Hey all, I'm new here, and new to the motorcycle game. Well not fully, I'm more of a moped guy, mostly vintage Puch. Most all my bikes have been modified almost all the way around...kits/carbs/pipes/frames/bars/suspension/wiring/cables, just about anything on the bike. So, I trade a '77 Puch Newport for my friends non-running '81 XS400. This is my first motorcycle, but I have a solid base of knowledge in small 2stroke tuning and 2 wheel mechanics so I'm really excited to get into this thing as a 4stroke project. When I got it the carbs were pulled but not taken apart and the battery was stored inside. About a half tank of gas in the tank, no rust, kicks over just fine. Needs a new throttle cable for sure, could use some spark plug wires (weathered), probably needs a new battery.
I plan on doing an oil change, new battery, new gas lines, flush the tank, new plug and then just try to fire it up and see how it runs. Soon after that...bars, tank and covers painted and I don't know, we'll see how it goes from there.
The manual I got with the bike is for the 650 of the same year, am I going to be fine flowing it for the most part or are things really specific? I know I can see manuals here, but having paper is so nice. I've been looking over the forum and I see there is lots of info out there about getting started, but if you have some tips let me know.
Oh also, can somebody help me find a place where I can double check the model with the VIN? I was told it was a 81 XS400 Special, but I don't see much of the special stuff on it...thanks
I plan on doing an oil change, new battery, new gas lines, flush the tank, new plug and then just try to fire it up and see how it runs. Soon after that...bars, tank and covers painted and I don't know, we'll see how it goes from there.
The manual I got with the bike is for the 650 of the same year, am I going to be fine flowing it for the most part or are things really specific? I know I can see manuals here, but having paper is so nice. I've been looking over the forum and I see there is lots of info out there about getting started, but if you have some tips let me know.
Oh also, can somebody help me find a place where I can double check the model with the VIN? I was told it was a 81 XS400 Special, but I don't see much of the special stuff on it...thanks