1981 XS400 Scramblerized Build, eventually...

[JimVonBaden]

Both wheels laced and trued. The first took about 3 hours, the send an hour. It helps when you know what you are doing somewhat.

Less than 1mm variance side to side, and .5mm hop. Not too bad for the first time.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Both wheels laced and trued. The first took about 3 hours, the second an hour. It helps when you know what you are doing somewhat.

Less than 1mm variance side to side, and .5mm hop. Not too bad for the first time.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Test fitted the wheels and checked for center. They are good. I will be adding tires to make it a roller soon!

 

[xschris]

Looks good.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Now it is a roller. I did the zip-tie tire installation, but had to lever the last 6" on. I really like the tires and wheels. They looks great to me.

Back on the lift and out of the way for finishing the engine.

 

[16VGTIDave]

Looks sharp Jim!

Any thoughts or plans for a skid plate or gravel guard for the engine?

 

[JimVonBaden]

Looks sharp Jim!

Any thoughts or plans for a skid plate or gravel guard for the engine?

I have been thinking about it. The simple bent plate has an issue with the protruding motor mount brackets. But maybe I will mount to them. Not sure yet.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I've been cleaning the engine for a couple weeks now, and today the weather cooperated to paint it. Admittedly, I did not disassemble it, but it ran OK when I started to take it apart, so I felt it was worth a chance.

Looks better than my phone photos show.

 

[JimVonBaden]

New rear shocks, cheep like me.

The old ones:

The new ones:

No idea how good they are, but certainly better than the 35 year old originals.

Jim

 

[JimVonBaden]

A little more engine assembly:

 

[Sesty]

loving your paint job! Save up for better shocks when your rear shocks start sagging after a few VA DOT neglected pot holes. i got hagons that were $200 and were the best "mod" i made to the bike. Send them your weight and bike model and how often you ride 2 up, and they mate a spring rate for your needs.

 

[rshutchinson]

I put those RFY shocks on my wife's and they seem fine to me.

 

[JimVonBaden]

loving your paint job! Save up for better shocks when your rear shocks start sagging after a few VA DOT neglected pot holes. i got hagons that were $200 and were the best "mod" i made to the bike. Send them your weight and bike model and how often you ride 2 up, and they mate a spring rate for your needs.

Thanks, I will see how they ride. This bike is a bit of a toy for me, so perfection is not the goal. If the shocks do not work well, however, I will upgrade them as necessary.

 

[Wolfe_11B]

Mine feel like pogo sticks after these past few months.... and I even got them recharged with 120psi and fresh oil. They just are not good shocks. people seem to like them well enough, but I wonder if those same people have ever ridden a bike with good shocks.

What diameter springs are on yours? If you have the 7mm, you'll bottom out on every tiny bump you hit. I exchanged mine with 8mm from that guy that makes a living on rebuilding the RFYs, and they made it closer to what the spring rate should be for the weight of the bike.

 

[JimVonBaden]

I'm not sure on the springs. I will measure them and report back.

Painted my pipes with Eastwood Header paint!

Before:

After:

 

[JimVonBaden]

General question: What sealant should I use on the cylinder cover?

Thanks,

 

[Wolfe_11B]

I've used yamabond 4 and 5, as well as The Right Stuff grey...... They have all worked equally well at keeping the oil in. Yamabond 4 and TRS come off easier if that's important for you. 5 is good stuff, but it gets hard, and that worries me if any excess gets into the motor and circulated. I worry less about the flexible stuff.

 

[16VGTIDave]

I use brush on "Aviation gasket sealer". Less is better than more. Once it gets heat cycled once, it isn't going anywhere without brute force and toxic chemicals.

 

[xschris]

I have used yamabond 4 on two xs400 motors with no issues. Just use a thin bead and snug the bolts first then wait a bit before your final torque. It's all in the manual.

 

[MrStubb]

Both wheels laced and trued. The first took about 3 hours, the send an hour. It helps when you know what you are doing somewhat.

Less than 1mm variance side to side, and .5mm hop. Not too bad for the first time.

Did you lace up 16" or 18" rims?? I'm thinking of using 16" rims for a stockier looking stance. But I'm not sure if the tire will fit in the forks like it's supposed to.