harder to come by but keep an eye on ebay.
Watch for a broken kickstarter, it cracks out of the engine case internally.
 
Welcome I live about an hour from ya:) Parts from yamaha are few, mikesxs.net has a good assortment but not much engine stuff(pistons, rings, cam, valves) most major stuff is hard to find. Ebay is your friend unless you want to spend big money on N.O.S stuff there is a place called speed and sport ( yamatopdog.com) out of P.A. they have a lot but prices are twice retail:doh: I have been riding 400's for 14 years and have some used parts that I have collected:wink2:
 
Welcome to the Forum! You are wise to read about us a bit first, before buying in. :wink2:

As you read, you will discover that there are 2 kinds of xs400 - the more common sohc and the dohc. I'm not sure which of the two would play most to your strengths and preferences. If you want a classic "original" look, probably the sohc. If you want a 400cc version of your 470 hp 2.0L, perhaps the dohc - but I am just guessing.

While I am a rider, not a wrencher (and a lover, not a fighter), I look forward to following your story in the spring. Remember, we are mostly visual learners - love pictures!
 
I live about an hour from rochester as well.....though I'm much more versed in the xs650 than the xs400, but I'm addicted to vintage bikes, I'm on my 5th one lol. I tend to buy one that's beat to death, ressurect it and customize it, ride it a season, and sell it to buy something else to build. I can help out if you ever have any questions and such.
 
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