Nat X
XS400 Enthusiast
Hey Y'all, the names Nate and I just wanted to introduce myself and also use this thread to ask some questions and get some advice. I promise to use the search function as much as possible, but sometimes you just gotta send it.
So last week I picked up my first project bike, a 1983 Maxim XS400. It is definitely a fixer upper, but I was looking for my first street bike to be a bit of a project. The bike needs a battery, a big time tune up (carbs for sure and maybe some gaskets as there seems to be an oil leak), plus all sorts of other maintenance for sure. But when the bike is hooked up to a power source the lights and electric start all work, plus the motor is turning over so I feel pretty good about that.
But where to start is the advice I need from y'all. I live in Chicago and winter is coming.
Should I try to put in the work real quick and get it started, then winterize it? I really think I could get it start if I throw enough time and $$$ at it. But it would be a rushed job.
Or should I drop the motor, bring it into my home and do an over the winter table top rebuild? I could then find an indoor home for the rolling chassis to sort out all the non engine issues. I'm really leaning towards the 2nd option, as leaving the bike outside all winter would drive me crazy! Plus I wanna get my hands dirty over the winter and ride once Chicago thaws out in the spring.
Thanks in advance! And I attached a pic of the bike after I pushed it over a mile home the day I bought it!
So last week I picked up my first project bike, a 1983 Maxim XS400. It is definitely a fixer upper, but I was looking for my first street bike to be a bit of a project. The bike needs a battery, a big time tune up (carbs for sure and maybe some gaskets as there seems to be an oil leak), plus all sorts of other maintenance for sure. But when the bike is hooked up to a power source the lights and electric start all work, plus the motor is turning over so I feel pretty good about that.
But where to start is the advice I need from y'all. I live in Chicago and winter is coming.
Should I try to put in the work real quick and get it started, then winterize it? I really think I could get it start if I throw enough time and $$$ at it. But it would be a rushed job.
Or should I drop the motor, bring it into my home and do an over the winter table top rebuild? I could then find an indoor home for the rolling chassis to sort out all the non engine issues. I'm really leaning towards the 2nd option, as leaving the bike outside all winter would drive me crazy! Plus I wanna get my hands dirty over the winter and ride once Chicago thaws out in the spring.
Thanks in advance! And I attached a pic of the bike after I pushed it over a mile home the day I bought it!