Recent content by 63-Coupe

I have a 15 year old detached, unheated, dry, double car garage with a concrete floor. I don't get outrageously fussy when storing any of my stuff but here is basically what I do with my bikes; Change the oil and filter. Make sure the gas tank is full to reduce chances of condensation. Add...

Full tank with stabilizer is a much better choice over an empty tank for storage as there is less chance of condensation. Here is what I posted last year regarding what I have been doing for 30+ years when it comes time for winter storage. Mine sits in a detached unheated garage all...

My list shows 4R5 as 1981 XS400H. If I had to guess I would say it might have originally had "Special" on the side covers but I have no additional information on 4R5 other than what I have given you here.

What's that in Celsius??

Check with you municipality. Our local landfill/transfer station has a recycling depot and a hazardous waste disposal station. It is free and they take most anything including all petroleum products, batteries, paint, chemicals, pesticides, etc., etc. About the only thing they won't accept is...

Start with the simple and easy things first. Ensure you have fully charged battery. These bikes need battery power to make the spark plugs fire when first starting the engine. Your battery may have enough juice to turn the engine over but not enough to fire the spark plugs at the same time. Oh...

SOLD This bike is in very good condition mechanically and cosmetically, 26,600 km. (16,500 miles). Everything is there including the sidecovers. It starts easily and it runs good. • Tires are excellent • New AGM battery last year • Windshield • OEM Yamaha rear carrier • No tears in seat •...

X2 on what Lou Ranger said about the KISS method. Always start with the cheap and easy stuff such as swapping light bulbs. Keep your eye open for Canadian Tire or Princess Auto to have a sale on an inexpensive basic set of tools with sockets and wrenches. Garage sales and KIJIJI are also a...

Welcome aboard. Just take your time getting used to it and listen to the advice of the people here. In your second post you said; "It seems this bike was his baby and he did a lot of the fixing up himself, so there's no paperwork for it but it seems to run very well, no leaks or strange...

Welcome from another 82 Heritage Special owner who is also an old guy with an old bike. :bike: There are lots in this bunch that have taken them completely apart and gotten them back together again so if you get into a head scratching situation :confused: putting it back together get on this...

Welcome to the forum. Love that UVIP in Ontario, it's not infallible but sure makes a lot of people honest. I have done a little more research and it appears that "4T4" is a code for a 1981 XS400SH, but oddly so far it has only shown up in Canada that I know of. It may designate a bike for...

For the contacts I would start with isopropyl alcohol and a Q-tip and resort to the brass brush as Plan B. The brass brush could be a little too aggressive and you may tend to lean on some fragile bits a little heavier than you intend to. You can also buy contact cleaner in a spray can at...

Check the battery in case you drained it trying to get it going. You need a battery with a decently good charge or you get no spark on these.

I am applying to Ottawa tomorrow for a government grant to do a study on this. The very first part of the study of course will be to spend part of the grant money on new tires for my bike so that I will have the proper starting point. :D

Yep, you're right, it's late, but I hope you read this post tonight. From what you have said you may have a significant short somewhere in the electrical system. For your peace of mind, and to avoid possibility of fire or a destroyed brand new battery disconnect the battery before you go to...