bigdog
XS400 Enthusiast
My bike is an XS400SE 1980. A couple of years (ok four) I started to it rebuilt into a street tracker-style machine and was quite enthusiastic. I decided to simplify the wiring, especially as the harness (or loom to us in the UK) had been butchered, burned and melted in places. I was surprised the bike had actually run. Anyway the project stalled but now that Covid has forced us into an indefinite, involuntary stay-at-home period (ie. lockdown) I am about to resurrect it. Unfortunately one or two components seem to have gone adrift, including the TCI (or is it a CDI?). So my question (and I hope it's not a stupid one) is how important is the TCI, in other words is it essential for a successful and simplified harness? I've checked several wiring diagrams and as far as I can see some don't show it.
If I definitely need it, is there a modern equivalent or do I have to hunt for an original? Not so common over here.
My next question concerns starting the bike. Previously the electric start struggled to fire the thing up, especially from cold, even with a new, fully charged battery. After several swings on the kickstart it usually got going. Even Drewpy (remember him?) had problems. So will it be possible to rewire the bike with a more efficient electric start or am I condemned to a lifetime (or for as long as I keep the bike) of developing my leg muscles on the kickstart?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.
If I definitely need it, is there a modern equivalent or do I have to hunt for an original? Not so common over here.
My next question concerns starting the bike. Previously the electric start struggled to fire the thing up, especially from cold, even with a new, fully charged battery. After several swings on the kickstart it usually got going. Even Drewpy (remember him?) had problems. So will it be possible to rewire the bike with a more efficient electric start or am I condemned to a lifetime (or for as long as I keep the bike) of developing my leg muscles on the kickstart?
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.