XS400 Rat Back on the Road (pics)

[Bartolucci]

Got the bike back on the road - (thanks for all who helped!). I'm going to try to insert some pics here (how come the link to the members photo section is dead?).

I haven't owned a bike since I sold my XS11 almost 10 years ago. This little 82 XS400 was given to me. I've done a few mods. It's been lowered and debadged. I've added a little flat-black paint and rejetted the carbs. Also opened up the exhaust and air intake. A few more minor additions coming and then I'm done.

I took the pipes off and was going to paint them black after wrapping.


I was having a tough time reinstalling the exhaust and ended scratching them all up. Bright idea! Hacksaw!




I really like this pic.


Lastly, the most recent addition: homemade highway pegs.

[Montreux_Blue]

So how does it run now? And what did it take to get it running again?

[Bartolucci]

The previous owner spent hundreds of dollars on it and someone put another shut off valve on it because the carbs leaked out the air filters. It started hard and was running lean. I pulled the carbs, cleaned them, replaced the needles, set the floats, and new (larger) jets. Also synced and adjusted the pilots. I haven't pulled the plugs yet (only rode it once so far) but it pulls better and starts right up. No leaks either.

[rpgoerlich]

Looks good.

I believe it's an 81XS400H though. As they had spoked wheels, drum brakes and SOHC.

The 82 XS400J had cast wheels, disc front, drum rear and DOHC.

[Bartolucci]

FWIW - The little owner's manual that came with the bike has "XS400SJ" on the cover.

[rpgoerlich]

Ahhh, the 82XS400 SJ was a SOHC!
Didn't see it listed on the site I was on.

[petejw]

Looks good,Tony,
hows it running?

[Bartolucci]

Big smile on my face

Went for a 15+ mile ride today. The bike is running very well. Was going to pull the plugs, but forgot. It's loud and 'rappy' and on decel it pops and spits through the shorty pipes (but sounds good).

Last year the bike labored to 65 mph with me on it (I'm over 275 lbs). Today it pulled strong and was still going past 70 when I backed off. As I said before, it's no 11, but it's a decent little bike that does fine on hills and highways.

Lots of other bikers out today. Quite a few that don't acknowledge a friendly wave.

Yesterday I installed two blue dots into the rear tail light. I ordered a 130 db horn from JC Whitney (the one on it now is pathetic).

[jwhughes3]

blue dots?

Why the blue dots? I am curious since I haven't known anyone with them.

And aren't they illegal? They are in Texas...it changes the color of the taillight so I guess it affects safety so they say no way jose....

John in San Antonio

[res1uqtp]

Bike looks great man ....

Makes me want to get mine out and play with it for awhile. I'm contemplating this seat from MikesXS:

http://www.mikesxs.net/products-17.html#products

The first one on the page. Anyone know if the xs650 special seat and the xs400 special seat are close to interchangeable? They sure look close.

[Vlad]

That's an awesome looking bike. I love my 400, it's was my first and still is my daily driver. I live probably a mile from work so that tank of gas last me almost a month.

[fredintoon]

Looks good.
I believe it's an 81XS400H though. As they had spoked wheels, drum brakes and SOHC.
The 82 XS400J had cast wheels, disc front, drum rear and DOHC.

Hi rpg,
FWIW, Yamaha parts swap like LEGO so the wheels it has now may not be the wheels it rolled out the factory on.
The only true test is to check the frame and engine serial numbers.

[fredintoon]

Bike looks great man ....

Makes me want to get mine out and play with it for awhile. I'm contemplating this seat from MikesXS:

http://www.mikesxs.net/products-17.html#products

The first one on the page. Anyone know if the xs650 special seat and the xs400 special seat are close to interchangeable? They sure look close.

Hi res1,
let me quote MikesXS catalog on that:-

Note: These seats DO NOT fit any other Yamaha models or models
of XS650's not listed above. We do Not yet have seats for the
78-79 specials (side hinge type).

Sounds like this time he really means it won't fit rather than the usual we do not recommend - -
Mind you, I do not say that you cannot make the bastard fit.

[brcree]

xs 400

Just picked up a 400 for a sks.....not a bad trade. On the rough side....but its all there. Got it to start for the first time today. I have a 1100 nearing completion.

[TexinMaine]

Just picked up a 400 for a sks.....not a bad trade. On the rough side....but its all there. Got it to start for the first time today. I have a 1100 nearing completion.

I certainly hope it wasnt an Albanian.