Getting the most out of the 400 part 2

[Matty]

Following on from Phil’s post.
My 400 is currently for sale, as I have to use it more and more on the road getting to work and back.
But after going out on it over the weekend I want to keep it.

So how to make it more road friendly but still able to do some off road.

Ideas so far

Headlight
Upgrade the stator but as the light beam pattern is still poor was thinking of this.

XR Stuff Trail tech headlight

Change the gearing, what’s best for the right balance on/off road.

Bigger tank IMS 15lt

Seat anyone made theior’s a bit more comfy

Revcouter to keep an eye on those revs.

Am I barking up the wrong tree any ideas welcome?

[phil w]

I rekon at the mo my gearing is far better than 15/45 standard. Im using, for off road 14/42 and although the same ratio it is far better, why I dont know. I have shortened the chain for this and I have a spare wheel with a 40 t rear on and with the chain length as it is a 16 front for road is about as good as its goin to get I think.
XRmad Fred summed it up with the roads you are riding they all get boring on A roads. Also Cabbages DR350 is noticeably better when riding on road, I guess it because its a bit softer in tune and has a 6 speed box

Really do consider a 14/42 its great
The rest of the stuff Im also wanting to know about
That light looks good though in the cheaper 70w variety
As for the seat, I got a spare cheap and had it recovered for road rides but it hasnt been done great. What I would have done is in the same way the corbin looks for the DRZ 400s which is sort of spoon shaped ,when looking from above, to give a wider arse sitting base

[Jeff Kirby]

Have been following the threads on here recently - just bought an XR400. (Phil we rode on the HUMM this year - after hearing your comments on the XR I found a decent model and thought why not), anyway, the infor you guys are putting up is great. Getting the bike MoT'd tomorrow (hopefully) and will then be looking to ride and see what I can play with (regards improvements).
Haven't had much of a ride yet so am looking forward to getting on some lanes this weekend.
Keep posting the data - its invaluable!

[crustydemon69]

Matty,if you decide to sell the XR again,give me a shout...

cheers

phil

[phil w]

Have been following the threads on here recently - just bought an XR400. (Phil we rode on the HUMM this year - after hearing your comments on the XR I found a decent model and thought why not), anyway, the infor you guys are putting up is great. Getting the bike MoT'd tomorrow (hopefully) and will then be looking to ride and see what I can play with (regards improvements).
Haven't had much of a ride yet so am looking forward to getting on some lanes this weekend.
Keep posting the data - its invaluable!

Lookin forward to seeing it Jeff Be careful they become infectious

[Matty]

makes a interesting read for upgrading the lights


XR 400 stator - ThumperTalk

[Matty]

so is this a bad idea.

ACERBIS DIAMOND Headlight - HEADLIGHTS - PLASTICS

[Matty]

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Have gone for a 43 rear sprocket this means it will sit happly at 60 and is still ok for most of my offroad
If I am going for the more tricky stuff I will carry a 14t front.

Big tank, I am still not sure about this as it feel to big but will give it a go and it does mean I can go out without worrying where the next petrol station is.

Headlight wow what a difference I can see.

[phil w]

[img][/img] [img][/img]

Have gone for a 43 rear sprocket this means it will sit happly at 60 and is still ok for most of my offroad
If I am going for the more tricky stuff I will carry a 14t front.

Big tank, I am still not sure about this as it feel to big but will give it a go and it does mean I can go out without worrying where the next petrol station is.

Headlight wow what a difference I can see.

If you dont like the big look get a Clarke tank XRmad Fred has one and it doesnt look so much differance than standard

[jasonbc]

If you dont like the big look get a Clarke tank XRmad Fred has one and it doesnt look so much differance than standard

This my bike with the Clarke 3.8 gallon tank fitted £130 from www.cyclebuy.com in SAn Fransisco