Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Does anyone know why if the bike starts up runs fine but when it is put into gear it just dies what can be worng any help would be great thanks

Is the kickstand down? Check the kickstand interlock switch.


Basically it's a little switch that will kill the bike if you try to put it in gear with the stand down. The switch could be stuck or malfunctioning.

I don't think the old XS400s were equipped with a kickstand switch. I know the old '79 model I used to ride would gladly let you take off with the kickstand down. Of course they might have added one by '81, so it's worth a look.

Does the bike lurch forward a bit when it dies? If so, this could be a clutch or cable adjustment problem.

See about the clutch switch.