Sacha

I wish I had one to loan you... course it wouldn't do much good since I'm in the states anyway. Hope someone can hook you up, and I'll look forward to seeing pics. (btw - I am in love with your xs400 drewpy)

My husband just pointed out that the bike in the video is missing all the lights... obviously I'm not very observant... other than that it's just like mine.

That's not my bike (unless this was the one I bought)... but my bike is the same. course I think my bike is running richer because I've got a bit more oil output from the exhaust than this bike does. I need to find out how to adjust the auto lube pump. Aren't they beautiful?

Sorry I didn't get a chance to respond sooner amason.darby. I've seen pistons and rings available on Ebay although it seems like there are a couple of different piston styles mentioned. John from NW Vintage Cycle (http://www.nwvcp.com) out of Oregon has been very helpful for me. You may just check his site and Ebay to see if the parts you need are obsolete. A quick Google search can also bring up other resources. As I said in the PM, I have so far been successful in finding the parts I've needed, but those have just been the headlight, battery, rectifier, and other bulbs. I was not able to find the rack though, which is a bummer because I'd like to be able to carry things without using a backpack. Good luck! On another note - Thank you AJ and Airhead for the advice. (endless thanks!!) I got my battery replaced and guess what?! The lights are all working correctly... well, except for the headlight because I blew it. I still need to test the rectifier, but I have it on hand, and I will have to get a new headlamp bulb ordered since no one carries 6V bulbs here. Thinking I might get a couple (just in case). Happy riding all!

You two are well awesome! I so appreciate your expertise. A syringe! Brilliant. The only thing that came to my mind was a turkey baster - uh, also not gonna fit. I have a new battery on order... and am also thinking that has a lot to do with my lighting problems. I went ahead and ordered the rectifier while I was at it too. I only found one, and the website stated that it was the "last one". I'll let you know what happens after I get the new battery. [hover performance calculations for Harrier aircraft - WOW! If only I knew something about that - then maybe I'd make the big bucks. (LOL)] [btw - here's a pic of the battery (best i could do). the middle cell has what looks like white cobwebs with little black specs - huge ick!]

Alright! One project finished... still have work to do on my thesis, but I'm getting back to my bike this weekend. It's necessary for my mental health I checked out my battery tonight and it's not in good shape. I couldn't get the tube from the battery tester into any of the holes to check the specific gravity, but on closer inspection it looks like there are actually old spider nests inside it! How is that even possible?! I'm thinking they must have gotten in through the overflow hole because that tube was disconnected. I'm surprised it works at all. Needless to say the next item on my agenda is to get a new battery. As far as the wiring goes... I did burn out the headlamp bulb (almost immediately) and the indicator lights fluctuate from zero visibility to bright enough to actually see. The turn signals seem pretty dim too (from what others have said). A lot of the wiring is tucked into the frame, but I haven't found a voltage regulator. I've published a pic of the wiring diagram from the rider's manual. Sorry the top is blurry... had a hard time getting a good shot. I do see a rectifier and am wondering if will be worth it to replace it. We haven't been able to find Mike's Fluke meter either (we cannot remember the last time we used it) so I'll have to see if I can pick up a cheapo one at Harbor Freight or something. Mike currently has his learning permit so he can't ride at night (yet) but I'd like to have my bike ready to ride at night by the time he gets his motorcycle endorsement. Just thought I'd keep you posted... so you all don't think your advice is all for naught!

You all are amazing! Thank you so much. I am scrambling to complete a project for this semester and get my thesis finished ASAP, but then I am going to get on this. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Well... I'm not sure. That is the trouble. The Clymer manual has schematics for earlier and later type systems (some show a voltage regulator and others don't). I think I'll do as AJ suggested and follow the wiring to see if there is one. I did get the new headlight assembly installed and when I tested to make sure it worked, I noticed the light seems to flicker quite a bit with any change in idle. Do you think this is a voltage regulation issue or grounding issue? Maybe my best bet is to take it in (I know just enough to make a mess I'm sure). Thanks for all of your help though!!

Okay, so I got the new headlight assembly, but I can't find the voltage regulator. My Clymer manual tells me how to test it, but not where to find it. Is this something I should leave to a professional? My husband has a Fluke meter and I'm sure we could measure the output voltage, but I don't want to start tearing things apart without a clue. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated (as always).

Wow. I guess I should have read the subject line. Sorry thought you were trying to post it in the forum.

You're absolutely right though. I've been wondering why the lamp was out myself. I thought I'd see how the new bulb does, and then go from there. But after reading your post I think I will look into the electrical system too! You are so awesome for giving me a heads-up. I really appreciate it.

How are you trying to post it? Are you trying to post a reply in a forum or start a new discussion? Is it a link? an image?

Good news! The gentleman from NW Vintage Cycle parts has a 6V bulb to go with the assembly he suggested. woo-hoo! I'm getting a new headlight.

Hi AJ, Thank you so much for the info! I suppose I should have done a search to see if anyone had already posted about it (sorry). I will look at those links and get my headlight replaced. You were right about the clear tube too! I've got it all hooked back up and threaded through the frame and out to the road. Thanks again for taking time to help this newbie.

