Bajanate
Bajanate73
Hi Guys,
New to the forum as a member but I've been poking around for a few months...lurking.
I just picked up a 1982 XS400 Special Heritage (black) and then got lucky and also grabbed a 1981 XS400 Special (burgundy). All within a couple weeks of each other. Needless to say, I will have some parts for sale at the end of the build
So the first one was half torn apart when I bought it. The frame was on it's way to becoming a hardtail and was tacked back together to make a rolling chassis. I have since completely torn it apart and currently resides in a number of boxes. It will be a parts donor with it's engine as a spare and some of the black hardware. Namely the headlight assembly, forks, and other odds and sods that will keep me from going to the wreckers every other day. Although I noticed they do have one XS in the back corner...hmmmm.
Day One. Today.
I wanted to go for a more classic cafe look and so of course required a different tank. I ended up with an XS500 tank. It's a biggun'. But with only slight mods to the frame (cutting off the coil mounts) and a little hammering in the tunnel of the tank...she fits like a glove! (pics will be up soon) I think there will be some handlebar dents coming yet. The tank is quite wide and the bars hit it at full turn.
I will rebuild the black set of carbs and install pod filters. the rear brake and shifter will need small modifications to make them more accessible as well. Controls are going to need some work. The '81 has definitely seen some moisture and has been subjected to some rather nefarious bubblegum and paperclip repairs.
The rear frame will also receive some touches with joining it again after cutting. Also a seat pan, brake and turn signals, new rubber font and rear, exhaust tape, and also all the regular maintenance stuff.
But after day one on this build, it's starting to take shape.
I will post pics soon of my newly purchased parts washer with the Hamilton Beach indoor/outdoor grill heater I modded to heat the fluid in the tub and extra filtration unit... Works Like a charm!!
Cheers,
Bajanate
New to the forum as a member but I've been poking around for a few months...lurking.
I just picked up a 1982 XS400 Special Heritage (black) and then got lucky and also grabbed a 1981 XS400 Special (burgundy). All within a couple weeks of each other. Needless to say, I will have some parts for sale at the end of the build
So the first one was half torn apart when I bought it. The frame was on it's way to becoming a hardtail and was tacked back together to make a rolling chassis. I have since completely torn it apart and currently resides in a number of boxes. It will be a parts donor with it's engine as a spare and some of the black hardware. Namely the headlight assembly, forks, and other odds and sods that will keep me from going to the wreckers every other day. Although I noticed they do have one XS in the back corner...hmmmm.
Day One. Today.
I wanted to go for a more classic cafe look and so of course required a different tank. I ended up with an XS500 tank. It's a biggun'. But with only slight mods to the frame (cutting off the coil mounts) and a little hammering in the tunnel of the tank...she fits like a glove! (pics will be up soon) I think there will be some handlebar dents coming yet. The tank is quite wide and the bars hit it at full turn.
I will rebuild the black set of carbs and install pod filters. the rear brake and shifter will need small modifications to make them more accessible as well. Controls are going to need some work. The '81 has definitely seen some moisture and has been subjected to some rather nefarious bubblegum and paperclip repairs.
The rear frame will also receive some touches with joining it again after cutting. Also a seat pan, brake and turn signals, new rubber font and rear, exhaust tape, and also all the regular maintenance stuff.
But after day one on this build, it's starting to take shape.
I will post pics soon of my newly purchased parts washer with the Hamilton Beach indoor/outdoor grill heater I modded to heat the fluid in the tub and extra filtration unit... Works Like a charm!!
Cheers,
Bajanate