Topic: need info on a yamaha XS 400

[cb(r)]

I have always liked the xs650's but have not had luck getting one on my budget.

I found a xs400 with 24000 miles in decent shape, running with a clear title.

Is there any out of the ordinary (old bike syndrome) problems or faults with this bike?
Can this be bored to anything significant? was the 650 a bored 400cc?
How available are parts?

does anyone have any xs 400 cafe pics?
It there a website other than the xs650 site?

any help would be appreciated.  I want to look at the bike this weekend.

thanks in advance

[kirkn]

Nothing beyond the typical old bike stuff, as you mentioned.  The specific condition of the bike you're looking at will be more important that any "model specific" problems.

No, they're not related to the 650s at all, other than being Yamahas.   

Dunno 'bout boring them out any.  Probably not, would be my guess, as they're not really a 'hot' commodity.  But, one never knows what's out there without looking...

Otherwise, they're perfectly nice bikes.  They were 'econo' bikes, of course.  There were all sorts of variations on the bike - max econo with drum brakes, spoke wheels and deleted electric start; sporty models with F & R disks & mag wheels; cruiser models with cruiser clothes with stepped seat and peanut tank...

The only thing that's 'lo-tech' on them was that they didn't come with counterbalancers like their Honda/Suzuki/Kaw competition did.  It wasn't 'till the Seca/Maxim motor of 1983 did Yamaha fit counterbalancers.  So, they can vibrate a bit more than the others.  Nothing really serious, tho. 

I owned a 'Special' model of about 1980 or 81 vintage.  Perfectly nice bike, the cruiser version.  Rode it for a year or so before selling it.  Got great gas mileage, and zippy enough for my old-man riding habits.   

Good luck with it.  Post some pix if you get it.

Kirk

[HavocTurbo]

Actually working on one right now.
Basic model with e-start delete and drum brakes.

Almost nothing available in the aftermarket as far as bore kits and that go. I have had to get everything from Yamaha directly.

Watch out.... rings are almost $70 a shot!!

Customer cannot complain though.... it has almost 75,000 miles.

[cb(r)]

kirkn

thanks for the info.  This xs is a '78.  I am going to try and see it this weekend.
I looked up some stuff but did not find a lot of info.  these bikes seem to only be body work modifications.  I am not looking for a lot of hp or torque.  Like you said an econo bike maybe add some cafe stuff.  
by the way how is the weather down there?   My wife is from titusville.  We hope to live somewhere in between orlando and titusville.  Maybe one day we will be down there?

thanks again

  

[cb(r)]

Actually working on one right now.
Basic model with e-start delete and drum brakes.

Almost nothing available in the aftermarket as far as bore kits and that go. I have had to get everything from Yamaha directly.

Watch out.... rings are almost $70 a shot!!

Customer cannot complain though.... it has almost 75,000 miles.

what year  bike?
do you have any current pics?

[HavocTurbo]

It's a 78 XS400-2E or E2 I cannot remember which way it goes.

Drums front/rear - no e-start - spoked wheels - looks like an older kz200 or 250.

My camera is trash at the moment but I'll see what I can do.

[kirkn]

kirkn

thanks for the info.  This xs is a '78.  I am going to try and see it this weekend.
I looked up some stuff but did not find a lot of info.  these bikes seem to only be body work modifications.  I am not looking for a lot of hp or torque.  Like you said an econo bike maybe add some cafe stuff.  
by the way how is the weather down there?   My wife is from titusville.  We hope to live somewhere in between orlando and titusville.  Maybe one day we will be down there?

thanks again

  

Here's a shot of a '77 XS400.  Someone has added aftermarket mufflers, looks like off a Harley of some kind, and a set of low bars.



And, here's a shot of the one I owned.  The cruiser model.  Oddly enough, it had the mag wheels and disk brake, but also had the e-start delete: no pushbutton, no e-starter, no solenoid and a tiny little battery.



As for the weather - it's PERFECT.  Morning lows in the low 60s, afternoon highs in the upper 70s and sunny, sunny, sunny!   

I live just NE of Orlando, proper, in Oviedo.  About 25 miles due west of Titusville.  Very nice, but all roads are straight and flat, flat FLAT!   

Kirk

[cb(r)]

no rush on the pics but I would like to see if you ever get to it.

thanks again

It's a 78 XS400-2E or E2 I cannot remember which way it goes.

