XR 400 models.

[AnGarrek]

I'm in the process of looking for a XR 400 but I could use a few pointers on the various specs/model years.

I gather the Red model is the preferable bike, but this will be my 1st 4 stroke after years of 2 strokes and I'm not really 100% clued up on the XR range and the differences between them, so any advice on which model/year and why would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[jasonbc]

I'm in the process of looking for a XR 400 but I could use a few pointers on the various specs/model years.

I gather the Red model is the preferable bike, but this will be my 1st 4 stroke after years of 2 strokes and I'm not really 100% clued up on the XR range and the differences between them, so any advice on which model/year and why would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Are you from Angarreck by Hayle?? not heard of any preferences for red ones or red ones being better, although mine is red. Condition and how well it's been looked after is more important than age or colour the xr400 didn't really change from when it went into production until they dropped it. There was slight changes to switchgears and suspension internals but the motors are mainly the same

[phil w]

I have an old TBM somewhere that had a write up on the mighty XR, only seem to remember pre 99 XRs could snap the kickstart and was subsequently beefed up after that. I think thats the year they changed from white to red

[AnGarrek]

Are you from Angarreck by Hayle??

Nope, Roche

Now it's been mentioned, I do recall reading something about the kick start issue so that could be a bargaining point on an older bike, I assume it's easy enough to update this yourself with a newer kickstart shaft ?

I've spotted a 99 on a T with a broken cam chain advertised locally, so I'm hoping to pop down in the morning for a look to see if it's worth repairing.(pending a parts quote from Dameralls)

Have any of you guys had any experience with either Hotcams or Hotrods ?

[phil w]

With hotcam you lose the decompression facility I think

[AnGarrek]

The bike has covered 5343 kms and one of the cam chain tensioners failed and has bent up the exhaust valves.

He's listed a cam chain, tensioner, front & rear cam chain guides, 2 exhaust valves and some gaskets in order to repair the damage, but the bike has been running a stage 1 Hotcam and a Hotrods con rod.
If it all adds up financially I'm wondering if I should budget for a standard cam to fit instead ?

I've read jasonbc's thread involving the damage to his XR engine which was cammed up, and although a couple of extra HP is always nice to have, I want a XR because they're pretty much bullet proof and I rather steer clear of anything that's going to bring me trouble in the future.

[phil w]

Is it really really cheap!!!

[jasonbc]

The bike has covered 5343 kms and one of the cam chain tensioners failed and has bent up the exhaust valves.


I've read jasonbc's thread involving the damage to his XR engine which was cammed up, and although a couple of extra HP is always nice to have, I want a XR because they're pretty much bullet proof and I rather steer clear of anything that's going to bring me trouble in the future.

STEER CLEAR OF ANYTHING THATS GOT A 440 BIG BORE OR HOTCAM IN IT. Every xr i've known with hot cam fitted has spent more time trying to start it than actually riding it. Failing that they are bullet proof and fully submersible(known through experience, unintentually). You can give these things so much punshment and they just take it unlike most modern 400's and four strokes, they require very little maintainance everything that needs to be done is so easy to do and really accessible to get at. Only down side is they are a 20 year old design and that shows in the weight, they are heavy compared to modern stuff but i don't notice that when laning only when i enduro'd it

[stretchy]

Hi Matey, I have one after riding a 125 for 4 yrs and a 250 for about a year. A nice step up and altho' I can commute on it (with a change of front sprocket) it's a bit of a brute and far more at home on the local lanes. There's little or no difference in any of the models, you'll just need to find one that's been regularly serviced. I have a '96 and is fine with one major modification, a TRX engine so is electric start (only).
Apart from it's weight, which you only notice when picking it up (which isn't too often these days) I'd say it's close to perfect for laning and suitably geared (an tyred) a good road bike. You see shiny ones going for silly money, I'm after another with a busted engine as have found another TRX lump; about 1500 is more than enough to get a good bike. Let us know how you get on................................................

[jasonbc]

Hi Matey, I have one after riding a 125 for 4 yrs and a 250 for about a year. A nice step up and altho' I can commute on it (with a change of front sprocket) it's a bit of a brute and far more at home on the local lanes. There's little or no difference in any of the models, you'll just need to find one that's been regularly serviced. I have a '96 and is fine with one major modification, a TRX engine so is electric start (only).
Apart from it's weight, which you only notice when picking it up (which isn't too often these days) I'd say it's close to perfect for laning and suitably geared (an tyred) a good road bike. You see shiny ones going for silly money, I'm after another with a busted engine as have found another TRX lump; about 1500 is more than enough to get a good bike. Let us know how you get on................................................

agree'd and theses bike do hold there money, if you see one going cheap i would question why?