Search results

I bought a 1980 XS400 a few years ago. It ran when I bought it but it had some damage and needed some work. I started pulling it apart and cleaning/fixing what I could. I also bought an extra gas tank that has no dents because the one on it had a dent in it. It has been stored in an indoor...

For that kind of price you can almost buy a new motorcycle with similar specs. I say it's too much.

Haven't checked ebay yet. There's a guy in the classified section on here who has a couple sets he says are in pretty good shape that I'm inquiring about though. Not sure I would mind a little wider. Someone who owned my XS400 before me dumped it over on its right side, bending the handlebar and...

I need to replace my handlebars. I'd like to go with as close to original as possible. I found these handlebars on MikesXS (bottom of the page). I think the Virago Type is the closest to original (although out of stock) and the XS650 "Special" Pullback Type is very similar but a little "taller"...

Are those the original handlebars or custom?

I'm looking for a set of handlebars if they are in good shape.

Okay cool. Good to know. Thanks guys! Just wanted to make sure that it wasn't something that I really needed to worry too much about. Sounds like it'll be fine. My XS400 will never be stored outside now that I own it, so probably don't need to worry about that getting worse in the future. Thanks...

It seems to be less pronounced underneath than it is on the top and the sides. Doesn't appear to be dented on the bottom, but the bulge doesn't appear to come out quite as far. It's a little hard for me to see it very clearly though because it is currently up on a jack stand with no wheels on...

So on the left hand side of the frame, below the engine, I found what appears to be an odd bulge in the frame. Any idea if it is normal for there to be a bulge in the frame there? That would be the spot in question. Doesn't seem right to me. Figured I would check with you guys about it...

Cool. Good to know. I have a can of Valvoline Multi-Purpose grease that is supposed to be good for all sorts of things (including Japanese vehicles), but I wondered if there was something specific I should use. Sounds like as long as it's a decent grease, it'll be fine.

I'm in the process of cleaning and fixing up my 1980 XS400 and I'm just curious if you guys know of a particular type of grease that is considered "best" to use for the axles and/or for other parts?

Unless you keep the battery topped up all the time, it will erode the plates and the battery will eventually go bad. To keep my battery in good shape I use a BatteryTender and I keep it plugged in while it sits in the garage. I just mounted mine under the seat and out of sight and have it wired...

I found a chain on MikesXS that I'm planning on picking up for it. Looks like a good one to me and the price seems good ($63 USD). I also took the rear sprocket off and cleaned it up really well. Looks to me like it's in fine shape and doesn't need replacing. No serious wear on the cogs as far...

Thanks for the advice on the chain. The front and rear sprocket both look to be in really good shape, no visible wear or problems on either one, so I'll likely stick with those, but I'll buy a new chain. Any particular brand of chain you recommend?

I've gotten back to work on the bike recently. I took the rear tire off and got the chain off it so I could clean it up (and check the sprockets). Luckily the chain has a "master link" on it so I was able to remove it without too much issue. Here's a picture of the chain before I did my first...

I've been working on my XS400 a bit and I've hit a snag... an ugly snag. Someone who owned it before me put on an aftermarket rear rack setup. Apparently when they did it they removed at least the upper bolts on the rear shocks. Unfortunately they also reinstalled the left side upper rear...

Can you post pics of them? How functional are the switches?

I'll consider the clear coat. I don't like the idea of putting another coating on it (since I just spent so much time getting the crappy paint and tarnish off of it, but I'll see what I can find that might do the trick on it. Got a brand of clear coat that you think works particularly well for...

Yeah, I'm pretty sure they're bent. You are correct that the lowest part is at a slight angle as well. The rubber steering holder dampner on the left side is warped. I have replacements for those, but haven't put them in yet. Considering the clutch grip is higher than the throttle and it's...

Wasn't planning on it. I figured I would just leave them as raw metal and if/when they tarnish up too bad in the future, I'll just shine them back up. :)