Yamaha XZ400 opinions

[Steam]

So, there's this Yamaha XZ400, 1987, for sale, that has done only 3000kms.
Sounds good, looks good, but I read from a search of Kiwibiker that XZ400s have the shonkiest electrics since... um, the dinosaurs. And they didn't even HAVE electrics. Being dinosaurs, y'know?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=88152863

So waddya think?

[Eurodave]

XZ400's, ya need to DROP the motor just to adjust the valve clearances...... WTF???

[Crazy Steve]

Starter motor broke..

Started push starting it...Cam shaft broke in Half..

Lots of them did the same thing..

Also 150kph MAX...:gob:

And absoulte JOKE of a bike...

Crazy Steve..

[Holy Roller]

I used to have to push start mine nearly every time. Living on a hill helped on colder mornings. Once warm it crash started easy. Apart from that it was a great commuting bike for Auckland. Even did trips down to Rotorua and Waitomo 2up on it. Maybe thats why the Mrs is not keen to venture out on the bike with me anymore. Sold it after my headon just out of Matamata on it. I did not need it as my new job had a company van. This bike sold me on shaft drives.

[Steam]

Well, three answers and I think that question is well answered. Not for me then!
Thanks guys

[elle-f]

Yep I can also attest to the starter motor being crap. I owned one exactly like the one in the pic - same colour etc in the 80s/early 90s and what a piece of crap although I loved it at the time.....won't ever get another though!

[What?]

Yep I can also attest to the starter motor being crap.

The starter motor was a perfect match for the rest of the bike.
You have made the correct decision, Steam.

[nudemetalz]

XZ400's, ya need to DROP the motor just to adjust the valve clearances...... WTF???

Damn !! and they look like a big heavy motor too.

The 400 is quite heavy (being a 550 basically) at 190-200kg's

[roadracingoldfart]

Those pigs have got the worst carb set up ever invented on a bike and to set them up evenly is a joke . --- no i take that back its not possible at all.
Every crayfish pot should have one to keep it in place on the ocean floor.

[zadok]

I had the 550. I can attest to the electrical problem. If it wasn't for that, I considered it a good bike actually.

[Eddieb]

Exhausts pipes & mufflers rust out quicker than a quick thing. I don't think I've ever seen one with an unrepaired original exhaust. Mine rapidly developed a hole about 6cm long near the sidestand which was a bugger to fix as the metal was so brittle.

[F5 Dave]

Well known as the worst bike Yamaha made in the 80s. But no one has mentioned what a lemon they were to ride. I rode a friends when it was new. I didn't have the heart to tell her what I really thought of that steaming pile of poo.

I think I was just merely rude about it, but it wasn't may fault, it was the shock of how slow it was & just everything. A friend put a holding on buying a new one, but wisely relented. The FT500 he bought was a better bike. Hard to believe but true.


. . . Anyway. . . a mate is trying to sell his soon. Any offers?
As a salesman I'd lose a lot of weight & have to walk to work.