1975 DT 400 worth fixing?

[al_ngl]

I have an old 1975 Yamaha DT400 Enduro, and I'm not sure whether to fix it or sell it, or both. Here's what's wrong:
No lights
No signals
No title
Bad tires
Bad compression release valve
In need of bottom end rebuild

I overheated the bike one day and made the piston skirt break, so I just rebuilt the top end being told I wouldn't have to rebuild the bottom end. It ran once and died with a grinding noise because the bottom end DOES need rebuilt and the piston was slanted sideways in the cylinder.

All of the bottom end bearings and gaskets total to around $200. I already have spent about $400 on parts and traded a car worth about $500 for the bike in the first place. I'm just looking for my $400 back if the bike isn't running. I know someone can part the bike out for more than that. I first posted it on craigslist for $800 or best offer, and now I just dropped the price to $600. Do you think it's worth it to fix the bike and then sell it, or should I part it out, or sell it as is?

[xswilly]

i think it is worth fixing

but i'm biassed as i have one
they don't compare to the off road bikes they have now
but it is cool to go down the road all legal, with a 2 stroke
i get pulled over almost everytime i take it on the road
they check me out, and let me go

[webbcraft2150]

I bought one new in "75 and rode the hell out of it for years. I actually used it as my desert racing rig during my short stint at that sport. It NEVER left me despite the beatings and 100+ mile races. I went oversize one time and did at one point have to replace the crank bearings. Once I got it dialed in for the desert racing, it had a top speed of over 100mph (103 to be exact). This came in real handy on the long power line roads and arrroyos. It wasn't afraid to tackle any hill I pointed it at either. It put alot of late model rigs to shame.The suspension was lacking but you learn to ride around that. The off the line torque in incrediable!!! These rigs redline around 6k, real low for a two stroke but can pull the front wheel up in 4 gears. I was forced to sell it (and all my dirt rigs) when I had a hip replaced (dumb move!!!). Its your call how much more time any money you want to put into it. In retrospect, if I still had mine, it would make a great platform for a super-motard bike.

I think I still have a box-o-parts in the attic. I know for sure I still have a cylinder that still at standard bore and a few service manuals. Lemme know if you interested.

[al_ngl]

Thanks guys, I wasn't really sure if it was worth holding on to, but I guess since I have a road bike now, I can just fix the DT up for some offroad fun. It would be too much trouble to get a title I'm sure, since the P.O was never on the title to begin with. Is it very hard to rebuild the bottom end? I would think getting the crankcase back together would be tricky.

By the way, I don't need a cylinder, mine is bored .030 over, and I have a forged Wiseco piston. Do you happen to have any bottom end parts that are new or useable?

103 mph is good, I read online that stock they go 86mph. The P.O. said he did 85 before he had to slow down. I've only ridden it off road and got it to 65 once. On only 4 hilly acres.

And I know what you mean about the wheelies. I had only ridden 50's and 100's before the DT400, so it reared a few times without me trying.

I'm kind of inspired now. I think If I can get what I need to rebuild the bottom end for under $150 I'll do it soon. Otherwise, I'll buy that, and tires etc. at christmas when stuff is cheaper.

If anybody has useable DT400 parts, feel free to respond. I'll say whether I want them or not, but my bike needs a lot of stuff at less than Yamaha prices.

[al_ngl]

Well I have some irony to share with you. I just got offered a trade for my DT 400. I think it's a smart trade. I'd be getting a '79 Kawasaki 250 dirt bike that runs, and the person is willing to travel to pick my bike off and drop his off. I think it's a good trade, what do you guys think?

[AlanB]

All depends on what the Kwak looks like/runs like........

[al_ngl]

I don't know what kind of condition it's in, but it can't be any worse off than my DT400. I think there would be more parts availability with the Kawasaki than my Yamaha. The guy lives in Pennsylvania, so I guess we need to send pictures to each other and judge by just that. If it doesn't work out, I guess I can wait and fix my DT later and maybe do that Motard Idea, if I can find a motard track. Or make it an all out street bike, but electrics have to be expensive for 6 volt.

[DiverRay]

DON'T DO THE TRADE!!!!!!!!!
I HAD ONE OF THOSE, STILL HAVE THE BOOKS, AND PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE!!!
Keep the Yamaha. You can find parts for it. HE is getting rid of the kaw because he can no longer get the parts needed to keep it running.

[al_ngl]

Ok thanks. As it turns out I may be able to afford fixing the DT400. Still don't know yet though. But if I can't get parts, then I won't trade. Thanks for the tip.

[webbcraft2150]

I didn't sell my DT till 2000. I never had a problem getting parts. Never really had to buy that many. Dealer never had them on the shelf but I always was willing to wait. I also scrounged the bike junk yards and scarfed parts off of bikes there. The frame and running gear is common to a bunch of DT series of that era. The 6volt system is a pain. I keep blowing the hard to find headlights and finally just put a 12v headlight in it. Since the revs were always high, it put out good lighting, even in pitch black offroad conditions. The bottom end isn't to tricky to take apart and reassemble. The DT400 is kinda like the XS, a real bulldog and tons of fun to ride. My 103mph top end was the result of some carb tweaking, head milling, Boysen reeds (really good hop up part) and playing with sprocket combinations. A set of Progressive rear shocks and air caps in the forks helped the lousy suspension a bunch but I still had a 100mph bike with 50mph suspension and 40mph brakes.

I am inspired now. On my trip thru Albuquerque, I am gonna look up the guy I sold it to. I bet its just sitting on the side of the house now. Can you get a DT400 in a Olds 88 trunk?

[fredintoon]

Can you get a DT400 in a Olds 88 trunk?

In pieces you can, for sure. Take your toolbox along. Anything that won't fit in the trunk can go in the back seat.

[egsols]

What year is the OLDs88? The older ones should haul it with the trunk open...used to carry many a teen into the drive in theatre.

I once put a yz125 in the back of a dodge charger hatchback...not the General Lee style but the '80s k-car with the 2.2l 4 banger

[al_ngl]

It should fit in the trunk in just a few pieces. I guess I'm keeping the DT400, at least until I get a cash offer for it. I'll probably fix it, just don't know when. Thanks everyone, you've been a lot of help.

[Bamper]

Yea as they where saying I had a 72 Kawi 100 and that was a *$^*@ to get parts for. I called 30+ stores in 10 states and nobody had parts. I did find the parts on ebay but was a hasle. My dad has a DT175 and it will come up in 3rd if you peg it. It need a clutch though but shouldn't be to bad. I couldn't imagine a DT400 or even a honda 600R. XD But then I traded the kawi for a 3wheeler but wasn't to bad they both had the dual range tranny. Although the kawi would walk all over this top end.

[B.C.]

Hey Al,
Go to Yamaha enduro.com for info and help with your DT400.