johnsnownw

Yes, carbs are not cheap though. Get the owners manual or a Haynes manual and you'll have most of the info you need on parts and interchangeability. Also, what carb do you have?

Hmmm, well I can't say that not spending extra money isn't appealing.

There are no other fuses between the battery and fuse box. Also, if you checked each fuse, and your break light is working, then at least one of the checks you made should have shown there was power. Have you checked the connections at your starter switch, which you can see in the diagram below? I wish I could help more, but I am not familiar with 650's Here is a wiring diagram for your bike: Uploaded with ImageShack.us

I used to use this stuff when I had an older car, was wondering if anyone has used it or something similar in their bikes? http://www.amazon.com/Lubro-Moly-Motor-Oil-Saver-300/dp/B003U4QILS

My XS400 runs on two cylinders, and the Triumph runs on three, seems to work pretty well for me

Asshats. That's why I have a security system on my Triumph, can't even breath on it without all hell braking loose in the garage, and on the keyfob control. The XS400 will soon have a lock, as the battery won't handle much of a security system. The padlock on the garage door isn't much a a deterrent.

Another bit of advice. You may want to cut the wires down a bit on the fuse holder lines. I didn't and there is just a bit of unnecessary wire that makes it not look as tidy. Clipping an inch or so off the wires would just make it look cleaner.

Thank you both for the responses, the information you provided will definitely be of use to me. As for why, the bike shop closest to my house doesn't like to work on bikes pre-1990. For the Master Cylinder specifically they said that often there are issues when installing new systems, and they have a cap on how much they charge for labor. So, if they can only charge up to 2 hrs in labor, and it takes them 4hrs to do it, they lose money. That is almost verbatim what the guy told me.

Also, anyone that would possibly live close and not have a problem that one of the bikes I own is not a Yamaha?

Why isn't there anything like this around here, and by around here I don't mean the US, I mean someplace closer to Minnesota? Sad emoticon is

Well, my local shop will not replace the Master Cylinder, so I have to figure out how to do it. I bought a replacement one from MikesXS, newer design, along with a braided brake line. I will be putting it on, hopefully tomorrow as my bike is having some things checked out at the aforementioned shop. I was wondering if anyone had any advice. I have purchased a mityvac brake bleeding kit, which should help things along a bit. Was just wondering if anyone has any knowledge of what I'm about to do, beyond what I have read online? That is to say, anything XS400 specific I need to know of or be careful with. I know I should be doing all the work myself, but there are some tools I don't have. As for the Master Cylinder replacement, I wasn't fully confident in my abilities to work on a vital safety bit of the bike, but now I have no choice. This is the last step on the bike before I can post a picture of her!

Yup, I got mine at Radio Shack, and just use the same Amp fuses for each application and you're good to go. Just make sure you solder the wires together, don't use crimping or plugs.

I agree, my XS400 was doing the same thing and it ended up being a fuse issue. If you do have the stock fuse box, I'd rip that thing out of there and purchase some inline mini ACT/ATO fuse holders. They are more reliable, super cheap and easy to install.

Drewps, if you're buying, I'm in. Also, that thing looks mighty uncomfortable to ride. Though I don't think you'd be missed riding it at night.

Not sure about the baffles, but have you checked the headlight relay?

Anyone know what I have to do to remove the throttle cable from the handlebars of the XS? Do I need to remove the grip first? It appears from the outside to only be held in by a screw, is this true?

I went ahead and purchased the stock replacement filters. However, my local shop suggested I use K&N oiled foam and wrap it around the stock filters, after removing the fuzzy fur. Apparently others have done it with good results. Good luck.

Well, if you are concerned about doing it yourself, I suppose letting someone else do it may be worth the money. What I did was to use electrolysis to remove the majority of the rust from the tank, then I used a POR-15 motorcycle kit for the rest, which is a 2 to 3 step process for removing rust and sealing the tank. Several people including myself have used or are in the process of using this method. I had absolutely no problems and all the rust has been removed and the sealant has remained intact with no peeling of any kind. You are welcome to have it "professionally" done if that is what you prefer, just wanted to let you know there are less costly methods available.

That seems pricey to me, do you have any idea what he is using to line your tank? I just finished de-rusting and lining my tank for around $50.

Thanks Drewps.

If the carbs haven't been cleaned in a while then I would say you should do that regardless of that being the problem. You can find links to a good carb cleaning guide and other info in the "Pinned" Discussion at the top of the forum page.

That's a nice looking bike, I saw a similar one for sale in Minniapolis a few months back. Bikebandit.com has a schematic of your battery with the negative being on the left side of the bike. It also lists the proper battery as YB14L-A2 YUASA. Hope that helps.

I found a pretty good deal on some 2/2 Mac mufflers. Does anyone know if these would require a re-jet? http://www.cyclewareables.com/pages/exhausts_mac_mufflers/exhaust_mac_mufflers.htm

Took her out for a ride today and she runs flawlessly, all of the problems before are gone. I'll post a pic of the finished product next week when I get the last bit of aesthetic work in and put on. Thanks again.

I'm afraid I cannot help much with why the oil is leaking, but I thought I'd ask if you had smelled the oil. Does it have a gasoline smell? Someone will be able to help though.