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So, I have a couple of questions regarding timing. It was suggested to me in another thread that the flat spot I am getting at higher rpm under load (5-6000 rpm) could be timing related, rather than carb. So, I'd like to check my timing. I read the manual and I guess all I can basically do...

Question about a flat spot I am getting. When accelerating hard, I get plenty of jam up to I'd say 5-6000 rpm (no tach so just an educated guess). Suddenly it acts like it is starting to run out of fuel. I am not getting a flat spot when the throttle is wide open no matter the rpm, but instead...

I have an 81 XS400 Special with electronic ignition. I had the pickup coil out last winter and I put it back in the way I thought it should be, but I'd like to confirm. There are 2 notches in the pickup, and a single notch in the head. I initially installed it so the tab that was left...

There is a guy in my area selling a 79 XS400 Special. I was thinking about picking it up, either to work on or use for parts. I have an 81 Special, this is a 79. Are there any major differences? I am mainly wondering about the electrical and ignition, as mechanically I am pretty sure they...

I am wondering about the easiest procedure and best tools to use to adjust the valves in my 81 XS400? Or any tricks of the trade? The top end is a bit noisy and I'm hoping that is the only problem.

I am looking for a decent 21" front wheel w/ drum brake. I need a wheel that is straight with no flat spots. I would also need the brakes to be complete, and would even like the brake lever and cable if you have it. It needs to be for a 15mm axle, so most 250 dirtbike wheels will work. Rust...

I finished the wheel covers and I am pretty happy with how they look. Now I really need to get my 21" front wheel.

I notice that a lot of the nicest japanese chops of old Harleys have wheel covers on the back wheel, a look I really like. I have a couple of covers that fit the diameter of the rear rim perfectly so I pulled the wheel off to do a test fit. I have a pic attached. The pic is kinda crappy...

I put some photos up a week or so ago and had a few requests for a video. I still want to get one going down the road but I need to find a cameraman and time to do it.

Does anyone know if there is an automotive exhaust gasket that will fit an xs400? I know the dimensions for the seca gasket are 1.75"odx1.5"idx5mm, which sounds pretty standard, but I am not sure of the size of the older standard XS400 gaskets. The reason I ask is that I work in a auto...

After spending quite a bit of time on my redo of my bike over the winter,I was never really happy with it. It seemed half-assed since it was not polished enough to be a "chopper" and I had neither the tools or $ (or patience) to take it any further. Plus, I started out wanting a ratty bike to...

How are TC Bros to buy from? Has anyone tried their Sportster tank?

I got bored yesterday so I built a new set of bars for my bike. I took pics of them unpainted but will snap a finished pic also. They are made from 7/8" DOM 1/8" wall tubing, and cold rolled 1/2" round bar. I threaded the end of the bar and sweated some 7/8" thick wall DOM for collars...

I'd like to get rid of my factory throttle and replace it with one without switches. None of my switches are connected anyway. I notice Emgo has throttles but they have lots to chose from. Does anyone know which will work on my bike (81 XS400 Heritage) without changing cables. Or is there...

What do you run in your bike for oil? The manual calls for 20w40 and 10w30. Can regular automotive engine oil be used? Or does it have to be 4 stroke motorcycle oil for the sake of the clutch?

After my experience with installing a voltage gauge, and Drewpy showing us his oil pressure gauge, I decided to try an OP gauge myself. I had an old one laying around that read up to 80psi an it had the right fittings so I tried it. Contrary to what I thought (that these engine are a low...

Since these bikes are somewhat notorious for electrical problems, I thought I'd ad a voltage gauge to my bike. Plus, I wanted to build something. I built the pod out of a piece of 2.25" exhaust pipe, a piece of 3/8" steel brake line, and a frost plug(engine block). I attached some pics.

My choke rod has not been holding lately. The detent has not been holding. I thought I'd share what I did to repair it. There is a springloaded BB that sits in a detent in the choke rod. See attached pic for the location of the part. Mine had the spring and BB in only one side, and...

I am wondering if anyone has an extra one laying around. It's the little metal tab with the set screw that attached the choke rod to the plunger.

After weeks of frigging around with a single cylinder start problem, I finally figured it out. For some reason, I did not realize that the starter circuit actually draws fuel through a hole in the float bowl, where the little tube goes down. I knew what the tube was for, but didn't realize...