lhurt

Centerstand! Wahoo! Do I get a gold start for a helpful recommendation? Glad you got it sorted Element.

Just to check the valve clearances, you don't need any gaskets as far as I know. I used a bent feeler gauge. There are four gold colors caps on the heads that take a fair amount of torque to remove. When open there is enough room to get a feeler gauge down in there between the rocker arm and the valve. http://www.motorcycleforum.com/showthread....1312&page=2 Also check and make sure it not something else on the bike vibrating at that rpm. My center stand used a make a racket because the rubber stopper had disintegrated. I used a section of bicycle inner tube and some zip ties to fix that. Use a piece of garden hose to help clarify where the noise is coming from. I have an excerpt from the service manual for valve adjustment in word. Is there a way to included it as an attachment? Also I have a couple videos with sound of my engine for comparison if you're interested here: http://lucashurt.blogspot.com/ Luke

There are several websites dedicated to the XS650. jNot sure how similar the two models are, but it seems like a good place for inspiration at least. Google the following: 650 garage 650 rider 650 central mikesxs (specifically the 650)

Found a new old stock one for $50. I'm not pleased about spending that much, but any alternative will be a project and I don't have time for that at the moment. Use this info at your own risk, but I was told on another forum that CB400Fs have the same odd 6.25" diameter headlight. I didn't want to take a chance as the Honda headlight was still $43.

That's where mine came from. I believe it was Part #08-0255. $70. http://www.mikesxs.net/products-71.html#products

Anybody out there successfully replace the 6.4" headlight with a 7" standard unit but retain the original blinkers? The low-beam filament on my bulb is burned out. The hi-beam works so for the time being, I plan to just drive around with that. Low-beam wasn't too bright anyway if I remember correctly. Looked on ebay for a new bulb. In the US, the XS400 sold with a sealed headlight lens assembly so you can't replace just the bulb without major surgery. Looks like it was a simple threaded ring on the UK version though. Bummer. Luke

Shipping works for me since I can't vouch for it's condition. Sent you a message.

By the way, that 26mm float height is the beans. Just confirming that it works for mine too, an '81 SH. My engine runs well when warm, but takes a bit of time to smooth out. When I first start it, the right cylinder takes a bit a minute or two to kick in. Last year, it was the left cylinder, so I'm wondering if it could be the carb synch. I've been reading about the dead cylinder method of synching. Doesn't require any tools and some suppose it's as good, or better than, a vacuum gauge. I adjusted the valves last year, though they were quite close to factory spec when I opened them up. I haven't done anything with the timing yet. I haven't started reading about it yet so I don't even know if I need a timing light to check mine since it had an electronic ignition. Is anyone here real familiar with the wiring inside the headlight? I removed my headlight and blinkers thinking I could remove my front brake system without disconnecting the hydraulic lines. Turns out, no matter how I wished, the master cylinder simple wouldn't fit between the fork leg and the head tube. Anywho, long story short, I didn't put the headlight back together right away and now I noticed a single extra black wire with a female connector. Not sure if it was always there, but it seems strange. At moment, I've reconnected the blinkers, but not the headlight. Cheers, it's Friday!

Hi gdarrell, Are you still looking for a master cylinder or reservoir? I recently replaced my old one with a new (and slightly different) version from MikesXS. I still have the old one. My reason for replacement is that it wouldn't release the piston. I'm not sure the if the mastercylinder was faulty even. Likely just needs a good cleaning and perhaps a rebuild. I had thoughts of one day rebuilding it just to learn what is inside, but seems like you might have a better use for it. If you're interested, let me know. It's just sitting in my parts bin and I hate ebay. Luke

Hello all, Luke here, First off this forum is amazing and it's great to find a place where so many people are enthusiastic about XS400s. Since a lot of you are from England, it might be relevant that me mum is from Liverpool. I inherited an xs400 last year from a friend of a coworker and last summer I had it working and had joined a forum to help and be helped. Here is a link to my introduction: http://www.motorcycleforum.com/showthread.php?t=81240 Most of the useful information is in the following thread: http://www.motorcycleforum.com/showthread.php?t=81312 There are also a listing of all the XS400 owners on the forum: http://www.motorcycleforum.com/showthread.php?t=83842 I hope you don't mind me trying to connect the two forums a bit. But I feel like it's the right thing to do, to give a little before asking for help. I've been an avid lurker of this group and finally decided to officially join. Cheers, Luke

Whoa! I've been a lurker here for a while. Some of the best xs400 info on the net. Nice project Drewpy! Eager to see how it comes along. I'm fascinated by those of you will actual mechanical and building skills. Luke