Drums front/rear - no e-start - spoked wheels - looks like an older kz200 or 250.

My camera is trash at the moment but I'll see what I can do.

[cb(r)]

you are right flat as flat.  Although I might want to trade these midwest potholes for flat.  well I will change the potholes for warm weather .  thanks for the pics.  hopefully I can get a good deal on this bike and talk about it next week?


 

kirkn

thanks for the info.  This xs is a '78.  I am going to try and see it this weekend.
I looked up some stuff but did not find a lot of info.  these bikes seem to only be body work modifications.  I am not looking for a lot of hp or torque.  Like you said an econo bike maybe add some cafe stuff.  
by the way how is the weather down there?   My wife is from titusville.  We hope to live somewhere in between orlando and titusville.  Maybe one day we will be down there?

thanks again

  

Here's a shot of a '77 XS400.  Someone has added aftermarket mufflers, looks like off a Harley of some kind, and a set of low bars.



And, here's a shot of the one I owned.  The cruiser model.  Oddly enough, it had the mag wheels and disk brake, but also had the e-start delete: no pushbutton, no e-starter, no solenoid and a tiny little battery.



As for the weather - it's PERFECT.  Morning lows in the low 60s, afternoon highs in the upper 70s and sunny, sunny, sunny!   

I live just NE of Orlando, proper, in Oviedo.  About 25 miles due west of Titusville.  Very nice, but all roads are straight and flat, flat FLAT!   

Kirk

[cb650]

sounds like a special II    economy version.

[BeSeeingYou]

Where are you at.  Good price on a 78 XS650 in southern Minnesota. $700
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1074369562.html

Personally I would hold out for a 650.  Everything is easily available for this bike though you should not have a huge problem with parts for the 400.

[bert96]

 Are these rims tubeless?

[BeSeeingYou]

Are these rims tubeless?

Yes.

[KB02]

At about 45 miles an hour, one of these an total a '76 Ford sedan by striking it broadside. Ask my Dad how he knows.

[cb(r)]

Where are you at.  Good price on a 78 XS650 in southern Minnesota. $700
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1074369562.html

Personally I would hold out for a 650.  Everything is easily available for this bike though you should not have a huge problem with parts for the 400.

ya that is just to far.  I am 100 miles east of chicago
thanks though

[cb(r)]

I ended up having to work this whole weekend so I did not get a chance to see the bike.  I am going to try and see it this week if it is still available

[bert96]

Are these rims tubeless?

Yes.

I think they need tube.....

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/parts/home.aspx


on this site they said you need tube

[crazypj]

I have fitted a set of Suzuki GS500 liners and pistons into an early XS400 like the one your talking about. (takes it from 69 to 74mm)
There is no kit and its quite a lot of major surgery.
 I also did one on the late model DOHC XS400 but that hasn't run, it used GS500, 1mm OS pistons/liners from e-bay
 You can run any of the Yamaha cast wheels without tubes, early ones don't have MT rims though.
 If pressure gets low, the tyre can literally 'fall off' rim
 PJ

[BeSeeingYou]

Are these rims tubeless?

Yes.

I think they need tube.....

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/parts/home.aspx


on this site they said you need tube

Looking in my manual for my 79 says you are correct.  But I think there is a bit of a grey area here.  On the rear I have a tire that requires a tube, of the two rims I have for the front they both have tubeless tires and one has a tube the other does not.   You can also buy valve stems to run the mag rims tubeless.  Is it possible Yamaha was being conservative as my 79 was only the second year with the mag wheels.  I don't know for sure so go with the manufacturers spec.

[bert96]

 I bought valves stem on ebay(still waiting...) i bought wheels from a yamaha xs750 '78,they are identical to the xs400(minus the drive shaft) i plan to install them on my k4

If you have run  tubeless i'll do the same!

[BeSeeingYou]

I bought valves stem on ebay(still waiting...) i bought wheels from a yamaha xs750 '78,they are identical to the xs400(minus the drive shaft) i plan to install them on my k4

If you have run  tubeless i'll do the same!

The rim I have  set-up tubeless is from a 78 or 79 XS750.  The 80-81 SX650 rims are stamped tubeless.  The consenses on the XS650 forum seems to be it has not been a problem to run the mag wheels from other years tubeless.  Of course if you are unsure you can run 80-81 rims but it looks like you already have your set.