Author Topic: Anyone know anything about a 1980 Yamaha 400 Special? (Read 2837 times)

stang99x · « **on:** February 16, 2006, 12:04:12 AM »

I got one for free, my first bike. Its been a long time since its run though and I am not a bike mechanic. (cars, anyday, bikes may as well be in german for me)

SHREDDER · « **Reply #1 on:** February 16, 2006, 12:39:28 AM »

Whats so "special" about it?

flip · « **Reply #2 on:** February 16, 2006, 03:30:29 AM »

Welcome to motorcycling. If that is an XS400, there are some details on bikez.com. If you can, get somebody to look at your bike to check the brakes, chain, etc. and to maybe show you how to adjust the chain and do basic maintenance.

B6mick · « **Reply #3 on:** February 16, 2006, 03:54:23 AM »

Then clean and wax it

and give it back.
Yamaha over the years have made some damn fine motorcycles, and to put it bluntly the XS series of twins was not one of them.

jfudo · « **Reply #4 on:** February 16, 2006, 03:09:35 PM »

My wife's first bike was a Yamaha 400 special. Lots of problems, electrical mostly. She had to use the kick start a lot and would often dump it in the process. She sold it before we were together, so I didn't work in it or anything. If you have any specific questions, I can pose them to her if you would like.

By the way, this bike is so simple that if you can work on a car this will be no problem at all. Change the plugs, clean the carbs, make sure there is nothing plugging the airways (intake or exhaust), make sure gas is flowing to the carbs. You should be able to get it running after lots of cranking.

ray nielsen · « **Reply #5 on:** February 16, 2006, 03:12:31 PM »

Be leery of dismantling the carbs for cleaning and refurbshing. Very few parts are available for these carbs and when they are they're very expensive, e.g. $35 for a needle and seat for fuel inlet, $44 for one float bowl gasket, etc.

Unless you're so inclined to do the work yourself the bike is probably NOT worth taking to a shop for service. Find a service manual, either factory, Clymer or Haynes and read it thoroughly before starting.

You'll probably need new tires, chains and sprockets and some tune up work at a minimum. Usually the carbs are crudded up and that alone will probably run over $200 at a shop IF they'll even take the job.

Sorry to give the bad news, but you asked.

Red01 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 16, 2006, 09:53:44 PM »

Quote from: "B6mick"

Then clean and wax it and give it back.
Yamaha over the years have made some damn fine motorcycles, and to put it bluntly the XS series of twins was not one of them.

While I'm in the camp with most here that the XS400 Special is a two-wheeled turd, I wouldn't go so far as to say the entire XS line falls into that category. The XS650 is one of Yamaha's most classic bikes ever made.

stang99x · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2006, 11:34:28 PM »

I've taken the carbs apart twice now, cleaned them and replaced the floats with a donor set from another set of carbs I got. The left side carb is overflowing with gas, flowing back into the air intake tubes. The starter is roasted, so yes kick starting is the only way, and I;ve put hole in my shoe I have done it so many times. I got pissed with the whole idea, and bought a Yamaha Seca 600 tonight. It went down on the right side, needs a couple fairings (spelling?), a peg, handlebars, and a little paint but other than thats its ready to ride. For $900 what more could I expect though?

I guess I could part the 1980 and see if I can get anything for it. THe motor does run as I got it to fire and run twice till it flooded out.

Anyone know where to pick up the fairings for the SECA?

jeepskate99 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 16, 2006, 11:53:13 PM »

Quote from: "Red01"

Quote from: "B6mick"
Then clean and wax it and give it back.
Yamaha over the years have made some damn fine motorcycles, and to put it bluntly the XS series of twins was not one of them.

While I'm in the camp with most here that the XS400 Special is a two-wheeled turd, I wouldn't go so far as to say the entire XS line falls into that category. The XS650 is one of Yamaha's most classic bikes ever made.

And last year I sold an 82 that my Dad owned since new. Still ran perfectly. And no leaks. Miles you ask? 68k. (engine never opened except adjustments and clutch)

Red01 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 17, 2006, 12:02:25 AM »

I'd check ebay first.

Is it a Seca II? They look like this:

You might also try checking with the Yamaha section of Sport-Touring.net - IIRC, there's a few Seca II 600 (aka Diversion in other world markets like the UK) owners there and they may have some sources for you.

stang99x · « **Reply #10 on:** February 17, 2006, 12:17:32 AM »

Its not a II, but yeah thats what it looks like. I found one fairing on ebay, just need pegs really now and ignition stuff.

Also, that old 400 special has 13K origonal miles on it

B6mick · « **Reply #11 on:** February 18, 2006, 02:25:19 AM »

Quote from: "Red01"

Quote from: "B6mick"
Then clean and wax it and give it back.
Yamaha over the years have made some damn fine motorcycles, and to put it bluntly the XS series of twins was not one of them.

While I'm in the camp with most here that the XS400 Special is a two-wheeled turd, I wouldn't go so far as to say the entire XS line falls into that category. The XS650 is one of Yamaha's most classic bikes ever made.

I would call my xs650 a lot worse than you would call it. ( in fact right up there on the list of worst motorcycle ever owned. Went like crap handled like crap and braking was only a bee's dick better than my old 1980 twin disc harley I had. ( now that is bad )
My bosses 400 was not much betta, and a couple of other mates had them, and not a nice word from any of them.
And quiet a few mates who got stuck with the 250cc laws, wouldn't have to many kind words for them either.
Yet the xs11 was a strong all round ride. Go figure, even a mates xs now I carn't remember was it a 750 or 850 but it was a triple, it lasted well without to many problems.