Xs400 Front Wheel locked?

[JustinW]

Bought an 80’ xs400 and it’s pretty rusty, the front wheel also does not move. I don’t know if it is the brake or if will move when I start it. My very first bike and I need all the advice I can get.

 

[tstidham]

The front wheel should turn whether the engine is running or not. I'd start with removing the front caliper to see if it spins.

 

[JPaganel]

Bought an 80’ xs400

There are several different models of the 80s XS.

Do you have a drum or a disk brake?

I don’t know if it is the brake or if will move when I start it.

When a front wheel won't turn, brakes are the problem 90% of the time. It will not move when you start it.

 

[OleDoc2]

If it's a disc brake, try smacking the caliper a few times with a hammer. This isn't a fix, it's just so you can roll it, because if you use the brake again it'll stick. You either need to rebuild the caliper or get a new one

 

[JPaganel]

If it's a disc brake, try smacking the caliper a few times with a hammer.

Personally, not where I would start. That just sounds like good way to make sure you buy a new caliper. Especially when you are a guy with not a lot of experience, which the OP seems to be.

I have seen the master cylinder be the problem at least as often, if not more often, as the caliper. There is a tiny hole there that gets clogged. So, I would crack the banjo fitting and see if relieving the pressure would do it.

All this may be academic, anyway. We have no idea if it's a disc brake.