First Build! 1980 xs400 special (question, progress, and help)

[Nicolaus]

My father has given me a 1980 Yamaha xs400 recently which has sat in our barn for the past 2 years. He had bought it for about $400 and it did not run. We do not know if anything is wrong with it nor did the seller. (well that is what he said anyways) I am a full time Accounting student and I still live at home. I have ridden motorcycles for 3 or 4 years and recently have fallen in LOVE with cafe racers. So, here I am...trying to figure out what the hell I am trying to do. I will attach pictures as soon as I get them on my computer, but as of now. I will post question as I need and hope people will assist me in any way they can! Money is not really an issue with my build and I am wanting to create something unique, and CLEAN. Thanks ahead of time. I hope to hear from you all!

 

[Nicolaus]

What is the usual order of things to be done after a tear down?

 

[Nicolaus]

I made a photobucket account to post all of my pictures. http://s1283.photobucket.com/user/Nico_Savu/library/?sort=3&page=1
Here is a picture of her before I started

Here is one a little while in..

Will take a few more pictures of todays progress in a little while.

 

[Nicolaus]

Stuff I did today!

Here is inside of where I took the chain off.

Is it normally full of gunk goo and dirt/mud?

Now that I have the engine pulled off where should I start with it?

 

[Nicolaus]

Tomorrow I'm going to start breaking into the engine to see what is actually going on in there..Going to follow
http://www.xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6775&highlight=motor,+tear
Will keep you updated!

On a side note. What are the pros and cons for Clubmans and clip ons? and what size do I use for my bike? 1in?

 

[rodeo]

my chain guard had about an inch worth of goo in it. I think its mostly a gathering place for chain lube and dirt.

 

[bcware]

Your push-rod seal is probably leaky; you won't know for sure until you clean ALL of the oil off. Run the bike after that for a bit and see where it is coming from. Oil can run down the push-rod, drip on to the chain, and get flung all over the place.

Most cruisers use 1" handle bars. Most Japanese motorcycles use 7/8" handle bars. When a small bike is converted to 1" handle bars the setup is usually referred to as "over sized."

So, no, you need 7/8" handle bars.

On this particular motorcycle there aren't really any pros to using clubmans or clipons other than looks. Well placed rear set foot pegs will help improve things, but I also think the gas tank is way too small/low and offers no support. Without any support (unless you're very, very fit) you'll tend to put much more weight on the handle bars when you're leaned far forward; this actually hurts steering and can cause wobbles.

If you still want to go this route choose your setup carefully; I had issues with clearance between the clip-ons and the gas tank. Certain designs are more friendly than others.

 

[xschris]

Looks like a good bike to start with It would be a good thing to get a good manual for the bike like this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/1975-1984-Y...Parts_Accessories&hash=item5af0c42285&vxp=mtr It will save you a lot of headaches in the long run and it is nice to have pics right in front of you

 

[Nicolaus]

What are some gas tank options that will work for a cafe racer build for this bike?

 

[Nicolaus]

Am I correct in thinking this is a xs360 tank? I love the look of this bike!

 

[LuckyEight]

I think first 400s have also these boxy tanks (400D, 400-2e)

 

[ksqrly]

the coffin style tank or whatever the style is, was used on number of yamaha bikes during the mid and late 70s

 

[ksqrly]

I had the same problem with all the goop and shit under the side cover. I cleaned it all off and no leaks so far that I can tell, but bc is right more than likely a a pushrod seal. Clean it up and ride it for a bit and see if it is leaking.

 

[Nicolaus]

Do you know which tank was used on this? Im going to try and get a tank and seat very similar. http://www.motohangar.com/mhXs400.html

 

[LuckyEight]

77 400D, 78 400-2a

 

[Liamthedevastator]

I have a tank like that, they are oem for 1977. Interesting point about the tank being there to support, never thought about that before.

I think that you're doing the right thing Nicolaus, best way to learn is to tear into it! I've mucked up a tonne of stuff, but it just adds to the experience

I love the drag bar/clipon look as well.

 

[Nicolaus]

I have a tank like that, they are oem for 1977. Interesting point about the tank being there to support, never thought about that before.

I think that you're doing the right thing Nicolaus, best way to learn is to tear into it! I've mucked up a tonne of stuff, but it just adds to the experience

I love the drag bar/clipon look as well.

What do you mean about the tank being there to support?!

 

[bcware]

What do you mean about the tank being there to support?!

Not to hug you and tell you everything will be alright, but rather to support your upper body/arms when riding so that one can remove weight from the handle bars with an aggressive setup (clip-ons, clubmans, etc). Modern sport bikes have those giant high arching gas tanks for a reason!

 

[Nicolaus]

So, what do you suggest a good direction to go would be? I'm definitely still in the idea stage..

 

[ksqrly]

Check out the xs 400 by spin cycle industries. That one is my favorite.