Yamaha YZ400F - Page 9

FastDoc · 04-03-2012, 12:21 PM

I have on order reproduction original decals.

With the new plastic and original decals, and when I touch up the wear on the frame this old bike should look as good as it runs. 8)

Seems I can never just leave an old bike old, huh? :roll:

Weldangrind · 04-03-2012, 03:20 PM

That's hardly an old bike!

FastDoc · 04-03-2012, 03:29 PM

Not compared to my Rats but it is 4 generations old in the YZ lineage.

FastDoc · 04-16-2012, 10:34 AM

The NOS YZF450 decals are in.

As soon as I'm moved in to the new house enough to get to the bike I'll put them on... :roll:

pete · 05-11-2012, 11:38 AM

Doc....

How meany hours are you getting out of the YZ engine
between rebuilds ? 120hrs?

That's whats putting me off a WR/KTM/Husky
I would be rebuilding the motor ever 3 months..

FastDoc · 05-11-2012, 12:03 PM

Good question.

Mine has never been rebuilt. The original owner I bought it from only rode it a few times over its first 3 years. It's a 1998 and the last time it had a green sticker was 2001. It sat in his garage about a decade when he started riding it again. He apparantly had a significant scare that endangered his health and sold it to me. :wink:

I have no idea how many hours are on it but not too many.

It is on it's original front tire and the back has been replaced once.

The early (stainless steel valved) YZ's and WR's are quite long lived and reliable. They are not nearly as high strung as the Hondas and last longer.

Some say because the YZ400 was the first 4 stroke motocross racer Yamaha overbuilt them for reliability, lest the 'movement' be a bust by a poor introduction. Makes some sense to me. :idea:

In any event people on the Thumper Talk forum report many original YZ/WR400's running strong that have never been rebuilt. I'm not saying it's like an XR but it ain't bad. :wink:

The KTM has a reputation for being the most long lived 4 stroke, the WR/YZ's after that, a close third would be the KZ's. Honda and Suzuki are reported to be the most likely to explode, especially the Honda. Note also the WR's are more mildly tuned than the YZ's and although heavier and less powerful are likely more relaible by a small margin.

Also note this applies ONLY to trail ridden bikes. A racer can blow up anything in short order. :roll:

Stay away from titanium valves if you can.

FastDoc · 05-11-2012, 06:24 PM

BTW I just installed what appears to be a very nice hour meter I bought from eBay from somewhere in China for 99 cents. $10 for shipping but even so not bad. :wink:

Easy install. A couple zip ties and wrap an inductive lead arounf the spark plug cable and you're done. It is self powered and appears rugged and waterproof. :P

Will post pics for anyone interested when I get a chance.

pete · 05-11-2012, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

BTW I just installed what appears to be a very nice hour meter I bought from eBay from somewhere in China for 99 cents. $10 for shipping but even so not bad. :wink:

Easy install. A couple zip ties and wrap an inductive lead arounf the spark plug cable and you're done. It is self powered and appears rugged and waterproof. :P

Will post pics for anyone interested when I get a chance.

I got one...
little square things with the rev counter in them as well ..
Hour meter's good.. But the rev counter has a refresh rate way to slow for a motor thats changeing its revs all the time..

FastDoc · 05-12-2012, 12:35 AM

Mine is just an hour meter.

Weldangrind · 05-12-2012, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Mine is just an hour meter.

Yes, please show us.

SpudRider · 05-12-2012, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Quote:

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Mine is just an hour meter.

Yes, please show us.

X2.

Spud

pete · 05-12-2012, 06:05 AM

This is what mine is,,
hour meters good..tacho a waist of time

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDk3WDU5OA==/$(KGrHqJ,!qwE-Yzs6C)KBPn-Qc03q!~~60_1.JPG

FastDoc · 05-12-2012, 12:09 PM

Will do.

I am fairly settled in the new house and I have the garage up, organized, and operational. It is not as luxurious as my last garage (which was 4 3/4 cars) at only 3 cars now but it is functional.

Next step is an epoxy or similar floor and about a million watts of light.

It isinsulated, finished sheet rocked, heated and A/C though. 8)

Weldangrind · 05-12-2012, 10:21 PM

"only three cars."

That bears repeating.

katoranger · 05-16-2012, 01:43 PM

I felt comfortable in my lean to.

