Hey guys, I came across this site when looking for options to do with my xr400. I have to say that after looking though the picture thread I am starting to get reinspired to continue with the rebuild of my 02 mod. At the end of last year I broke my ankle (on my DL650) and towards the end of the healing I decided that I would give the xr a clean up. Well as I started to get into it I found a bent sub frame, so that came off and so it started. Over the past six months back at work I have had very little time to compleate it and now I have to make the choice to do the whole hog and keep the bike or just put it back together, sell it and buy a drz400.
I would like to get some feed back from others who have re built to figure out what to do. About 2 year ago I rebuilt the motor, put new piston, stage 1 cams and cam chain etc but figure it will still cost another $2000 (AUS) to complete to the standard I am after. I could sell it for $3K and put that $2k in to getting a much newer mechine with a majic button.
Coments, suggestions appreciated !!
Thanks
Chef
To rebuild or not to rebuild thats the question
Started by
Chef Gareth
, Jun 10 2012 12:44 AM
9 replies to this topic
Posted 10 June 2012 - 01:39 AM
Well, do you want the XR4 or a DRZ4? A recently rebuilt XR4 should last a long time, but a new-ish DRZ400 probably will too.
I have a XR4 and a DRZ400E. The DRZ is the better “dualsport” (better on the road) but the XR4 is better off-road IMHO. I probably would sell the DRZ before the XR since I love the ultra simple design of the XR.
I have a XR4 and a DRZ400E. The DRZ is the better “dualsport” (better on the road) but the XR4 is better off-road IMHO. I probably would sell the DRZ before the XR since I love the ultra simple design of the XR.
Posted 10 June 2012 - 03:03 AM
My first thoughts are DRZ 400. You will get a smart DRZ for 5k AUSD. You will get a smart one for 3K AUSD. I am rebuilding a few at the moment have a look at the link if you are interested.
https://www.facebook.com/CleanRebuilds
https://www.facebook.com/CleanRebuilds
Posted 10 June 2012 - 11:52 PM
I also have a DL 650 for longer trips, but want a bike to kick around with the ADV guys in the area as well as trail riding in the local forests. The more I think about it the more I think that keeping the XR would be better as they will one day be collector items. I have owned the 100 (first bike) 200 (second bike) and now the 400 so XR is in my blood. Just need to justify spending so much on a 10 yr old bike. Any more comments or advise apreciated !!
Posted 11 June 2012 - 12:52 AM
Hi,
I've been rebuilding my 96 xr4 since I done my achilles around 4 months ago. Probably spent $800 so far and am about to put it back together (spent all day trying to get the evil swing arm pivot out without success).
I too have thought about going for something with a magic button. Probably I will, but think I will keep the XR as well. I just like it and (apart from the swing arm) it's easy to work on. I even thought about going for an xr4 fitted with the button, but am also looking forward to maybe trying a different bike with newer technology.
Your call I suppose...I'd keep it, get a second bike to try for a while and if you really like it then think about ditching the XR.
Btw, I've tried all the tips for removing the swing arm pivot bolt and it wont budge. Will take it to the shop to be replaced when the bike is back together...
I've been rebuilding my 96 xr4 since I done my achilles around 4 months ago. Probably spent $800 so far and am about to put it back together (spent all day trying to get the evil swing arm pivot out without success).
I too have thought about going for something with a magic button. Probably I will, but think I will keep the XR as well. I just like it and (apart from the swing arm) it's easy to work on. I even thought about going for an xr4 fitted with the button, but am also looking forward to maybe trying a different bike with newer technology.
Your call I suppose...I'd keep it, get a second bike to try for a while and if you really like it then think about ditching the XR.
Btw, I've tried all the tips for removing the swing arm pivot bolt and it wont budge. Will take it to the shop to be replaced when the bike is back together...
Posted 11 June 2012 - 01:31 AM
Michaeb, on 11 June 2012 - 12:52 AM, said:
Hi,
I've been rebuilding my 96 xr4 since I done my achilles around 4 months ago. Probably spent $800 so far and am about to put it back together (spent all day trying to get the evil swing arm pivot out without success).
I too have thought about going for something with a magic button. Probably I will, but think I will keep the XR as well. I just like it and (apart from the swing arm) it's easy to work on. I even thought about going for an xr4 fitted with the button, but am also looking forward to maybe trying a different bike with newer technology.
Your call I suppose...I'd keep it, get a second bike to try for a while and if you really like it then think about ditching the XR.
Btw, I've tried all the tips for removing the swing arm pivot bolt and it wont budge. Will take it to the shop to be replaced when the bike is back together...
I've been rebuilding my 96 xr4 since I done my achilles around 4 months ago. Probably spent $800 so far and am about to put it back together (spent all day trying to get the evil swing arm pivot out without success).
I too have thought about going for something with a magic button. Probably I will, but think I will keep the XR as well. I just like it and (apart from the swing arm) it's easy to work on. I even thought about going for an xr4 fitted with the button, but am also looking forward to maybe trying a different bike with newer technology.
Your call I suppose...I'd keep it, get a second bike to try for a while and if you really like it then think about ditching the XR.
Btw, I've tried all the tips for removing the swing arm pivot bolt and it wont budge. Will take it to the shop to be replaced when the bike is back together...
I had the same problem with my 250 and I found a solution that worked well. It involves a large g clamp and some pipe for extra moment force and it can be done it the upright position on a stand.......if you are interested. I will post a video of the method and what I did.
Posted 11 June 2012 - 02:15 AM
GEOF, on 11 June 2012 - 01:31 AM, said:
I had the same problem with my 250 and I found a solution that worked well. It involves a large g clamp and some pipe for extra moment force and it can be done it the upright position on a stand.......if you are interested. I will post a video of the method and what I did.
Cheers Geof, would love to see it.
Posted 11 June 2012 - 02:27 AM
Cool I will Get a video up either Wednesday or Saturday. Can you wait that long? Can you get access to a big G clamp? Most industrial engineering shops will have them.
Posted 11 June 2012 - 02:37 AM
No problems....not sure about the big g clamp, have a mate who works in a metal fabrication shop so maybe, or maybe buy/hire one...
Posted 11 June 2012 - 02:41 AM
I also had a major problem with the swing arm bolt when I re built the engine. Had to take it to the mechanic, he headed it and forced it out.
I would love to have three bikes but the miss's would not be happy. The reason my rebuild will cost so much is I would upgrade the suspention and rims, other items would be powder coat of frame, new bairings, disks are gone, chain sproket, larger fuel tank etc. My last little project was on a 87 Yamaha FJ1200, bought the bike for $2k and ended up spending $10k on it. I then sold it a year later for $4.5K so I am aware that when I start to get into project I somtimes dont know when to stop. Ha Ha its all fun though !!
Chef
I would love to have three bikes but the miss's would not be happy. The reason my rebuild will cost so much is I would upgrade the suspention and rims, other items would be powder coat of frame, new bairings, disks are gone, chain sproket, larger fuel tank etc. My last little project was on a 87 Yamaha FJ1200, bought the bike for $2k and ended up spending $10k on it. I then sold it a year later for $4.5K so I am aware that when I start to get into project I somtimes dont know when to stop. Ha Ha its all fun though !!
Chef
Edited by Chef Gareth, 13 June 2012 - 07:16 PM.
