First timer here! Just need some tips please :)

[stic]

Hello I have just baught a ZX400 L5, with 26k on the clock. (UK Spec) Its been run to and from work by a mate for approx 6 months over the summer, and the last 2 weeks before I baught it so I know its a good runner. Now, I need a little help with more detailed stuff, as I have not got the best track record with luck on cars! (Always seem to buy them cheap, then they break!!)

I am a bit of a noobie when it comes to bikes as I have mainly worked on cars. I know most of the basics when it comes down to it, the chain and sprocket are good, clutch is good, brakes front and rear are good, fork seals have been recently done and such like. However, I have been told that ZXR400's are renoud for some things, like their headgaskets and cam chains, especially around the 20-30k mark regarding the headgasket. (With mine being at 26k, and me not knowing what exactly to look for, I was a little hesitant to buy, but with all the little extras and price reduction I got (needs new rear tyre, rear pads etc...and a good clean) I decided it was worth a shot!!!)

So, I was just curious if any of you wise fellows had an input on this area, as in what would be the best thing to do with my new purchase? Specifically, whats the tell tail for a gasket going? (If it is?) What other areas should I look out for on it? Just a random burst of any knoweldge, past or present that I can look out for, since I want to keep her for a while

Just want to add, on history there is evidence of "a" gasket being replaced (cost £7 odd?) approx 6k miles ago. However I am not sure what gasket this was, thought it might be head gasket tho not sure. I know it wasnt exhaust gaskets as thats on their too Any help would be greatly apreciated! Thanks in advance,

Nick

[arkell]

headgasket look for brown coloured coolant in the expansion bottle, and emulsified oil in the sight glass, also the coolant level will prob drop (mine went a couple of months back and these were the symptons!)

[RedexRobB]

a genuine head gasket is approx 20 quid so might be something else? Apart from the noise the top end gives half the time and the clutch rattle which are all norrmal, just ride the thing

If anything gets significantly louder than normal then you might have a problem.

[masterofinsanity]

headgasket look for brown coloured coolant in the expansion bottle,

not to be confused with lack of antifreeze in your coolant, if the previous owner has used only water then it will be brown from rusting parts anyway.

[stic]

Thanks for the input guys. I will keep on top of things as I did with my old Mini (forever needing parts!!) At the moment she is running fine, tho as I have yet to pass my test so I cant ride it around properally yet. I thought it wise to get clued up first, just in case. I will check the coolant wehn im home next, never thought about checking for an oily residue tho! Thanks again guys

[RedexRobB]

Note that its normal to get a creamy residue on the bottom of the oil cap, its if the oil inside has gone a creamy shade you really need to worry.