XS400 muffler

I just picked up a 78 XS400 to have something while I fix the Seca and then eventually to become my wife's ride, if she develops the interest she thinks she will.

It runs, goes and stops. One thing about it, it has turndown straight pipes instead of mufflers. I'm not liking the loud.

Should I look for original mufflers, or can I just use some generic thing? Any suggestions?

 

According to the parts diagram I saw, the '78 XS400 originally came with a non-connected (i.e., no underbelly crossover pipe) 2-piece exhaust system. Separate headers and mufflers for each side. Also - the OEM mufflers are NLA (big surprise). Given that, I'd go for generic replacement mufflers that would clamp onto your headers (measure the OD first to see what size you need) and go back to your rear axle area.

 

Are there any other considerations when buying those beside the pipe size? It's really hard to tell from eBay pics, and they generally are skimpy on descriptions.

 

Not really. None of the Emgo/Mac systems are very good as far as chrome plating, good/used might be hard to find and you will probably not be leaning the XS400 that far into turns (so you will not need upswept exhausts) so it becomes more of a "buy what fits, looks good, fits your budget" kind of thing. All the "universal" exhausts/mufflers I've seen have a track in the rear where a special bolt/hanging strap can slide for mounting to a convenient frame lug. Not sure what size manifolds you have (guessing maybe 1 1/2"), but many have used new/take-off H-D exhausts at very good prices when they fit their manifolds (but you will need to come up with a mounting scheme). At least you don't have to cut off your mufflers because they are welded 1-piece units :roll: .

BTW - saw a photo of a '77 XS400 and the OEM exhaust went back to the end of the rear wheel so you can get just about any length you think looks good.

 

You could try this. http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=37880.html

 

I measured. You guessed correctly. It is an inch and a half.

eBay is full of them for $50 a pair. Nobody lists the pipe size , though.

The turnouts I have on there are about that short. I'd rather have something longer. It looks goofy on an older bike like that.

 

I saw a pic of the bike on the other thread and I see what you mean. You could use some Sportster mufflers or go to JCWhitney.com and browse the mufflers there. Quality is good and prices fair.

 

Maybe something like this: http://www.jcwhitney.com/dunstall-style ... 2u0j3#tab2

 

Or these, if 27" is a bit too long? http://www.jcwhitney.com/chrome-plated- ... c14672u0j3

 

I wound up ordering a pair of Dunstall replicas of ebay. Got them today, put them on in about a half hour. Look great and sound quieter. Fit perfect, too.

The turnouts I had were actually mufflers. The thing is, they turned out to be rusty, the baffles were almost gone and the bottoms were losing chrome big time.