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1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

  1. #1
    KB KB's Avatar
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    1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    I have procured a 1978 Yamaha xs400 from a nice guy on here mongoose. For FREE. I put a battery in it, some fresh gas, pulled the choke, my dink, and hit the button and viola', it fired up. I put a plate on it and the rest is history.

    I am pumped cuz this was the first bike I ever owned when I was in high school. Now I have another one, free none the less. She's not pretty but it runs and drives mint for a 78.

    So anyways the first thing is to put some new straightish bars on it as to make it a little more sporty. I would like to MAD MAX the thing out. It's all rusted out and rat looking which I want to keep. I have found a place for a "cafe" style tail, but nowhere for the mad max looking front light kit. So let me know if any of you have the hookup!!!

    Thanks again mongoose!!

    KB

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  2. #2
    Kosher Assassin Stoneman's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by rmbbikes View Post
    She's not pretty
    Bwaaaa haaaaa haaaaa!!! You can say that again!!! Looks like a bag of smashed assholes!!!


    How was that 'passing shower'?

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    Did you grit your teeth and try to look like Clint Fuckin' Eastwood?
    Or did you lisp it all hangfisted like a fuckin' flower?

  3. #3
    Just Registered KillBill's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build


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  4. #4
    KB KB's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by KillBill View Post
    Ok ok I'll post some pics tonight of this shitter.

    It's a true "rat" bike!!!

    KB

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  5. #5
    Lifer JohnnyV's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    I may have some parts from my old xs400 kicking around that I'd let you have. I know I have a brand new rear sprocket, possibly some other odds and ends.

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  6. #6
    Just Registered KillBill's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    I would love a "Rat" bike

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  7. #7
    KB KB's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by 02Telefonica View Post
    I may have some parts from my old xs400 kicking around that I'd let you have. I know I have a brand new rear sprocket, possibly some other odds and ends.
    I'll take whatever you have!!!

    KB

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  8. #8
    Lifer Evil_Weasel's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    dude, that's sweet. as soon as my hawk is gone the next order of business is to procure a cafe racer project for myself....though i'm looking to avoid the "rat bike" look.

    i just got my chaparral 08 catolg in the mail. they have almost everything you could need. all sorts of lower bar options, bikini fairings, lots of differant headlights, old school megaphone exhausts....etc.

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  9. #9
    Lifer JohnnyV's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Yea I just pulled my 60's CB160 out of the basement after roughly 8 years of neglect and decided to get her running again. Already has the cafe look to it too... just needs a few minor changes.
    Looks just like this...

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  10. #10
    KB KB's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    I just put some dirt bike bars on it. I'll get pics soon.

    KB

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  11. #11
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by 02Telefonica View Post
    Yea I just pulled my 60's CB160 out of the basement after roughly 8 years of neglect and decided to get her running again. Already has the cafe look to it too... just needs a few minor changes.
    Looks just like this...
    that thing's pretty sweet

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  12. #12
    KB KB's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Ok lemme try this picture thing.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build-dscn0639-jpg  

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  13. #13
    KB KB's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    oh shit I made a picture appear. This thing is an aboslute hoot to ride. I think I may saftey wire it and ride it in P-Twins or the vintage races.

    KB

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  14. #14
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by rmbbikes View Post
    oh shit I made a picture appear. This thing is an aboslute hoot to ride. I think I may saftey wire it and ride it in P-Twins or the vintage races.

    KB
    I will be very, very proud of you if you beat an EX500 on that thing.

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  15. #15
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by highsider View Post
    I will be very, very proud of you if you beat an EX500 on that thing.

    Whoa look who come outof the Sherrif's school.

    What's up? So are you called "Sherrif" now?

    KB

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  16. #16
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    needs clip-ons,

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  17. #17
    KB KB's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by OreoGitorio View Post
    needs clip-ons
    Yeah for now the free dirt bike bars will do!

    KB

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  18. #18
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by rmbbikes View Post
    Whoa look who come outof the Sherrif's school.

    What's up? So are you called "Sherrif" now?

    KB

    Sheriff's school? Who the fuck told you I was a sheriff?

    I prefer "Ocifer Buh....Buh....awfuckit I can't pronounce that."


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  19. #19
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Time to put on my sandals, wife beater and backwards hat. I'm off for a ride!

    KB

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  20. #20
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by highsider View Post
    Sheriff's school? Who the fuck told you I was a sheriff?

    I prefer "Ocifer Buh....Buh....awfuckit I can't pronounce that."


    Ocifer sheriff whatever. Same fuckin thing.

    KB

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  21. #21
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by rmbbikes View Post
    Ocifer sheriff whatever. Same fuckin thing.

    KB

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  22. #22
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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  23. #23
    Lifer burnham's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    I think I have the headlight plastics for a Hawk GT if you're looking for something like that.

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  24. #24
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by rmbbikes View Post
    I think I may saftey wire it and ride it in P-Twins
    Nope, I see a performance enhancing aftermarket exhaust on that bike, it's too fast.

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  25. #25
    Lifer Evil_Weasel's Avatar
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    Re: 1978 Yamaha XS400 cafe racer build

    Quote Originally Posted by Kurlon View Post
    Nope, I see a performance enhancing aftermarket exhaust on that bike, it's too fast.



    sweet bike KB.

    can't wait to find mine

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