The headlight on my 1972 G7S was burned out when I bought it. It's a sealed beam lamp and the part is no longer available. A guy at NW Vintage Cycle Parts said people are using the headlight from a 1968 YG5T. My original headlight is a 6V/15W and the replacement is a 12V/25W. Is that going to cause problems? Also, when I checked my battery I found a clear tube in the battery compartment. The tube is not hooked up to anything. It was just threaded through the compartment. I haven't found any mention of it in either the rider's manual or the Clymer manual. Does anyone here know what it might be? Thanks!

LMAO - I was a bit slow on the uptake for that one wasn't I?

Oh no! I seriously hope that's not the case with mine. That would not be good. How do I test it to make sure it's working? On a happier note, I got my new rider's manual today... it's teeny-tiny so I've already read through it (a couple times). I'm sure you've all seen how little the manual is, but I included a pic next to the Clymer manual just for fun. And now back to bad news... my headlight was burned out so I've been searching for a replacement. It turns out it's nearly impossible to get (and it's sealed). I found a place (NW Vintage Cycle Parts) in Oregon with a knowledgeable person. He said people are using the headlight from a 1968 YG5T (funny that the '68 is still available, but not the '72). Anyway, my old headlight is a 6V/15W and this new one is a 12V/25W. Will that be problematic? One other question... in checking my battery level I noticed a clear tube in the battery compartment that's not hooked up to anything. I haven't found any mention of it in either the rider's manual or the Clymer manual. Does anyone here know what it might be? Thanks!!

Awesome! Rozzers... I'll have to use that. I don't think anyone here will know what I'm talking about. And thanks for the info on the oil in the pipe. The bike has the autolube pump so I'm hoping it's getting the right mix. I'm excited to get the manual and learn as much as I can about it. I've always wanted to build a bike from scratch, but for the price on this one I just couldn't say no. Thanks!

Awesome! I think I'll be looking into adding one of these. Thank you for being the innovator and guinea pig.

Thanks Airhead! It's actually in really good shape - I think. Supposedly it only has around 500 original miles. Looks like it was laid down or just dropped at least once because the knob on the end of the clutch handle has been broken off. I do have a few concerns (although my husband tells me I tend to over-react). He and my dad tell me it's normal for 2 strokes to (oil) foul spark plugs, but I also just noticed oil in the exhaust pipe... wondering if that is a red flag. ? I am waiting on a manual from e-bay to see if maybe I've screwed up and been riding it with the choke on. The Clymer manual just hasn't told me much about my bike specifically. To name a couple of things, it doesn't mention the choke or the fuel petcock... I'm thinking O is for on and R is for reserve, but what is S? Maybe I've screwed up there. ? I guess that's probably why you're supposed to READ THE OWNER'S MANUAL, eh? (dummy me) And Nayruf, I'd say you've had a few bikes. I'm not sure what "rozzers" are, but I sure do like my little 80. She's perfect for me... not too much machine like some of the bikes out there. I can firmly plant both my feet (which makes me a helluva lot more comfortable) and I feel that if (when) I do drop her, I can pick her up by myself if it comes to it. Oh, and she brings plenty of smiles with her!

Thanks nayruf! That's all I can do. I drive and ride defensively, you just can't tell with some people, and you're better safe than sorry. She's just a little 80cc... I was expecting to get laughed at. But for my first motorbike she's all I need to get back and forth.

I'm listening... I don't have any insight, and am a bit late on the thread, but better late than never right? It's been an interesting read.

This may be way off the mark... but have you tried penetrating oil? You'll have to soak it and let it sit (multiple times if necessary). Where the drain plug is underneath, you may have to soak a rag in it and wedge it around the plug to keep it soaking. I'm not sure how the oil plug is set up on your machine or if you have enough room to work with it, but have you tried a breaker bar? I would suggest a bolt remover, but it sounds like the head isn't stripped just that the threads are seized. Hopefully I'm not being overly-simple.

Hello everyone! I am in Idaho (the potato state of America). I am new to the YOC... I actually registered right after I bought my 1972 Yamaha (last December), but have been über-swamped with school (currently working on my thesis for a Master's of Education in Instructional Technology)... long story longer... I am finally posting so I'm not considered a total "lurker". I've been trying to read all of the new member posts, and it sounds like such an interesting bunch. Can't wait to learn from all of the experience you have! This is my first motorcycle. Sorry about the blurry pic. I got her for $1000 from someone who's grandfather had her in the garage for years. She looks great, but I think she could use a little TLC. Got the Clymer manual, but am still looking for an actual owner's/rider's manual since the Clymer one doesn't seem to be very model-specific. She also needs a new headlight, and the horn stays on when it's wired. I'm hoping that I can get her all tuned up and with regular maintenance and care she'll last me a long time. The vin starts with G5, but from everything I've seen online I think she's a G7S. If anyone has any insight into the model please let me know. I haven't ridden for years, and usually only off-road then. So now I'm trying to get used to riding in traffic - people make me nervous. Thanks for putting together such a great resource!