New Brit member

Battlax

XS400 Member
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Hi to the forum, which looks to be helpfully informative for my latest project, and first Yamaha.

I discovered it shown in this forum under previous ownership of Matt.
He optimistically claimed it being 99% completed except for a few wires, although it was purchased off ebay at a more realistic price with intention of a long term full restoration.

Its now been fully stripped after finding no lights, leaking forks and collapsed swing arm bearings. A worn front disc rotor, rusty chain and rear tyre will also require replacement, but the engine proved itself a runner with low mileage.
 
Thanks for reply Drew, and nice set of wheels you've rigged up. :thumbsup:

This is my first go at attempting a full restoration, and it would be nice to think I could get it looking half as good as your outfit.

Just stripped a front fork to find these will ideally require rechroming.
I'm just keeping fingers crossed the engine doesn't need major attention.

The bikes now turned into a large basket full of small pieces, in various stages of cleaning and prep sanding, but I'm beginning to wonder if the full cost of repairs could ever be justified.
 
costs for old bikes are never justified by monetary value.

Its the emotional value which is why we do this, and that's priceless :)
 
Appreciate the welcome chaps, and Drewpy's reminder of why I took on this personal challenge.

Must say there is some marvellous renovations, as well as seeing some very innovative personal styling among this international forum. Its nice to see the UK shares a talented interest in this model. In my teens most youngsters held greater interest in the smelly but faster two stroke RD's, whereas my past preference was for four stroke Honda's.

However, I I loved this classic parallel twin cruiser design, and although I'm still pondering about some rear end chopping, perhaps this particular model is worthy of retaining its original styling.

Still not fully qualified exactly what model year it is.
It was UK registered on a B or 1985 plate as an 1990 import showing KM's clocks, badged as an XS400 Special, with engine ID 16Y, plus older 9 digit VIN 16Y-000930
Online parts catalagues most closely resemble a 1982 XS400J, being a:- 5 speed, DOHC, electronic ignition, rear monoshock, single front disc, rear drum with a missing right panel that should sweep the curvature between tank into rear fender panels.
Searching members photos finds this closely resembles atxlion's, except mines got chrome around the clocks, and his is shinier by far everywhere else.

Anyway, I've got an expensive swing arm bush on special order just for starters, while still spending a small fortune on tooling, cleaning and painting preps, plus polishing kits etc, while learning how to get the job eventually done as I demand.

I'm a past qualified mechanic, but apprenticed to specialise in heavy construction plant machinery. Electronics, wiring and body work were not practiced skills, so I'll probably be shouting for assistance at some later date.
 
Still not fully qualified exactly what model year it is.
It was UK registered on a B or 1985 plate as an 1990 import showing KM's clocks, badged as an XS400 Special, with engine ID 16Y, plus older 9 digit VIN 16Y-000930
Online parts catalagues most closely resemble a 1982 XS400J, being a:- 5 speed, DOHC, electronic ignition, rear monoshock, single front disc, rear drum with a missing right panel that should sweep the curvature between tank into rear fender panels.
Searching members photos finds this closely resembles atxlion's, except mines got chrome around the clocks, and his is shinier by far everywhere else.

Anyway, I've got an expensive swing arm bush on special order just for starters, while still spending a small fortune on tooling, cleaning and painting preps, plus polishing kits etc, while learning how to get the job eventually done as I demand.

I'm a past qualified mechanic, but apprenticed to specialise in heavy construction plant machinery. Electronics, wiring and body work were not practiced skills, so I'll probably be shouting for assistance at some later date.

Welcome!

I'm going to guess that your bike is an 1983 Maxim, based on the fact that my '82 is a 15J VIN. But that is just a guess. There may be a sticker on the frame near the VIN with some details on it - if it hasn't been removed. Parts have obviously been changed on yours, so that will add to your confusion when looking for parts. The gauges (or clocks as you call them) for a Maxim are in a 1 piece black plastic housing, with indicator lamps between them, and seperate left and right signal indicator lamps at the lower corners. No chrome trim on them, so it sounds like yours have been changed.

I feel your pain with the swingarm bearings. I ended up modifying my bike with a Ninja rear suspension as it was cheaper and easier than trying to find good condition stock parts to repair the rusted out bearings, bush and bolt. Be sure to download the DOHC service manuals that are available here. They are for the Seca model, which is a sister bike to the Maxim. There are differences, but not too many.

Don't sweat the electrical, if you understand hydraulics, it is very similar. Just substitute electrons for fluid, and wires for pipes. There are plenty of posts here that can be searched. And there are some very knowledgeable people here if you can't find the answers to your questions.
 
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