Sestful Build: 78 xs400E

[Sesty]

after triple checking the valves are spec and that the exhaust valve is actually opening, i am stumped.. Left side still showing up over 200 and Right side is around 150.

Plan on dropping it off at the local shop to see if they can figure it out or had better ideas.

Ive read that carbon build up could cause, and that side has always run a bit hotter than the other but with less than 8k on the dial how much carbon can there be...

 

[Sesty]

Timing was a bit out and it seemed to fix the high compression issue... Got the bike going again... took it for a spirited 20 mile ride along the ocean then the highway... shook some cobwebs out feels good.

Valves are a little loud and need to be adjusted this weekend. Also have a small exhaust leak where the can slips on the headers.

Cant wait to actually get miles on these tires

 

[Sesty]

Got new Hagon shocks... easiest install ever and there was a HUGE difference in ride quality.

 

[Sesty]

loving this weather lately... finally due for some rain tomorrow after a few solid weeks of sun

 

[Sesty]

Could someone let me know what the symptoms of a cracked/broken Kickstart journal are? Mine doesn't feel right when i rotate it by hand from the 12 o'clock position down to where it starts to engage... feels kinda sketchy not all that smooth and sounds clunky

Thanks!

 

[Wolfe_11B]

It should be completely smooth until it starts to grab near the 9 o'clock position. At least mine is. Maybe something just went ajar on the assembly? I'm pretty sure if you've got broken bits you'd know it. Time to take a look under the cover.

 

[Sesty]

figured it should be smooth... curious if there is a tell-tale sign that the journal cracked. Dont want to pull the side cover So close to the end of the season (unseasonably warm right now) and just changed my oil lol

 

[arfstrom]

Its been a while, but I would say, the shaft that your moving, is suppose to be stationary, perhaps you might notice a shift of the angle of the shaft. (as your rotating it. When I broke mine, it was because I was kicking with out a side panel on. Then it was real evident.

 

[Sesty]

perhaps i have read too many 'broken kickstart journal' treads and getting my self worked up for nothing... it rode fine on a long trip the other day.

it still rotates just doesnt feel right... I do need a new side cover and dip stick so might be a good winter for the swap and check out the linkage.

 

[arfstrom]

I dont' know if you have an Off season, like those of us up north do. If your concerned, that seal, isn't a bad seal to reuse. I seem to remember reusing my first seal for a couple times, with some yamalube or seal (black goop stuff...) something to consider as long as your looking at that section, you might be able to still order a new kick start recoil spring. (I am not saying you need it) as well as a new seal for the kickstart oe seal. (on the case) My wifes bike, was leaking out that seal, as well my own OCD, that I wanted to have a fresh spring, so that there is no reason for me to think about going under that panel again. (damn it, I have to anyways) I also replaced the clutch plates at that time too.

 

[Sesty]

been a while

went to a Yamaha demo last weekend... rode most of the '17 line up including the XSR which was amazing... made me realize how terrible my front brake is.... already have a MC rebuild kit and new pads on the way. Also waiting on new chain and new front and rear sprockets.

Does anyone know off hand the orientation of the banjo fittings on the front brake cable? With the cable on the bike it looks like its a 45 degrees difference with straight fittings? looking to pick up a custom steel braided one off ebay.

 

[Silvefox42]

Figured id stop making new posts for every project/ problem that comes along.

Its a 1987 xs400-E. Found on CL for $380
7,503 miles, 2 owner bike. Tires and battery was shot, and the carbs were dumping fuel all over. PO cut the stock mufflers and welded on the emgo shorties and crappy emgo pods.

First thing I did was remove the old rear flasher and taillight. Cut and remounted the fender and installed a new integrated LED taillight. Shortly after was new rubber, Kenda Challengers, front and back. Swaped in flat drag bars, the PO had put on custom tracker bars (he cut and welded the OEM bars) they were a bit crooked. I also shaved down a bit of the seat foam, and waiting to re cover it.

After having carb issues I sent them out to get ultrasonically cleaned and I re-jetted for new UNI pods and the short mufflers: 45 pilots, 135 mains, needle in the middle. Stupidly i let it sit all winter with fuel in the clean carbs and have been having carb issues all summer. Cleaned them 2-3 times already and Im ready for number 4.

Last night made a manometer with some tubing a yard stick and few ounces of 2-stroke oil. Got them sync pretty close, however the oil was a bit jumpy and it was hard to tell exactly. The levels seemed to change after every start up.

And I saw some tiny flames coming up the carb sync tubes when pushing in the enricher so it seems Im in for a valve adjustment before I can everything synced up proper.

Figured id stop making new posts for every project/ problem that comes along.

Its a 1987 xs400-E. Found on CL for $380
7,503 miles, 2 owner bike. Tires and battery was shot, and the carbs were dumping fuel all over. PO cut the stock mufflers and welded on the emgo shorties and crappy emgo pods.

First thing I did was remove the old rear flasher and taillight. Cut and remounted the fender and installed a new integrated LED taillight. Shortly after was new rubber, Kenda Challengers, front and back. Swaped in flat drag bars, the PO had put on custom tracker bars (he cut and welded the OEM bars) they were a bit crooked. I also shaved down a bit of the seat foam, and waiting to re cover it.

After having carb issues I sent them out to get ultrasonically cleaned and I re-jetted for new UNI pods and the short mufflers: 45 pilots, 135 mains, needle in the middle. Stupidly i let it sit all winter with fuel in the clean carbs and have been having carb issues all summer. Cleaned them 2-3 times already and Im ready for number 4.

Last night made a manometer with some tubing a yard stick and few ounces of 2-stroke oil. Got them sync pretty close, however the oil was a bit jumpy and it was hard to tell exactly. The levels seemed to change after every start up.

And I saw some tiny flames coming up the carb sync tubes when pushing in the enricher so it seems Im in for a valve adjustment before I can everything synced up proper.

how did you shorten the rear fender?

 

[Sesty]

how did you shorten the rear fender?

take it off, cut to size, used the section you removed to trace the shape of the rounded part on whats left and use a grinder to shape it.

had to add a small bolt through the top of the fender through the frame brace under the seat.