Gnash

I will definately try this method! Thanks again guys!

Thanks guys. No offense, but it has a 19 on the front and a 16 on the back. Here's a pic: I believe they're the stock wheels too. I'm still looking for the correct front fender. I don't want to hinder the steering in any way, so it looks like the 90/90 is the way to go. Thanks

I have a 1.85 wide front wheel on my xs400. I know every manufacturer has different ACTUAL sizes of tires. The tire on the front wheel is 3.00/19. I think a 90/90 19 would be perfect. Would a 100/90 19 fit on my 1.85 wheel? It seems I have more tires to choose from with the 100, but only a few at 90/90. Also, would a wider front tire handle better or worse? I have found a 90/90 19 Bridgestone spitfire for front and a 130/90 16 for the back. Also, should I fit the same model of tire on the front and back? Would it ride and handle any differently with different tread designs? Thanks

Thanks Strange!!

Oh yeah, I really scored on this one. Besides the spun bearing and the rust in the tank, the bike doesn't need anything else! I bought my 83 XS400 from the same man at the same time. I bought the yamaha for $175 and the honda for $100!!!!! The Yamaha just needed a carb cleaning and I've been riding it everyday since!!!! He has a 92 FZR600 for $500 that I'm going up for next!!!!

I don't know now. The manual I have is for an '82 Maxim, and it shows the bike having 6 gears. Mine's an '83, maybe it's a differently geared. I've just gotten used to rapping the shit out of this bike. I haven't reved to 10 grand yet, but damn close. Like you said, on a 70 mph interstate, it would be an intense ride. My buddy says "Man, this bike was built to rap high, it aint no cruiser, it redlines at 10 grand!" So, I'm cool with that logic!

Yeah, I'm definately missing a gear in between. I could just be shifting too hard. I'll try the "finesse" shift later. At least it's not 6th! When my new tires come in, I'll see what 100mph raps at! Thanks guys!

Thanks, man. I must be skipping a gear in between. I've counted myself silly. It's always 1 down 4 up! Oh well. It's good to know that your top gear is the same as mine. Thanks again.

Drewpy? Anyone?

Thanks man! For $100, I may have it done, since the tank is in perfect shape outside.

To adjust the floats, you just take the float bowls off on the bottom of the carbs, and there is a tab in the middle of the floats, that contacts the float valve. You want to adjust each carb to the same level. I just blow into the gas line and adjust until they look even. It may take a few times, taking the carbs off the bike. Drewpy mentioned using a hairdryer to soften those boots up on the airbox.

I just bought another bike for $100! 81 Honda CM400C with 10,000 miles. The bike was parked in a garage for 10 years. I gave the carbs a cleaning, and the bike just started right up! I used my Yamaha gas tank to start it. The Honda's gas tank is full of rust inside. I was quoted $100 to clean and coat it at a local shop. Does this price sound right? Can I do it myself? Thanks

My bike is an 83 xs400 DOHC 12R. It has 5 gears, but in the manual it says 6 speed! I am rapping 5500rpm at 55mph in 5th gear. It just feels like a top gear is missing. I know I read someting aboot this on here, but I can't find the topic. Thanks.

So my 400 is hanging high upon start up, and in between shifts. I have an 83. I think my carbs are a little different. Does anyone know where my mix adjustment is on my carbs? Do I need to back out on the pilot air jet? I don't see any other adjustments on my carbs other than these and the idle screw. Maybe the carb fairy will visit me. Is she hot?

Mine does the same occasionally, but only when turning the fuel to pri. Gas will just pour out of the airbox side of one carb.

The boots on the airbox will push into the airbox. You don't need to push them all the way into the airbox to get the carb out, just halfway. It's a bitch, I know! That's how you get the carbs out. You don't have to take the intake boots off. You'll need to fix that ripped boot. Getting the boots back on is enough to piss off the Pope. Oh, man just have some patience and work them back on through the inside of the airbox. I use needle nosed pliers and a flat screwdriver to just pry and pull on them. Other than the fuel line, and throttle cable, that's it.

The brake is fine now. It just hasn't been ridden in a couple years. Man, she screams! I certainly didn't anticipate this bike to be this quick. It rides smooth too. The diaphrams on the carbs are in good shape, but a spring was bent out of shape, so I straightened it up, got the floats working and just cleaned the hell out of it. Now I can't get off of it! Sorry to jack your thread, Blindsight. It got my bike started though! Good luck with yours. Cheers!

SHE'S RUNNIN!!!! I cleaned the carbs again. I had a float sticking. RUN'S AND RIDES GREAT!!!!!! The front brake is sticking though. Thanks Socal! I almost gave up on those carbs.

Your right. I don't know what a bad part looks like in a carb though. I cleaned the gunk out of em, and I also noticed the last guy stripped the screw head on the bottom of each of the float bowls. I'm gonna clean them once again today, and try again. Those damn airbox intake boots are a bitch to get back in place! Mine is an 83 xs400.

So did you concur that your dying problem is electrical? I have the same problem in that the motor runs on full choke for a couple o seconds, but dies with a hit of the throttle or letting off the choke. I cleaned the carbs, but I'm thinking of sending them for a rebuild. I cannot find a rebuild kit or any parts for the carbs yet. Have you found a place to buy your alterantor yet?

Nothing to do with rubber, but here's a motor tip. I'm new to old bikes, but I just started on an 81 Honda CM400C. The bike has been standing indoors for 10 years. I was told to do this with the motor. Pour some diesel or spray a shitload of wd40 in cylinders (spark plug holes) and let it sit overnight. Then rock the bike back and forth in gear or pull the bike behind a truck to lube up the rings before starting it up. This makes sense to me, but how would I get the Diesel out of there when I'm ready to start it? Don't slam the messenger, if this sounds hoaky. I was just told this. If this sounds proper, I will do it to my Honda.

That is a hell of a find compared to mine! Very nice! I only paid $100 for mine though. hehe

I found the short. I had a melted plug with the 3 white wires between the regulator and the ac generator. I now have spark. The motor fires up for a second, but not to idle. I have pulled the carb off to clean. I'm hoping she'll run after this. I have ordered the proper guages to replace the broken ones off ebay. Any more suggestions on getting her running? Thanks for that manual, xmastree!!!!!!!

Thanks guys! I now know there are two models of the DOHC with one having less of a horsepower rating. Ah, my luck I have the restricted version. Thanks again!

I just acquired an 83 xs400. I haven't started it yet. I seem to have no spark. A tree limb fell on the bike, so the guages have been busted and ignition switch is toast, so I connected the two wires on the ignition to crank it over. It has blown a couple fuses, and the fuse box gets real hot. I have looked for any shorts in the wiring, but I havent found any. Am I gonna break anything by hotwiring the bike? Before I start replacing every part, where should I start looking for the problem? I plan on finding a CDI, regulator, possibly a different wiring assembly with fuse box because the fuse holders are brittle and breaking very easily. Also what is it? Is it a Seca or a Maxim? Is it a single ohc or DOHC? Thanks