Vroom's 79 Build Thread- scrambler/brat?

Ya the drain bolt. both sides turn pretty easily. They dont looked stripped at all though. Thats my problem. Ill take a picture later today
 
Okay so I finished up the seat tonight. Looks great and more pics coming soon:thumbsup:

I also did the fork oil change. Pulled off the forks, drained them, then opened the top, pulled out the spring, filled them with 4.4 fl oz per fork as per the manual...

Once I put everything back together and sat on the bike, it seems like they sag even more now!!! :wtf::banghead: I felt them by hand while off the bike before and after. They def felt much stiffer, which made me think all was well, but they still sag just as bad once on the bike:doh:

Could I have not put enough oil in????:confused: I recall reading somewhere that they filled up with oil until it was about 6 inches from the top. Not sure if that was meant with the forks compressed or not though... I did it with the forks fully expanded and dont think it was close to end at all, but honestly I'm not 100% on where it was since I just went by the actual manuals measure...

Should I put more oil in to help with the sagging? There is no preload adjust on these forks that I know of, so I'm open to suggestions:shrug:

Pretty annoying that I may need to crack them open again tho... I'll also go for a quick spin in the morning and see how much has improved.

Lots of pics on the way too:D
 
You mean drain bolts? No, they are probably stripped. You can try drilling them out and using a thread insert. The outer copper gasket may still contain the fluid.
Sure enough I double checked and they are stripped. What if I went with a tap kit and just got bigger bolts? I like the sounds of that more than drilling and using an insert, or is there an advantage of doing it that way?
 
So I did some early morning research on here and it looks like maybe I should have done 4.8 oz instead of 4.4 oz.... crap:doh:

I'm just not 100% sure which model I have... :shrug:
 
Okay, so Im looking into some progressive springs to help with the sag...

Found this post: http://www.xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5352

Im pretty much between these two options:

1) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000UK3OOY?ie=UTF8&tag=5336714591-20

2) http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Suspension-11-1115-19-75-Spring/dp/B000UK7MUG/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1361977929&sr=1-2&keywords=ps11-1115

Both are stiffer than stock, and option 1 is heavier. That's what I am leaning towards, but am not sure if it will be too stiff. I weigh about 190lbs.

What do you guys think?
 
Progress pics!

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A lil pb blaster made these no problem:thumbsup:
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Less than 8oz came out... this stuff smelled horrible!:eek:
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Let them drain for an hour
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Fresh oil in the forks and seat wrapped tight:D
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Pulled the trigger on the progressive springs and they were at my door in 3 days:D

Pulled off the forks yet again:doh:, and got to swapping them out...
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The new springs were about a half inch longer than the oem, made them a lil more tough to get the spring cap and clip in place, but with a lil patience and elbow grease got all bolted back up:thumbsup:

Spring length difference:
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I also decided it was important to re-install the oem tool kit. It's awesome to have it, so why not:wink2:

Before:
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After:
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It fit perfectly in the oem place, just had to put a quick new hole in the fender.

I also got a chance to snap some pics after a quick test ride:thumbsup:
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Overall I'm really happy with how the lil XS has been coming along. It's really a night and day difference from when I first picked up this lil XS400...
 
How do you like the new rear shocks? Are the stiffer than stock?

Mine are way to soft and bouncy which is a little scary at times so I've been looking at opinions on after market ones

Posted via Mobile
 
How do you like the new rear shocks? Are the stiffer than stock?

Mine are way to soft and bouncy which is a little scary at times so I've been looking at opinions on after market ones

Posted via Mobile

I really like the way they look, but sometimes I think they are not perfect. I like the way they ride, but I have two complaints.
1) They are pretty stiff, I have to keep them on the lowest preload setting and dont see myself ever needing more unless I load up alot or they start to sag. Though, I have to admit they feel a lil softer every time, so maybe they are breaking in:shrug:
2) They are taller than stock, so the center stand doesnt always lift the rear wheel off the ground. This is also dependent on how level the ground is.

Overall it's still much better than stock. The stock rear suspension was pretty much useless and was just the springs...:doh:

I thought they were a great price and I wanted them taller, maybe could be softer tho...:shrug:
 
Looks like a Dime City light - I used on one a Honda CB - but maybe Vroom can confirm that.

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vinta...ound-gloss-black-taillight-62-21512-gbpc.html

That's right. Dime City tail light. It was to closest thing to what I was looking for. It's not the brightest to be honest, but I'll be looking to replace the bulb with an LED one soon.

Next up on the project list though is to replace the old fuse box with a newer modern style one. Nothing fancy, just need to get the old one out bc the clips are getting worn and loose. Already had the headlight turn off on me once:doh:
 
Thoroughly impressed with your build. I've read through it twice. Looking forward to updates. I'm buying an 81 xs400 thats in decent shape in the next week or two as soon as the title comes back from pennDOT. Found a complete parts bike with a lot of nice chrome and already have it sitting in my garage. Reading these threads has me excited to get working on mine.
 
Thanks guys:thumbsup:

I'm happy to report that the xs was put through an epic ride last weekend and came out victorious. Im surprised at how well the suspension did one some off-roading we did lol

Short on time tonight, so just some shots. More to come:D

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This tail bag is amazing... and my goofball brother who rode the r1200GS along all the same roads and trails:laugh:
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Closer seat shot. Used the bungees to pickup firewood on the xs lol
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