So Many XR's to choose from ??

[XR Boris]

Hi All

My first post here, this looks like a good forum so I'm hoping some of you experienced XR owners can give me a few pointers.

Currently I don't own a bike but have been riding since I was 12 or so but not for the last few years and want to get back into it, I have decided on an XR 400R but need some tips on the best year models and anything to look out for when buying a used XR.

eg:stiff notchy controls, leaks, odd engine noises, evidence of overheating, excessive wear etc

Currently you can get a very good low klm XR400R stocker for about $3500 - $5000 AU

Thanks for any help in advance

XR Boris

[PaulXR400]

Hi

XR400 are just about bullet proof. Mine is a 2003 model with 4000klm on the clock. The main thing to look out for is has the bike been looked after. ie has it been serviced regularly and correctly. Apart from that you should have no problem apart from the general external condition of the bike.

Cheers

[Tony]

Swinging arm bolts have a habit of seizing in the engine casings. Loads of stories on other forums regaring the removal of the bolts.

It was not untill afterI bought an XR400 that i found about this problem. I tried the bolt, and yes it is solid.

I have been regually feeding freeing oil between the engine and swing arm and will have a go at removing it when the bearings need replacing.

[dazzerrtw]

Buy one that has not been supermotored ,These tend to have been Nailed from the word go.

The XR400 engine should be good for many a thousand mile without having to replace anything in it.

change the oil every 1000 miles and the oil filter every other time and check the tappet's every 6000 mile's and that's about all you should need to do.

One other tip ...remove the head stock bearing's and pack them with High melting point grease and they will last a lot longer,with out this the heat from the oil cooler tend's the dry the bearings out causing them not to last to long.

Hope this Help's

[XR Boris]

Thanks Guys

All very helpful, a couple of questions though.

Can you check if the swing arm bolts are seized before you buy one without actually undoing the securing nut, will they have squeeky or grinding sounds etc.. or is it that the bearings still operate but the bolt is seized in the crankcase ??

I read somewhere that some change there oil every 5000k, why the 1000k frequency ?? seems like a lot, Are XR's hard on the oil or is it just dirt bikes in general

Thanks
XR Boris

[walesxr]

Can you check if the swing arm bolts are seized before you buy one without actually undoing the securing nut,

No, but if you were serious about buying a particular bike, then I'm sure that the seller would allow you to check this. All what you need to do is loosen the nut and then see if you can turn the head of the bolt which is on the opposite side of the swinging arm.

As for oil changes, changing the engine oil is one of the best things that you can do to any engine and as they only hold 1.8 L of oil it will not break the bank changing the oil.

[XR Mad]

Thanks Guys

All very helpful, a couple of questions though.

Can you check if the swing arm bolts are seized before you buy one without actually undoing the securing nut, will they have squeeky or grinding sounds etc.. or is it that the bearings still operate but the bolt is seized in the crankcase ??

I read somewhere that some change there oil every 5000k, why the 1000k frequency ?? seems like a lot, Are XR's hard on the oil or is it just dirt bikes in general

Thanks
XR Boris

The handbook actually recomends changing the oil and filter every 1000Km or 600miles the filter cost's less than £4 and as said above you only need 1.8l of oil so it's not an exspensive job