engine

I have an oil leak coming from when the points are and I cant seem to tell exactly where it is leaking from exactly. What behind there could be leaking and whats required to fix it? the bike is a 78e with 9k miles on it.

This is my first time rebuilding an engine, so it's all new to me. I have the Hayes manual coming in the mail, and so far I've been using the online manuals. According to what I've read, the contact breaker cover is held by two screws. But on mine, it's one screw and some kind of stud (no head)...

Hello everyone, I am new to the motorcycling world and recently picked up my first bike a 1980 XS400!!! The motorcycle bug first bit me when my extremely nice cousin let me ride (after a bit of begging of course) his brand new yamaha yz125 dirt bike, right away I knew this was a sport for me. So...

I've been here a few years. Some of you know me pretty darn well. Consider this a short recap on something I've wondered about for a while ... Out of paranoia, I change my oil every three months / 2000 miles. However, I use Rotella T6 (5W-40 synthetic). I realize my current approach...

I have been putting back together my 1980 XS400 after taking it down to the frame to clean it up and rebuild it. The bike has been coming along fine until today when I got real stupid and used a rubber mallet to tap on the gear shift level. This caused the shifting shaft to move in about 1/4...

Back again! Anyone know where to get new intake valves for an 1980 xs400? Mine are bent and I need new ones! Thanks.

I put the engine back in my bike this weekend and started it up and i noticed that the air coming out of the left header was a lot (twice maybe?) as strong as the air coming out of the right header. IS this a Carb Syncing problem? the timing sounded right from the way it would idle.. I synced...

Just wondering if there was any reason why the head nuts are acorn nuts> does the acorn portion of it serve any purpose?

In my 1982 XS400J or my 1983 XS400K Maxim (DOHC) bikes? I remember having to do it with all my old Hondas but I've also heard some do not require adjusting. So on the DOHC is it something I need to do, and if so how? I looked in the manual and didn't see anything.

Hi All, Hope y'all having a great day.:D I bought a 83 XS400 Maxim over the winter. It was stored at the sellers place for a month, then I moved it to a buddy's, and it was there for a month also. I rode the bike and practiced when I moved it to my buddy's, it was running a bit sluggish...

Hi all, I have an XS250 DOHC model, engine numbers starts with 19X. I've been looking everywhere for a new set of piston rings. I found a set of Hepolite rings and pistons on eBay last week, but these are the 55mm bore for the SOHC model. Anyone know where I can get 56mm rings? Any other...

Im trying to replace some of the old rubber in my engine and was curious if I need to drain the oil to change the o-ring on the back side of the neutrail switch?

First off, hi everyone. Name is Neil, I'm from chilly michigan, and I am a proud owner of a 1981 xs400H special 2. Now down to the nitty gritty. My bike is wonderful in the warm weather, not so much in the cold. I guess I should be more clear, once started, it could be 10 degrees out and it...

So I am riding the bike now and when I get up to about 40mph a scratching noise starts to happen and the faster I go the louder It gets. It's kind I hard to describe so I will post a video shortly. This didn't happen before I put the exhaust on (or maybe I didn't hear it). I shook the exhaust a...

Just want to ask what you guys think about this. I fired up my bike today and noticed a small amount of white smoke coming from R/H exhaust only. When idling you can see it but when riding along dont really notice it (probably cause the smoke isnt thick enough to leave a trail). I pulled the...

This is my first time building a bike. Its an 1980 XS400 that was laying in dirt for years. I just got the engine out and opened it up. What do you think? Clean, Medium, or Crazy messed up..... Advice or perspective welcome. Pictures below:

Hey everyone, I am looking at getting this XS400 for $250. The engine was seized, but it has been seized by a bike mechanic. I am willing to put around $400-$600 into making it run smoothly. I have attached pictures. Any advice, any perspective? I have a friend who is willing to walk me...

Hi all, I am new to the forum though have been lurking for quite some time now building my know how of these bikes. I have not been able to find an answer to my present problem and would like your opinion on the way forward. In brief I have just rebuilt the cylinder head on my 4G5 engine and...

hey guys just wondering if anyone has used or heard of anyone using the ballistic batteries i am looking to get a smaller one and stick it inside a fake oil tank with all the electrical crap. looking at the 4 cell one, i am still going to be using the e start and will be switching over to led...

Does anybody know if these 2 seals will fit the 400? Clutch Pushrod Oil Seal - Part #01-9019 Countershaft Oil Seal - Part #01-9021 I sent mikesxs an email but sometimes they don't email me back, or they'll take forever, so I thought I'd ask here too. Thanks a bunch.