1978 Yamaha XS400 Black

A clean, ride-ready vintage Yamaha XS400.

The 1978 Yamaha XS400 is one of the sharpest little four-stroke twins of its era, and this black example is exactly what we look for when a great vintage bike comes through the shop. It’s honest, tidy, and completely reconditioned by Merriam Cycle to be ridden the day you take it home.

Specifications

ModelYamaha XS400
Year1978
Engine391cc air-cooled parallel twin
ValvesFour-valve SOHC heads
Transmission5-speed manual
StarterElectric & kick
FinishBlack, custom repaint to factory style
ConditionReconditioned and ride-ready by Merriam Cycle

A Merriam Cycle reconditioning

This XS400 landed with us as a solid, largely unmolested bike and received the full going-through we give every machine that leaves the showroom floor. It was sold by Merriam Cycle after passing through our shop.

  • Carbs rebuilt with new gaskets, floats, and jets
  • Brakes serviced front and rear with fresh shoes
  • Fuel tank cleaned, sealed, and re-lined
  • New tires and freshly trued wheels
  • Chrome and trim cleaned, polished, and detailed
  • Custom black repaint in period-correct style

Restoration & condition notes

As a smaller-displacement twin, the XS400 is an ideal first vintage motorcycle or a dependable commuter that’s still genuinely fun to wring out. Ours starts readily, runs smoothly through all five gears, and stops straight. The black repaint was laid over properly prepped metal, and the tank was lined to keep the fuel system clean for years to come. Everything non-cosmetic was addressed rather than patched, so this is a bike you can trust, not just show off.