Classics

I was given a 1982 Yamaha XS400S by my future brother in law. He had bought it for my sister to ride, then decided it needed too much work for him to fix it (he was right). I'm fixing it up, I've worked on bikes before, but have a lot more experience working on cars. The bike has a different front end (wheel, forks, caliper, even gauges). I've figured the front end to be from an XJ550. Here are some pics: I have a few questions: I have read that this bike has either 27 or 38hp (both numbers are for SOHC engines), which is the correct number? The bike currently has a 100/90-19 on the front (about 2" taller than stock) and I w…

Does anyone know what years/ makes starters I can use on an 81 xs400? Mine is bad, so I need to replace. Thanks

Hi there, I recently bought a 1983 Yamaha Maxim. It needs some minor cosmetic work but runs perfect! I was told by the guy I bought it from that it is an xs400. However the model description on the title states "rs". Did Yamaha make an rs? I'm trying to figure out what model I have for sure before I go and seek out parts. Thanks in advance!

ive had this for some time but recently got it running and street legal here it is its a 77 Yamaha chappy 72cc and automatic 3 speed let me know wat u think Gas is to expansive

Ok, this weekend I finally removed the blind plugs from my idle mix screws on my 80 xs400G and before doing anything else at all I removed the mix screws. Interestingly, they are NOT pointed be have flat tips!!! Exactly the same length and appear machined this way, and since the unit is sealed (and being the second owner and knowing the first owner didn't open the carbs EVER) I'm pretty sure nobody screwed them in and damaged them. So, I sprayed carb cleaner into the openings and then blew compressed air through them to clear them out. Then I put the screws back in and took them down carefully (didn't force them at all) then turned them out 2 1/2 turns (no specs fo…

Hi I am new to motorcycles and just got a 1980 xs 400 that had a bad ignition switch. So going on the advice of a friend and wanting to ride it I tried to hot wire it. In the process of cutting the wires to the ignition I heard a spark, and then after crossing the wires nothing happened. Did I short out the electrical system in doing this, or could there be a simpler consequence than having to rewire the bike?

helllp my son has a b reg Yamaha rd350ypvs and the bottom end has gone, does anyone have any idea where i can either get the crank reground, new big end refitted and reset or a good second hand crank complete with rods already attatched???? pleeeaaazze thanks ste

Hi to all Sorry for my ignorance but i am new to biking & recently purchased a 97 Thundercat. It really rides well but it is very hard to push backwards or forwards. The bike has been used very little in the past two years so i was thinking maybe a brake is sticking a little ( can hear a little rubbing noise when being pushed) It is going in for mot & service next week but i would to get it sorted b4 if poss, as it does make life difficult getting it in & out of garage. Any suggesttions what the likely cause could be? & could i rectify this myself? Thanks Guys.

I have an '83 xs 400 seca (with the monoshock rear). I am doing a cafe style mod job. I'd like to upgrade to twin discs in the front. What do I need for forks? Caliper? I'm not familiar with Yamaha, don't know anything about the interchangability. Also, are there any decent upgrades for the rear monoshock?

where cann i find points for my 78 xs 400? or should i switch to electronic ignition and if so who sells one?

Greetings: Just learned of this site...and I will be here a lot! Longtime Yamaha rider! Anyhow, last year, my older brother passed away...and his family is asking me to sell his 1976 DT 400. It is very clean and was ridden only 3,800 miles over the years. Which is probably the problem here. It starts easily with the choke on and will run fine like that, but when you take the choke off...it dies. There was a lot of varnish in the carb, but I have sprayed and used air pressure and I think the jets and various holes are clean. But the problem persists. I have considered a new carburetor and it seems like there are plenty of Mikuni dealers around. But I am…

a nos pair of crankcases for an xs360 , might look good under a glass coffee table

I've got an old XT250 i'm trying to get backl on the road. It's clearly going to need a few bits. At the moment, I need to get hold of some bushes for the rear suspension unit or a second hand unit. Can anyone suggest where I might be able to souce ( hopefully) the bits. Cheers

I know they were fixed screws with that pesky cap....the previous owner has done everything but destroyed these carbs and I've finally got them back into service. While I usually tune by ear and a carbtune, these little buggers do not want to sync or even out. The engine is a fresh top end rebuild, new seals and valves reground. A mac exhaust with dunstall type reverse cone exhaust. I think the jets might need to go up a size...any suggestions?

Hello, and thanks in advance for any input. I recently ( stupidly) purchased a 74tx500A. Of course I researched post-purchase only to find out that these were very troublesome bikes to say the least. I am wondering if anyone here has or has had one of these that ran well, and if so what was done to it to make it run well? I called a local mechanic who specializes in older yamahas and he laughed when I told him what I bought. He told me that I should not put any money into the engine, ( just a waste of money) rather I should just ride the thing into the ground. He was a yamaha mechanic when these were sold new, and said that almost all sold came back with issues. I should …

I'm trying to rebuild the front MC on my 78 XS 400 and cannot get it to bleed. What am I missing? I rebuilt the caliper. I claned the MC bore. Installed the rebuild kit as the old parts came out, and can't get it to bleed. After 4 hours of dickering with I am to ready to throw this bike in the dumpster. I since pulled the banjo bolt off the MC, and can't get fluid out even there. I even tried a vacum bleeder and nothing. Any help?

Just thought i'd post some pictures of my Fizzy, bought it as a project it hasn't been on the road since 1994. It is now on the road and I will post some new pictures soon.

Anyone....can the shifter seal be replaced without splitting the crank cover and dismantling the clutch to remove the shifter rod? Mine weeps when on the side stand, and the seal appears to be on the outside (on the stator side of the bike). Any input would be helpful (even humourous help - after all, we're supposed to be enjoying these things), as the Clymer doesn't go into enough detail on this issue.

does anyone know if the 850 specials were a slow bike? i have a virago 700 and a friend of mine has an 850 special, we raced and i pulled from him hardcore, which is good for me but bad for him, now he wants his to do the same. any tips.

Hi, Loking for some guidance. 1985 YB-1, 50cc 2-stroke (YB100 and FS1-E type) loses power, I suspect fuel flow or electrics but not sure. Pic of YB-1 (not mine, mines better) here: http://www.pbase.com/r80ks/yb1 Engine was rebuilt by local garage after imported bike was purchased. Garage has cleaned the carb but the problem has not been cured. I start the bike it appears to run fine, once up to speed (30-40mph) the bike will suddenly lose power. If I wait a couple of minutes the bike will start again, run for another 500yds then die again. Some days are better than others, I have run the bike for several miles on occasion without problem. Very frus…