curdy

OK, first let me say thanks for the replies. Then let me say I'm sorry it’s been nearly a month since I replied! I thought I had my settings on to email me when someone posted a reply...never got one. Was kinda wondering why nobody (I thought) had any input on this! jrhendryx, if I could get $500 for it, I'd be very happy with that, even with the extra parts I've purchased so far and the work I've done on it. I think that's pretty fair too. So I guess the question would be where/how do I sell it. I don't think craigslist and/or ebay is going to bring what I'm looking for. But please, by all means, correct me if I am off base here! ianxjr, sorry to disappoint! Thanks! DAN

Hey everyone! I have a 1978 XS400 2E that I'm looking to sell. It is fully disassembled and in boxes. The bike was in decent shape when I got it (engine has compression, no dents). I was planning on rebuilding into a cafe racer, but really need to focus on other areas of my life right now. I picked up some parts along the way like an extra seat, fat rear tire and wheel from an '81 (If memory serves me right), new spark plugs, oil filter, etc. I've done quite a bit of cleaning and it looks like it'll be a simple rebuild. Can anyone give me an idea of what I can expect to get for it? Keeping in mind I'd rather sell it in one shot rather than spending the time on listing all the parts individually on ebay. Thanks a bunch!

OK so what's the deal with battery eliminators? I'm new to the whole bike thing, so you'll have to excuse my lack of knowledge...but I'm learning fast! Right now I'm in the process of restoring a '78 XS400 that is only a kick start to begin with. So is the concept here that I can reduce weight by getting rid of the battery?

That does look like a good deal. Hey BackTalk, what kind of paint did you use? Did you do anything else to it? Howlong did it take you?

Very nice! Craigslist rocks. Here's my Craigslist find... '78 XS400 Price: FREE Best part: Guy was 1/2 mile from my house!

Any tips on paint? I've just about got the whole thing apart. I figured I should get something tough on the frame so it will last as long as possible. I would rather have a flat or satin finish...powder coat? Also, what style bars would you recommend? I prefer an old school look, black, and not like it belongs on a modern crotch rocket.

What's the difference between Cafe Racer and Clubman Racer? On the site you sent me about a seat (http://www.omarsdtr.com/homeend.html) the Clubman has more of a bare bones/stripped down look to it - which is more of what I'm going for. Given my understanding of the definitions, I thought it would be more the other way around.

Cool stuff. I'm going to try to make one myself with the original pan. I'll see how that goes first. There's a 2 into 1 exhaust for sale on ebay I've been looking at. It was pulled from 81 XS400H, guy said it'll fit mine. Already black too. It'll set me back $110. Item number: 320107634527 Which do you think would look better...straight pipes or the 2 into 1? Obviously straight pipes will be cheaper.

That's close to what I'm going to go for I think. Matte black though. Any thoughts on how to make the bubble on the back of the seat like that on the original pan off the bike? Fiberglass? Love the header wrap too. Heard its not good for them though...any advice?

Who here has made a cafe racer from there XS? Looking to do some cool stuff to my '78 400 and would love to see some inspirational pictures!!! I thought I saw a thread on here before, but maybe it was a different site.

Yeah, sorry about that! I realized that after I posted it. I was waiting for my repair manual to come in so I could id it. I got home on Friday and there it was for me. Its a 1978 XS400 2E. The manual did give me an idea of what bikes will have similar parts...so my question seems to be answered so far. BUT, any additional info would be great!!! Thanks!

Can anyone give me a rough idea of parts and years that will work on my bike? Thanks!

Thanks for the tips. I'll check that site out. I looked on bikebandit.com and they had a nice set up for searching for parts...only problem is that most of the major parts are now discontinued. I just ordered a manual from ebay, along with spark plugs and an oil filter.

Hi there. Brand new to the site! A friendly neighbor gave me his '78 XS400 that he no longer had the time for. When he got it he did ride it home (like 8 yrs ago?) He said he had the engine fixed up around that time, but had not run it since. I'm no expert, but I can tell the cylinders move and have compression. I would say that if I can get the engine started, I would be in decent shape of I replaced the cables, tires, and brakes. The pipes could use some work too. So the first order of business it to do a fluid change, get a new battery, replace the spark plugs and keep my fingers crossed that sitting so long hasn't gummed it all up too bad. I figure if I can confirm that it'll run, then I'll rebuild the carb (if it really needs it) and move forward with the cables, tires, brakes, etc. I'll post some pictures soon. I was hoping that you guys could provide some tips on what to look for and keep in mind. Major thing I was hoping was that you guys could point me in the direction of some good parts web sites. Ebay is great, but it helps to have an official site to reference for the correct parts...than search for those on Ebay. Thanks for the help!!!