Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
XR400 oil capacity? XR400 oil capacity?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Jul 2007
pottsy's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: london, uk.
Posts: 360
XR400 oil capacity?
Just a general query! I realise that the XR range of engines is of the semi-competition type i.e. small oil capacity thus light weight, but requiring very regular changes. But as the XR400 has an oil-cooler the capacity must be (slightly) larger, so is the oil-change interval greater? Just trying to figure if the XR400 lump is more suitable for longer road trips.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Perth
Posts: 263
Oil capacity is quite a bit 1.8 - 2 litres and a lot more than the likes of a CRF.

I don't think you need to change the oil for a few thousand miles (also spark plug).Honda recommend 30 days of operation or 1000 miles. (must be slow doing 1000 miles in a month)
Burning fuel with a standard tank may be the only thing holding you back.
Valves are also 1000 miles and can be a pain to adjust

Pretty unburstable and many go RTW on the 250
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
I've done over 20,000 miles on my 03 reg XR400R now...

I've changed the oil and filter every 1,000 miles - although you can stretch this a little with no real ill effects - in Morocco last year I did around 1500+ before a change.

The book says 1.9 litre oil capacity with a filter change - although this doesn't show very high on the dipstick, so I've always put in 2.0 litres with a new filter and it's been fine.

In reply to Martync's comments - the 30 days/1000 miles recommendation is Honda presuming the bike is being used for competition style riding (weekend play/enduro events etc) - But it's not either or - you can't ride it for 30 days if you're doing 200 miles a day for example, basically you should change the oil at 1000 miles whether you do it in a day or a month. It's especially important in hot climates and hard/off-road conditions, as the air-cooled motor will work the oil harder.

Also, the valves are straightforward once you find TDC - again the service schedule in the handbook is based on competition riding - when ridden at trail speeds/revs, I've just needed to check and adjust the valves once a year (my local mechanic recommend that) and it's been fine...

xxx
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Aug 2007
pottsy's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: london, uk.
Posts: 360
Cheers JMo (+Piglet),i've only had experience of the 250 (in Thailand) so the 400 info is much appreciated. Have you done any touring on said beast, if so how does the subframe hold up? Reason i ask is that on my return to the UK next year - poss bikeless - i'll poss be looking at an xr4 as they're relatively plentiful here.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Aug 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
Hi Pottsy - I've not really toured as such on the XR400 - only travelled light with a rucksack and creditcard...

The seat subframe is steel (unlike the 650 which is alloy), but is still relatively lightweight - I bent mine after a big 'off' jumping dunes in Morocco last year - not badly, but it need straightening with a big chunk of 2x2 wood when I got home.

The handbook says the maximum load is 100Kg, so you can't really load it up with much - although XR's Only do a billet aluminium rack for both the XR250/400 and 650R - which would take a tailpack or tent etc. I imagine.

I'd also thing that lightly loaded soft bags/panniers would be ok, but the seat subframe is only held on with 3x M6 bolts - I think you would be wise to beef up the mountings and use bigger bolts - I think Overland Solutions might be able to help with that sort of thing?

xxx
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 4 Aug 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Portalegre,Alentejo,Portugal
Posts: 71
I change the oil on my XRs after every 20 hours of use and filter every other change. This is for 90% off-road work so you could easily go far longer without a problem. Valves just when they need doing, which isn't that often really and it's very simple to do. The subframes are rubbish as are the OE handlebars but everything else is super tough and very reliable. I use a 15 litre tank which easily gives 220km+ range in the dirt. With a few small mods the 400 should do you nicely Pottsy.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
XT600E engine oil level bogweasel Yamaha Tech 10 14 Jan 2011 21:29
XR400 blowing oil out of crankcase....HELP!!!! davidlomax Honda Tech 2 8 Jul 2007 04:48
LC4 625 SXC oil capacity michal4 KTM Tech 1 4 Jul 2007 21:26
Oil level after oil/filter change XTfubar Yamaha Tech 3 21 Apr 2007 18:14

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 07:36.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top