XS400 Kates Make Over -

Hi guys,

I guess now is time for a more formal introduction. Im a computer nerd/IT support person from Calgary AB. I play guitar also. I love ridin bikes, but know $hit all about the mechanics.

Figure my old bike is a prime way to learn right? I got a Suzuki C50 for the upcoming spring (if the snow ever melts) so it wont hurt me to have this yamaha xs400 Maxim - out of commission for a bit

This is her about 2 years ago (this has been a long time in the makin!



Since then, I had taken her to a mechanic and had the tinkerbell sticker removed (hah ya ya..) and had the bike tuned up...

Lately (last month or so) have been slow as im a little spooked about the whole 'Gear head" thing... this aint no computer!! hah.

here she is with the carbs out (which were freakin spotless after a year and a half of not having them cleaned) and the front end lowered by an inch or so (i think its technically an inch and 1/8th - couldnt get it exact with just me doin the liftin and adjusting)





I have filed down some foam in the seat and plan on hackin it in half... still not funny certain on the remount (originally it bolted onto the back frame which supported the fender, "trunk", and sissy bar (you can see it in the first pic what i mean i think) - im pretty certain the way i got it planned is that it will be able to screw into two side holes in the frame... ill get somethin drilled through the frame too.

you might ask about the lowering reason - its basically to get the missus (who is pretty short - 5'2 i think?) to get on the bike to try it out.. with the seat foam filed, and the front lowered that (what other posts stated as a..) safe inch - im hopin it will work for her

im also the guy who posted about the single spring in the center of the bike under the spring - and how to lower it... if it comes to it, ill email that guy on ebay who will cut it short for me for 70 bucks (i think it is)

I also am goin to rip off the back passenger pegs, and give it some new grips.. gonna work on getting a chrome'ish head light casing as well, to give it a little more 'flair' - wait did i just say that? shudder. Gonna also give it some new signals and different mirrors - actually one bike on here only had one mirror and i thought that was classic - so i might steal the idea hah.


Anyway - its my first go at this stuff, and you guys are freakin cool about all the projects you got.. its leadin me down the path to the dark side with all your influence :twisted:

THank you!
Ill keep you posted!
Oh - definetly give me your suggestions!

 

Suggestions: The seat height is probably low enough; don't mod the bike too much and then put a novice rider on it.
I would NOT cut down the monoshock; put it at its lowest preload. You REALLY don't want to mess with the monoshock geometry; if it were me I'd actually drop the forks back down 1/4"-1/2" That bike wasn't very "tall" to begin with and as much as you've lowered it will change the way it handles; unfortunately not for the better. I'd put it back a bit.
You can get brand new aftermarket levers for under $10.

 

Hey man, thanks for the reply,

maybe i will bring it up a bit.. to about half.. should be easier when i have someone to help lift it. i thought about takin it for a spin myself before i let her rid it tho - you know - test flight!

i filed down the seat more actually before i read the reply, but it looks ok so far, and with me putting it on the bike as a mock up - fits my posterior pretty good (hah)

before any lowering or filing, she could barely keep a toe on the ground of one foot, so somethin had to be done, and she wont by a perfect sized c50
ah well

hah thanks again for the reply

 

Kenny need some ideas? check out my xs400j gallery.

Took me 2 years and about 600 dollars and my tinkering to get it like it is today I couldn't be happier

http://www.xjbikes.com/coppermine/displ ... =5000.html

Wasn't your pictures posted here before? the tinkerbell decal on that tank looks familiar. didn't kate join us here?

 

hey thanks for the ideas, just gonna check em out i'll lettcha know what im gonna 'steal' ideas wise

ya also kate was here for a question on lowerin maybe a couple weeks ago.. i creep another couple forums tho too.

thankksss!

 

I did a few minor mods to mine so far ... click my www button and you can see the changes... mirrors and signals were part of it and done for around $30

As for levers... finding the right ones can be a pain, so you may want to consider replacing the holder as well as the levers... Mikes XS has some nice one.... been thinking of doing that to mine... (Mikes has a seperate Canadian page now you can go to)

Hmmm maybe I should add my guitar collection to my sig

 

NO WAY! Just go to local powersports dealer and order the parts unlimited ones for $7.99 each.

 

Yeah no kidding or MotionPro they're available almost everywhere...

 

And they fit? I got some from a local shop and still had to do a bit of filing to get them to line up right. By the part number they were"supposed" to fit that mount.

Will have to keep my eyes open for those.....

 

hey heyy

thanks again for the replies guys - very very cool. i havent had a moment in the last week so nothing to really report. i should have a plan for the seat on or around sunday night (well a day or two).
i like the idea of new grips for sure. i seriously dig that mikesxs site im probably gonna end up utilizing that. ill be plannin a trip to a place called "TJ's" in calgary here its a decent little chop shop to grab pieces. see if i can get a chrome-ish headlight bracket.
ill let you guys know how it goes

also the guitar thing hahah ya i guess its a bit hokey whattcha play?

 

Hehe....ya want hokey...if I put my instrument in my signature it would read something like....

1951 Elkhart BBflat Sousaphone with 32 inch bell.....

 

Heh ,....

Current Collection ....

1979 Ibanez Artist AR500
80's Yamaha RGX 612S modified
1957 Gibson Les Paul Jr
1961 Gibson Les Paul Jr
Jay Turser Flying V
Unknown Strat copy project (same finish as my bike hehe)
Norman B20 CW acoustic
Ibanez BTB-405 QM Bass (5 string)

Otherwise, I think almost any 80'ish Headlight bucket should fit without much issues, except maybe fitting all the wiring in (which is a pain with the stock one)

 

nice gear man. ibenez is really actually pretty sweet. i got a pbass of theirs kickin around here. i do have a fond appreciation for les pauls tho - good job good taste heh