chulsmith
XS400 Member
Hi all,
First, thanks to all of the members of this forum who have provided insight and tips that I've been reading for the last couple of months. I thought I'd post pics, my list of to-dos and questions to which I haven't been able to find answers.
I bought the bike off of craigslist in running condition as I just wanted to ride for the summer and start on mods during the off-season (I'm in Minneapolis). After finding this forum and reading about how others are able to cold start their bikes on a handful of kicks, I thought 'I want MINE to do that too!' (sometimes took 20+ times!). That got me into tinkering around the carbs and engine (all completely new to me) from which I made my list.
My strategy is to get the engine tuned and then this winter, make some cosmetic changes.
The only things I've done thus far are (please forgive my lack of terminology knowledge):
Cleaned carbs (twice) and adjusted floats to spec
Tried to sync them but was told that's one of the last things I should do (http://www.xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12827)
Checked compression (135 on each cylinder - a bit low? manual says 140-170)
Got new spark plugs
Checked gaps on the points
Adjusted timing (adjusted to the LF line but when doing the right side, the plate wouldn't adjust far enough to get it perfectly lined up with the RF line?)
It started cold this morning with only a few kicks so that's a win for me. Now I'm running lean on the left side - lots of popping and backfires when I ride.
To-dos:
Rejet, tune and sync carbs
Reset right side timing
Rear brake pedal on rare occasion kicks back at me so need to check that out
Check clutch - if I accidentally kill it, sometimes I have a hard time finding neutral
My questions are:
Is there anything I can do about the right side timing issue? I've moved the plate as far as it goes and seems like it needs to go a bit further.
I don't know what size my current jets are - is there a way to measure this or should I just buy a couple sizes up from stock? (I'm running pod filters)
I'll do some research on the brake and clutch issues as I'm sure there's something on the interweb about those things.
The cosmetic mods I want to do this winter:
New handlebar setup - probably clubmans - with new grips, mirror and controls
Maybe new gauges
New seat setup - the Sportster seat is comfy, but want to do something more brat-style
Get a tiny battery and relocate it - open up the triangle
Chop fenders
Remove chain guard
New foot pegs
Thanks again!
First, thanks to all of the members of this forum who have provided insight and tips that I've been reading for the last couple of months. I thought I'd post pics, my list of to-dos and questions to which I haven't been able to find answers.
I bought the bike off of craigslist in running condition as I just wanted to ride for the summer and start on mods during the off-season (I'm in Minneapolis). After finding this forum and reading about how others are able to cold start their bikes on a handful of kicks, I thought 'I want MINE to do that too!' (sometimes took 20+ times!). That got me into tinkering around the carbs and engine (all completely new to me) from which I made my list.
My strategy is to get the engine tuned and then this winter, make some cosmetic changes.
The only things I've done thus far are (please forgive my lack of terminology knowledge):
Cleaned carbs (twice) and adjusted floats to spec
Tried to sync them but was told that's one of the last things I should do (http://www.xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12827)
Checked compression (135 on each cylinder - a bit low? manual says 140-170)
Got new spark plugs
Checked gaps on the points
Adjusted timing (adjusted to the LF line but when doing the right side, the plate wouldn't adjust far enough to get it perfectly lined up with the RF line?)
It started cold this morning with only a few kicks so that's a win for me. Now I'm running lean on the left side - lots of popping and backfires when I ride.
To-dos:
Rejet, tune and sync carbs
Reset right side timing
Rear brake pedal on rare occasion kicks back at me so need to check that out
Check clutch - if I accidentally kill it, sometimes I have a hard time finding neutral
My questions are:
Is there anything I can do about the right side timing issue? I've moved the plate as far as it goes and seems like it needs to go a bit further.
I don't know what size my current jets are - is there a way to measure this or should I just buy a couple sizes up from stock? (I'm running pod filters)
I'll do some research on the brake and clutch issues as I'm sure there's something on the interweb about those things.
The cosmetic mods I want to do this winter:
New handlebar setup - probably clubmans - with new grips, mirror and controls
Maybe new gauges
New seat setup - the Sportster seat is comfy, but want to do something more brat-style
Get a tiny battery and relocate it - open up the triangle
Chop fenders
Remove chain guard
New foot pegs
Thanks again!