BurntTimber
XS400 Member
Well here's the first post of what will likely be many.
2 nights ago I picked up an absolutely amazing 1979 XS400. It was bought by the owner new in 80', was ridden for 4500km until 1982, and has been parked in a garage ever since.
The bike's in almost perfect shape, though as expected the top end is seized.
Anyways, here's the plan, and looking for thoughts on each of the below (and anything I've missed). I've always been a dirtbike guy (and 2-stroke at that), so this will be new ground for me:
1. Engine: I'm going to pull the plugs and put in some Marvel Mystery oil, in the hopes of freeing up the top end. That said, I assume I may need to replace the rings and pistons.
As for bottom end, hoping I can get away with it as is, pretty dry here in Calgary and I'd prefer not to crack the case.
2. Brakes: The drum brakes feel a little squishy, going to lube the cables and am looking for more advice here. Would like to keep the bike as original as possible, but let me know if these are a lost cause and I should be looking for a front disc conversion. I've read there are some compounds that help here.
3. Suspension: Anything I should know about the suspension on this bike? I'm going to change out the fork seals and oil for posterity's sake, I'm 160lbs so don't expect they need much in the way of adjustment.
4. Lights: I'm completely happy with this bike in it's stock form, but the tail light is pretty bulky and ruins the curves of the bike. Any suggestions on something that's a little more streamlined? (preferably that looks like it could be OEM). I also plan to add some additional lighting on the front just to make sure I'm more visible to other vehicles on the road so suggestions there appreciated too.
5. Tires: It's got the original tires on, so those will need replacement. This bike will be used for city commuting and the odd back country paved road, so tire/tube recommendations appreciated.
Anything I've missed?
2 nights ago I picked up an absolutely amazing 1979 XS400. It was bought by the owner new in 80', was ridden for 4500km until 1982, and has been parked in a garage ever since.
The bike's in almost perfect shape, though as expected the top end is seized.
Anyways, here's the plan, and looking for thoughts on each of the below (and anything I've missed). I've always been a dirtbike guy (and 2-stroke at that), so this will be new ground for me:
1. Engine: I'm going to pull the plugs and put in some Marvel Mystery oil, in the hopes of freeing up the top end. That said, I assume I may need to replace the rings and pistons.
As for bottom end, hoping I can get away with it as is, pretty dry here in Calgary and I'd prefer not to crack the case.
2. Brakes: The drum brakes feel a little squishy, going to lube the cables and am looking for more advice here. Would like to keep the bike as original as possible, but let me know if these are a lost cause and I should be looking for a front disc conversion. I've read there are some compounds that help here.
3. Suspension: Anything I should know about the suspension on this bike? I'm going to change out the fork seals and oil for posterity's sake, I'm 160lbs so don't expect they need much in the way of adjustment.
4. Lights: I'm completely happy with this bike in it's stock form, but the tail light is pretty bulky and ruins the curves of the bike. Any suggestions on something that's a little more streamlined? (preferably that looks like it could be OEM). I also plan to add some additional lighting on the front just to make sure I'm more visible to other vehicles on the road so suggestions there appreciated too.
5. Tires: It's got the original tires on, so those will need replacement. This bike will be used for city commuting and the odd back country paved road, so tire/tube recommendations appreciated.
Anything I've missed?
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I have 33k miles on mine and 11k I put on over the last 16 years. I would keep it just the way it is
Change all the fluids and put the new tires on and go through everything and re-lube. Hopefully the top end will free up and be ok. Just be gentle when turning it over so you don't break anything. The front disc swap is not cheap and would require the entire front end and brake system. It is a heavier setup than drum and as long as the bike is not going to be on the track for racing it's not needed. I have a 80 xs400 with a disc setup off a 75 rd250 and it don't make a whole lot of difference
If you want to spend a bunch of money and time trying to find all the parts then go for it.
