1982 XS400 "Simply Driven"

1982 Yamaha XS400:

Our winter 2025-2026 project bike is nearly done!  Its a simple, bare-bones Yamaha XS400 we built to experiment with fabricating a monoshock conversion.  We used rod ends on the hoop connected at the same location as the original dual shock lower mounts to provide some adjustability and incorporated a turnbuckle connector arrangement for the same adjustability reasons.  The shock is a used Yamaha OEM model.  So far, the suspension travel and feel seem to be just about right.  

The frame and engine are 1982 but the tank is from a 1977 XS400.  We used an Antigravity AG801 lithium battery located where the center stand would have been and we put a Motogadget mo.unit basic and a Rick's lithium-compatible regulator/rectifier under the tank to maintain a clean look.  We fabricated a new and shorter seat frame to give the bike a compact stance.  We left tool marks on the frame and just clear coated it in keeping with the bare bones theme.

Mikuni VM32s are in place of the stock CV carbs and Bridgestone Battlax AX41 tires are on the stock rims.  The bike is ready for startup and test riding which we'll do when it warms up a bit more.  And like our other builds, we'll be taking it to the Vintage Bike Night at The 101 in Milford on a nice Wednesday evening.  Hope to see you there!