04-03-2012, 12:21 PM	#121
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	I have on order reproduction original decals. With the new plastic and original decals, and when I touch up the wear on the frame this old bike should look as good as it runs. 8) Seems I can never just leave an old bike old, huh? :roll: __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

04-03-2012, 03:20 PM	#122
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	That's hardly an old bike! __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

04-03-2012, 03:29 PM	#123
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Not compared to my Rats but it is 4 generations old in the YZ lineage. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

04-16-2012, 10:34 AM	#124
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	The NOS YZF450 decals are in. As soon as I'm moved in to the new house enough to get to the bike I'll put them on... :roll: __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

05-11-2012, 11:38 AM	#125
pete Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: ChCh , NZ Posts: 2,261	Doc.... How meany hours are you getting out of the YZ engine between rebuilds ? 120hrs? That's whats putting me off a WR/KTM/Husky I would be rebuilding the motor ever 3 months.. __________________ 09 XT660R ... 06 TTR250 ... 80 Montesa H6 125 Enduro... 77 Montesa Cota 348 MRR "Malcom Rathnell Replica"... Current resto projects.. 81 Honda CT110... 80 Kawasaki KL250A1... 11 Husaburg TE125 enduro... "sold" along with another 31... Lifan 125 Pitbike.. "stolen" ... KIWI BIKER FORUM...... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/content.php All the best offroad rides in NZ... http://www.remotemoto.com/ E-mail... xtpete1@gmail.com
	0

05-11-2012, 12:03 PM	#126
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Good question. Mine has never been rebuilt. The original owner I bought it from only rode it a few times over its first 3 years. It's a 1998 and the last time it had a green sticker was 2001. It sat in his garage about a decade when he started riding it again. He apparantly had a significant scare that endangered his health and sold it to me. :wink: I have no idea how many hours are on it but not too many. It is on it's original front tire and the back has been replaced once. The early (stainless steel valved) YZ's and WR's are quite long lived and reliable. They are not nearly as high strung as the Hondas and last longer. Some say because the YZ400 was the first 4 stroke motocross racer Yamaha overbuilt them for reliability, lest the 'movement' be a bust by a poor introduction. Makes some sense to me. :idea: In any event people on the Thumper Talk forum report many original YZ/WR400's running strong that have never been rebuilt. I'm not saying it's like an XR but it ain't bad. :wink: The KTM has a reputation for being the most long lived 4 stroke, the WR/YZ's after that, a close third would be the KZ's. Honda and Suzuki are reported to be the most likely to explode, especially the Honda. Note also the WR's are more mildly tuned than the YZ's and although heavier and less powerful are likely more relaible by a small margin. Also note this applies ONLY to trail ridden bikes. A racer can blow up anything in short order. :roll: Stay away from titanium valves if you can. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

05-11-2012, 06:24 PM	#127
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	BTW I just installed what appears to be a very nice hour meter I bought from eBay from somewhere in China for 99 cents. $10 for shipping but even so not bad. :wink: Easy install. A couple zip ties and wrap an inductive lead arounf the spark plug cable and you're done. It is self powered and appears rugged and waterproof. :P Will post pics for anyone interested when I get a chance. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

05-12-2012, 12:35 AM	#129
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Mine is just an hour meter. __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

05-12-2012, 06:05 AM	#132
pete Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: ChCh , NZ Posts: 2,261	This is what mine is,, hour meters good..tacho a waist of time http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDk3WDU5OA==/$(KGrHqJ,!qwE-Yzs6C)KBPn-Qc03q!~~60_1.JPG __________________ 09 XT660R ... 06 TTR250 ... 80 Montesa H6 125 Enduro... 77 Montesa Cota 348 MRR "Malcom Rathnell Replica"... Current resto projects.. 81 Honda CT110... 80 Kawasaki KL250A1... 11 Husaburg TE125 enduro... "sold" along with another 31... Lifan 125 Pitbike.. "stolen" ... KIWI BIKER FORUM...... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/content.php All the best offroad rides in NZ... http://www.remotemoto.com/ E-mail... xtpete1@gmail.com
	0

05-12-2012, 12:09 PM	#133
FastDoc Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Southeastern Washington desert Posts: 14,761	Will do. I am fairly settled in the new house and I have the garage up, organized, and operational. It is not as luxurious as my last garage (which was 4 3/4 cars) at only 3 cars now but it is functional. Next step is an epoxy or similar floor and about a million watts of light. It isinsulated, finished sheet rocked, heated and A/C though. 8) __________________ Happy to serve.
	0

05-12-2012, 10:21 PM	#134
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	"only three cars." That bears repeating. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

05-16-2012, 01:43 PM	#135
katoranger Join Date: May 2007 Location: Altamont, Kansas Posts: 15,103	I felt comfortable in my lean to. __________________ You meet the nicest people on a Honda Clone.
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