hjennings
XS400 Addict
Greetings all!
I've built custom cars and Harleys but never messed with metric bikes before. I recently inherited a couple bikes, one of which is a 1978 XS400. Well I think, anyway.
It has the older 9 digit VIN. I went to my nearest Yamaha dealer today and showed a guy there the picture of the VIN stamp. He asked for a picture of the bike and immediately said it looked to be a '78 or '79 XS400. VIN starts with 14V-002 if that helps.
Engine spins easily. It appears to be all complete except that it is missing the carbs. I have found some on eBay. I guess that's the first step. Anything to look for here?
I've rebuilt automotive engines before so if I strip this one down and start from the ground up, I would be all for a ring, bearing, and gasket set. I've found gasket sets, but nothing for rings and bearings. Any sources?
Once running I'd like to replace the 16"/19" spoke wheels and drum brakes with 17"/19" period correct mags and disc brakes. I'd need the mag wheels, front and rear rotor and calipers, front and rear master cylinders, lines, and correct front tube fork(s) to mount the caliper(s) (depending on single or dual rotors).
My uncle was an old car/motorcycle guy and he was in the middle of several projects when he passed. So finishing this project be a nice tribute to him. It will be sort of a bobber look when done.
I do professional bodywork and mechanical work, but have never touched a metric bike before, not to mention one this old. Autos, yeah, just not bikes such as this. So I just want to make sure I'm not doing anything stupid before it's too late. Any input or advice is appreciated.
Thanks!
I've built custom cars and Harleys but never messed with metric bikes before. I recently inherited a couple bikes, one of which is a 1978 XS400. Well I think, anyway.
It has the older 9 digit VIN. I went to my nearest Yamaha dealer today and showed a guy there the picture of the VIN stamp. He asked for a picture of the bike and immediately said it looked to be a '78 or '79 XS400. VIN starts with 14V-002 if that helps.
Engine spins easily. It appears to be all complete except that it is missing the carbs. I have found some on eBay. I guess that's the first step. Anything to look for here?
I've rebuilt automotive engines before so if I strip this one down and start from the ground up, I would be all for a ring, bearing, and gasket set. I've found gasket sets, but nothing for rings and bearings. Any sources?
Once running I'd like to replace the 16"/19" spoke wheels and drum brakes with 17"/19" period correct mags and disc brakes. I'd need the mag wheels, front and rear rotor and calipers, front and rear master cylinders, lines, and correct front tube fork(s) to mount the caliper(s) (depending on single or dual rotors).
My uncle was an old car/motorcycle guy and he was in the middle of several projects when he passed. So finishing this project be a nice tribute to him. It will be sort of a bobber look when done.
I do professional bodywork and mechanical work, but have never touched a metric bike before, not to mention one this old. Autos, yeah, just not bikes such as this. So I just want to make sure I'm not doing anything stupid before it's too late. Any input or advice is appreciated.
Thanks!