'97 Honda XR400 possible purchase

[xr400xr50r]

Hi all,
This is my 1st time at this site and it looked so good i had to register. I have a quick question for those who can answer. I am thinking about purchasing a '97 XR400 from an aquaintance at work (he's an avid rider) and am going to look at the bike this weekend. Could anyone tell me any of the inherent problems with this bike? I have read about some earlier models with tranny problems after the engine heats up. Can any of you attest to this?
Also, have read that footpegs have a tendancy to "fall off" ??
Are there any reasons (with the exception of it being an air-cooled thumper...OOPS! That's what forum this is....sorry) that you wouldn't purchase the bike if in good condition?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely

John Aldridge

 

[biker]

I have a 96 XR 400 and love it for the woods and mountains. If your thing is the mx track, this is the wrong bike for you. I haven't had any problems at all with my bike. The XR's are known for their reliability. There are some newer thumpers out that some people think are a better bike. The XR really hasn't had any major changes since 1996. Another bike to consider is the Suzuki DRZ 400, and it has an electric start, which is really nice on the thumpers.

 

[snaggleXR4]

Hey,
I have a very used '96 XR400, and a good friend of mine has a very new '97 400. Neither bike has ever missed a beat. The engines/oil run very hot, and I've given my 96's tranny a few good work outs, and never had any problems. I've read the review where they mention the tranny sucks, and they were riding on a MX track, and even admitted to giving the 400 a severe flogging.

The 96's and 97's were jetted very rich stock, 162 main, 62 pilot. My friends bike is stock except he has the airbox snorkel and muffler baffle removed. His starts great cold, but will flood out when hot if you kill it at speed. I've got an XR's Only pipe, UNI airfilter, and 160/60 jets (sea level elevation). Mine is harder to start cold, but never floods when hot if it's killed at speed. BOTH bikes, when at idle, will bog if you whack open the throttle very quickly. However, this only happens right off of idle, neither of us have yet to experience the "bog problem" while actually riding. Even when we are riding through very slow, technical stuff when you are lugging the motor.

There is ample power and torque on tap with stock gearing 15/45. From crawling over trees/stumps/rocks at 3 mph all the way to a top speed of about 85 mph. Just roll the throttle and hang on. For real tight and slow trails, I would recommend lower gearing, but you won't be disappointed with the stock gearing.

Suspension tuning per rider is a factor with any bike you ride, but XR's are not known for great suspension. I'm 6'0 190lbs., I played with the clickers a bit, and feel right at home on the stock XR suspension except on big roots that sneak up on you, and big air.

Maintenance is easy, use a good quality 4-stroke motor oil (NO automotive oils), and oil filter, and change them VERY often. Keep your air filter clean, and your intake/exhaust valves adjusted and you will be giving your bike to your great grandchildren.

Overall, I can, and do highly recommend XR400's for casual/aggressive intermediate skill riders who want a good, reliable bike, at a great price. Don't be scared by the 96-97 bug reports. Furthermore, don't be discouraged by the people who buy brand new YZF's/KTM's every year in these very forums. They are excellent performing bikes stock, but are very expensive, and in my opinion not nearly as reliable as my old, "out of date" XR.

As with any used bike, check the frame very carefully for any cracks, especially near the welds. Check the wheel and swingarm bearings by trying to rock the rear wheel side to side. There should be very little to no play. Also check the steering stem bearings by shaking the handlebars/front wheel. Check for leaky seals around the front forks and rear shock, also look for leaky gaskets around the top end of the cylinder.

Good luck with your purchase and have fun, and be safe. Wear helmet, gloves and boots at the very least. If you have any other questions, I check this forum all the time.

 

[xr400xr50r]

Snaggle,
Thanks for the comprehensive accessment. I think that I am going to buy it.
The guy is willing to "let it go" with a butt- load of new parts (some killer upper triple clamp and some sweet CR pro-tapers). the triple clamp is set up for a steering stabilizer, new clutch cable and combination clutch/comp release perch with roller bearing on the clutch lever and a braided clutch line....the rear tire is about 80% he says...he put new RED front and rear fenders (from HONDA) and a new RED/BLACK seat cover. He said that the only thing missing is the HONDA graphics on the tank....he has all the original parts and it's all still in tact...he just liked the new RED plastic better......
all of the above for $2000 and an old Remington 870 Express..
It sounds like a good deal.... I have seen them in the trader mags for quite a bit more. I will be riding it and making my decision this weekend. It seems like everything is on the up and up.

Thanks again for the review

John

 

[tstorms]

$2000 is a steal. Here in Los Angeles that bike would go for at least $3k. Those bikes are bulletproof but pretty heavy.

 

[Wolf]

If trail riding and exploring and playriding is your game the XR will do you right. I rode one for years. If you plan on hammering tracks it's still doable and can be loads of fun but don't expect too much out of it.
The price sounds good too!!
Good luck!

 

[snaggleXR4]

Hey,
Heck ya, that price is almost too cheap. I got a great deal on my very used '96 and I paid $2400!! If he's a friend and hooking you up then great. Otherwise, I would definitely give it a good ride to make sure it is mechanically sound. That price is unheard of for 400's, that I have ever seen. What's better is the extras that is included. Sounds like a great deal if it is in good shape.

I agree about the new red colors. Those stock white gas tanks will turn yellow over time, mine is real ugly. I'm thinking of getting one of the new gas tanks off of the 2000-01 bikes. Check the bike out carefully. If it looks good, rides good and sounds smooth, then buy it. Good luck.

 

[xr400xr50r]

Thanks alot for all the information and opinions.....
I told him that I want to spend at least 1 hour on the bike on the trail to see if it's in as good a shape as he says (I figure it'll only take about 5-10 minutes to know if I'm gonna plunk down the cash or not). This ain't the only bike out there but if all goes well, I probably won't be able to pass it up.
The "War Dept." says I can have it if I want, so we'll see.
Thanks again for the reviews and insight.....
I will post after the weekend.

John