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Well it's been a while since I've perused this forum..and yes, I am ashamed. The reason is because my XS400 custom/rebuild/thing ground to a halt a couple of years ago. I won't bore you with details. But this thread has just popped up in my mailbox and I can remember following it with interest...

Ok. So I can spin the engine and transmission over by hand when I use a socket (or wrench) on the alternator crank, even though it's not in neutral, but it's not possible to do it with the kick start. Is that right? If I can get the engine into neutral should I then be able to turn it over with...

Clearly the gearbox isn't in neutral (because the front sprocket turns). Not sure if it's possible to find neutral with the bars, clutch lever and cable all removed. It's been suggested that there's some sort of locking mechanism that prevents the kick start being used while the engine is in...

Is that the end of the story? You've done an amazing job of taking a dead bike, that was just about ready for the crusher, and making it run. I wouldn't have known where to start or where to go next..I don't even understand some of the things you've done. But you've obviously enjoyed it. Just...

Did someone mention beer?!!

It's been quite a while since my attention was drawn away from rebuilding my XS400, it might even be a year or three I'm embarrassed to say. Anyway, a visitor to my garage spotted the XS and after a brief chat asked if it was for sale. I was a bit surprised because who in their right mind would...

Right, thanks for the replies. A few more questions. I checked on Youtube and the general consensus seems to be to test if the engine will turn over remove the alternator cover on the left and turn the crankshaft with a socket/spanner/wrench on the end (anticlockwise). More than one person...

It's an XS400 SOHC 1980. A US import. It ran, although not well, before I took it apart, which I put down to carb and/or electrical issues. The loom (harness) was a total disaster. Anyway, it's starting to come back together and the engine's in the frame but I want to check that the engine will...

You've almost convinced me to have a go myself! Everything I've read says to get the rest of the bike sorted first and then build the harness. If it's only going to cost around £70 I may as well do it. Cheers.

Found it! It's taken me all afternoon and was naturally in the last box, on the top shelf, amongst dead spiders and bumble bees. If there's supposed to be a connector on the wire(s) then there isn't. When I was attempting to remove the mess of wires that had once been the harness I remember not...

Thanks for both your replies, very useful. So I need to have another hunt round for that black box or start looking for a replacement.

My bike is an XS400SE 1980. A couple of years (ok four) I started to it rebuilt into a street tracker-style machine and was quite enthusiastic. I decided to simplify the wiring, especially as the harness (or loom to us in the UK) had been butchered, burned and melted in places. I was surprised...

That is one cracker of a bike! Well done. If it wasn't for that unsightly pipe wrap I'd give it top marks ;)

I've got that bracket from Leon. I was wondering how to support the carbs with pod filters, instead of air boxes, and then I found his solution. Does the job perfectly and yes, it's quality stuff.

If anyone in the UK needs parts for the 400SE I've a pile of bits that are cluttering up my garage and need to go soon or they're heading for the recycling centre (ie. scrapped!). Parts include: Complete exhaust (very good condition). Front & rear guards (fenders) with associated rubber bits...

Have you thought about some longer rear shocks to lift that back end a bit? I added a few cms to mine and think it looks a lot better. Levels out the tank/seat line instead drooping towards the tail.

Only just spotted this. Absolutely love it. Are those standard shocks? If so, any reason why you haven't upgraded?. How far have you dropped the forks and how has it affected the handling? The side panels look good, where are they from? Not a fan of exhaust wrap but it just about works here...

That looks like an interesting build. I especially like the back end, mono-shock and chunky tyre. Now if you were in the UK I'd be tempted but shipping from Nevada is a bit prohibitive, so I'll have to give it a miss.

The reason mine are going spare is because I've switched to a MAC 2-1 which comes with a slip-on end can. You might want to consider that Daveyray, especially if you're going down the cafe racer route. I decided I didn't like the megaphone end can (which is also going spare) and I'm using a...