GGGGZZ

THANKS!!! You're absolutley right about the shape of the tank, as that was one of the key deciding factors in buying this bike[ the odometer read 24648] yikes!. i have seen the tanks on the later years and i'm glad i don't have one, also don't understand why they got away from the style of the 77-78. i'm hoping that the tear down goes quickly so i can begin to concentrate on polishing the motor and get the frame and swingarm into the shop for powder. CHEERS...GGGGZ

balkan... i never thought of using the car alarm battery, sounds like an idea. best of luck on your project. my motor comes out new years day and frame goes to powder coat shortly there after. we'll see where the winter takes me. cheers...GGGGZZ

Thanks Drewps!! I'm glad to hear that I can access the RD for parts if the XS form is not readily available, also the fact that you call it a simple beast puts my mind at ease. And no worries nothing will be tossed as I snapped a banjo bolt that connects the fuel line to the carbs and it went right into the factory bag that the new one came in. I hope there's not too much getting stuck [ i love trying to avoid the inevitable] but when I'm stopped dead in my tracks I'll know where to go!!!! Thanks again,as I really appreciate the time a complete stranger will spend to help me out!!! Peace and Grease... GGGGZZ..Ian

THANKS Merv... I really appreciate the vote of confidence. Also very nice work on the RD, I read a piece on the RD350 in Motorcyclist retro recently and love the look of those bikes, I'd love to find an old two stroker to work on for a future project. THANKS again and best of luck in your travels! GGGGZZ... IAN

HEY YAMMIES... I recently purchased my first bike a 77 XS400D for $300. I picked it up off a friend who learned to ride on it a few years back and has since moved her out of the garage [into the snow] and "upgraded" to a Honda Shadow 750. The bike was not running when I got it to my garage so I drained what oil was in it, put new gasket seals in and some gas in the tank gave her an oil change and new battery... still no love. So I took the air cleaners off sprayed some ether in the carbs and she started up after a few tries of the electronic start and now kicks over in one. It is my intention to turn this into a Cafe Racer and be road ready for Spring of 2009. My efforts thus far include removing the stock seat, rear fender and lighting to make way for a Cafe style seat. I plan on repositioning the battery box underneath the seats bubble so i can run a couple of K&N filters without the stock side covers. I'm pretty ambitious so i would like to strip this whole thing down and have the frame powder coated so I can polish the engine while the frame and swing arm are at the shop. The tank and seat will receive a new paint job most likely by way of rattle cans courtesy of myself. MY DAD AND FRIENDS THINK I'M FOOLISH AND I SHOULD JUST GO BUY A NEW BIKE, I'D LOVE TO PROVE EM ALL WRONG! Any tips for an ambitious guy with a winter to freeze his ass off in a garage??? Thanks in advance and Happy Holidays. CHEERS... GGGGZZ