GSX 400e Newbie Cafe Build

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • Swindy 84
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    GSX 400e Newbie Cafe Build

    Hi everyone! Sorry if I have posted in the wrong place but I was unable to find somewhere to introduce myself. I have just started a Cafe build on my 1983 GSX 400E and any information on improvements I can make to the engine would be great! Also I am having trouble locating a new wiring harness?? cmsnl.com doesn't seem to have one in stock for my model and I don't know if there is another model with the same harness..
    Anyway here are some pictures of my progress
    DSC_1014.jpg
    This was the start of my break down.
    It seems I have to make another post to show more photos.
    P.S My name is Chris and I am from Brisbane, QLD Australia.
  • Swindy 84

    #2
    DSC_1022.jpg
    This is a little more progress from the next day.

    Comment

    • Swindy 84

      #3
      DSC_1026.jpg
      And this is the finish of the break down.
      The frame is in the shop at the moment getting all the unwanted brackets and tabs taken off and a rear loop put on, I am also moving the rear spring brackets into a different positon.
      Unfortunately I don't have all the tools to do the frame work that's why it's in the shop BUT the guy doing the work is a bit of a Guru and can get me the Engineering Cert after the mods.

      Comment

      • steve murdoch
        Forum Guru
        Past Site Supporter
        • May 2004
        • 8491
        • St. Catharines, On.

        #4
        Welcome to the site, Chris.
        Fellow Aussie, Pete spends a lot of time in the 2 cylinder section. He MIGHT be able to help you find parts.
        His build.http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...GS450E-Rebuild
        2@ \'78 GS1000

        Comment

        • joe79

          #5
          Started to like these 400 twin's more and more. I'll be watching this build with interest

          Comment

          • Swindy 84

            #6
            Thanks Steve I will look out for him.
            I will try to keep everyone up to date as I go on.

            Comment

            • Guest

              #7
              Moving quite quickly it looks like. You should look into making your own harness. You can make it much cleaner and easier if you know what you are doing.

              Comment

              • Swindy 84

                #8
                Hi Evo-Jet, I think that making one up from scratch would be a bit much for me at this point but I did manage to find a complete one online.

                Comment

                • Charlie G
                  Forum Guru
                  Past Site Supporter
                  Super Site Supporter
                  • Feb 2009
                  • 6440
                  • Siskiyou county

                  #9


                  These 400cc plus bikes are a lot of fun to ride. I'll follow along and see what your up to. You'd get more interest if you would learn to post a picture size. Search posting pictures and should be able to find a link.

                  cg
                  sigpic
                  83 GS1100g
                  2006 Triumph Sprint ST 1050

                  Ohhhh!........Torque sweet Temptress.........always whispering.... a murmuring Siren

                  Comment

                  • Swindy 84

                    #10
                    Will do Charlie, Thanks.

                    Comment

                    • C_OUELLET

                      #11
                      Welcome! I've also got a Gsx 400 but mines an L , check my build thread out, I think someone posted a link to a great manual for our engines, may include wiring harness.

                      Comment

                      • cowboyup3371
                        Forum LongTimer
                        Past Site Supporter
                        • Apr 2010
                        • 13996
                        • In Ohio Now

                        #12
                        Most everything you can use to help with your bike can be found at Basscliff's site - http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff. It will have the service manual and other how-to instructions for items like posting pictures, carb cleaning, valve adjustments, etc.
                        Cowboy Up or Quit. - Run Free Lou and Rest in Peace

                        1981 GS550T - My First
                        1981 GS550L - My Eldest Daughter's - Now Sold
                        2007 GSF1250SA Bandit - My touring bike

                        Sit tall in the saddle Hold your head up high
                        Keep your eyes fixed where the trail meets the sky and live like you ain't afraid to die
                        and don't be scared, just enjoy your ride - Chris Ledoux, "The Ride"

                        Comment

                        • Swindy 84

                          #13
                          Hi and Thanks Cowboy, I have spent a brief time on that site and will look at it more once I and home and away from work.
                          Hi C-OUELLET I did have a look at your build and it looks as though you have had quite a bit of work to get through considering it sat for a long time in one place, not bad for $200!
                          I like the tank you have bought and would love a new one myself....ideally a fastback style or at least something close to it but Tanks seem to be few and far between here.
                          Good luck with it all and I shall continue to check in on your build!

                          Comment

                          • Swindy 84

                            #14


                            Scored a GS 450 Tank today for $165 Ozzie Dollars, not bad and much better looking then the Original.

                            Comment

                            • Swindy 84

                              #15


                              Frame has had the bits and pieces knocked, back end cut and the top rear shockie mounts cut off to be moved into a different position.

                              Comment

                              Working...