New 1981 XS400 Build

[Galvanized Greg]

I'm working on fixing up my 1981 xs400. I managed to pick it up in Vermont for free! It may be a little rough but slowly I'm hopefully going to bring it back to life! This is if my first motorcycle and it may take a while, but any progress I'll make sure to keep updating. If anyone has suggestions or tips please feel free to let me know. I'm sure I'll need them.

 

[xschris]

Looks like there has been quite a few mods on the bike. This will make things harder getting it to work proper and parts to fit/work. Just from what I can see is the mufflers and not stock, handle bars, front master brake cylinder and the intake/air filter boxes are gone then replaced with pods. The seat and rear frame has also been cut up. I am sure you will find more things as you go. The first thing I would do is check the compression of the motor. You want at least 120-125. But these can be as high as 155-160.

 

[Galvanized Greg]

I haven't been able to use something to test the compression, however I did a little bit, put new spark plugs and adjusted the cluch and idle. I got it up and running and drivable. Biggest issue was I got a new battery and it died in less than a week. I'm wondering if there is an issue with the ground or some other wiring. I hear almost a ticking sound from some wires directly under the filters. I planned on remaking the enitre thing. I also was going to chop the frame down to a hardtail so it gets rid of that popcorn welding job somebody tossed together near the back of the seat.

 

[Galvanized Greg]

I will need a crankcase gasket as well, small crack in the one that's on, but really not even an oil drip.