Howdy.
Just bought a 79 XS400F off of one of my friends. The bike has been sitting in an unfinished part of my apartment for about 2 years, so I finally just asked if she'd like to sell it. The bike has 7700 miles on it, and is in pretty decent shape other than some minor rust and some bent accessories (Bike was blown over by wind twice while in possession of the PO). It rides pretty decent, but has some vibration at high RPMs on the road.
The headlight bucket was also crushed, so I got a plain Lucas style 7" headlight bucket from Mikesxs (these guys are fast). Still need to pick up a new headlight (wish you could see me trying to put the stock headlight into the new bucket ) I noticed that the new harness for the headlamp contains 3 (Blue, white, green) wires while the original setup has 4 (Black, Green, Yellow, Yellow). What is the proper way to wire this harness (Ive done some searching but haven't found anything yet)? Will the 7 inch headlamp draw more power than stock? Also the bucket is longer than stock and I am concerned about the clearance with the stock headlamp mounts.
Indicators are bent from its experience with the wind. The washers next to the mounting gaskets are bent as well, but i might like to replace these with signals that are smaller and closer to the frame.
The tail light works fine, but I think it looks absolutely horrible. Any suggestions on a replacement?
Tires seem pretty good, made in May 04' judging by the codes....still lots of tread and no rot to my knowledge.
The brakes leave a lot to be desired. Front works decent and rear barely....new pads are in route.
I put some gas in it and it fired right up, no problems. The right hand cylinder doesn't seem to be running as strong as the left hand cylinder. The carb holders look like they have been patched with some sort of silicone, so I am suspecting they may be an air leak. I plan on testing these with some starter fluid. Carbs will definitely need cleaned and synced.
I plan on checking valve clearances, timing, carb float level (26 or 32mm?)
The oil gives off a slight hint of fuel, but just bought some Oil and received a new filter and o-ring set.
Chain was a bit loose, so I tightened it the other day to about 1.5 inches of deflection.
I plan on changing the front fork oil. Seems to me like a large syringe is the tool to use for fluids. Any suggestions on a good model?
Ive taken off the passenger foot pegs, engine guard (bent as hell) and chain cover so far.
Eventually I plan on using some K&N pods with minimal exhaust (not open pipes, but the next step up). Ive read of people going up 2 sizes with the jets and raising the float needle, does this sound right? Any suggestions on a good exhaust for a decent price? what size pods would i need for a 79?
Looking forward learning as much as possible from this forum and returning this bike to a mechanically sound condition.
Just bought a 79 XS400F off of one of my friends. The bike has been sitting in an unfinished part of my apartment for about 2 years, so I finally just asked if she'd like to sell it. The bike has 7700 miles on it, and is in pretty decent shape other than some minor rust and some bent accessories (Bike was blown over by wind twice while in possession of the PO). It rides pretty decent, but has some vibration at high RPMs on the road.
The headlight bucket was also crushed, so I got a plain Lucas style 7" headlight bucket from Mikesxs (these guys are fast). Still need to pick up a new headlight (wish you could see me trying to put the stock headlight into the new bucket ) I noticed that the new harness for the headlamp contains 3 (Blue, white, green) wires while the original setup has 4 (Black, Green, Yellow, Yellow). What is the proper way to wire this harness (Ive done some searching but haven't found anything yet)? Will the 7 inch headlamp draw more power than stock? Also the bucket is longer than stock and I am concerned about the clearance with the stock headlamp mounts.
Indicators are bent from its experience with the wind. The washers next to the mounting gaskets are bent as well, but i might like to replace these with signals that are smaller and closer to the frame.
The tail light works fine, but I think it looks absolutely horrible. Any suggestions on a replacement?
Tires seem pretty good, made in May 04' judging by the codes....still lots of tread and no rot to my knowledge.
The brakes leave a lot to be desired. Front works decent and rear barely....new pads are in route.
I put some gas in it and it fired right up, no problems. The right hand cylinder doesn't seem to be running as strong as the left hand cylinder. The carb holders look like they have been patched with some sort of silicone, so I am suspecting they may be an air leak. I plan on testing these with some starter fluid. Carbs will definitely need cleaned and synced.
I plan on checking valve clearances, timing, carb float level (26 or 32mm?)
The oil gives off a slight hint of fuel, but just bought some Oil and received a new filter and o-ring set.
Chain was a bit loose, so I tightened it the other day to about 1.5 inches of deflection.
I plan on changing the front fork oil. Seems to me like a large syringe is the tool to use for fluids. Any suggestions on a good model?
Ive taken off the passenger foot pegs, engine guard (bent as hell) and chain cover so far.
Eventually I plan on using some K&N pods with minimal exhaust (not open pipes, but the next step up). Ive read of people going up 2 sizes with the jets and raising the float needle, does this sound right? Any suggestions on a good exhaust for a decent price? what size pods would i need for a 79?
Looking forward learning as much as possible from this forum and returning this bike to a mechanically sound condition.
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