77 xs400 - My quick resto thread

[FarmBoy72]

To start off my name is Ryan, I'm am currently in college and was looking for something to save a bit of cash on fuel so I picked up a 77 xs400 for $300 bucks. Wasn't running but the carbs just needed an overhaul so about and hour after getting it home I had her running and was able to run around the block a few times. A daring friend of mine that helped me pick it up took her out on a highway near my house and got it up to 100mph , accoring to the speedo. Anyways to get the bike ready for being a daily driver I stripped her down and did a quick clean and paint on all the parts. Also added a starter off of a parts bike I picked up ffor a spare engine, this 77 was the economy model so it didn't have a factory starter installed.

I'm in the process of putting it back together so I can take it home and get me an antique tag for it. Since it will have an antique tag I have to keep it as close to original as possible, so no cafe racer here!

Heres a few pics of the process;

Bike when I got it

Painting the frame

Going back together:

Fixing the pitting on the fork tubes, Im trying the epoxy coat and sand method, it turned out well but time will tell on how long the seals last

sanding

 

[LuckyEight]

Welcome FB! Looks great so far...nice to see someone who don't want to customize it

 

[xschris]

Good start Btw it's a 78 2-E

 

[FarmBoy72]

Good start Btw it's a 78 2-E

Ohh well, I was close, I couldnt decide wether it was a 2-E or a D the date of manufacture says 77

 

[Scorpio1963]

I ass ume you painted the engine?

 

[FarmBoy72]

I ass ume you painted the engine?

The crankcase has the factory paint on it, the jugs and up are all bare aluminum. I just took a polishing wheel in a drill and polished the top up a little.


Some more pictures!!


Sanded fork tubes

Almost back together! Just waiting on fork seals

Back together, all that's left is the carb rebuild kits, for now

The last thing I will do is eventually get the paint and sidecovers all re-painted, has some clearcoat coming off the tank

 

[FarmBoy72]

Just got the carburetors rebuilt with the kits from siriusconinc, I'm glad they include the idle needles, the PO broke one off in its hole and it was a to get out.

She will now start with just a tap of the button, (or wire in this case)

 

[xschris]

Sounds good

 

[Pork Chop]

That sounds sweet.

 

[TimmyT]

Awwwww there is a way to overhaul these bikes quickly?!?!
They said the long road was more fun! You've done a great job!