As I said in my new user intro, I am the new owner of an old bike - a 1977 IT400D. While it was an incredible bike from the factory, there are things I'd like to do to it that are probably a little unconventional but not horrific. Using the concept of "OEM +" (using components from other years/models from the same manufacturer to upgrade performance and/or appearance).

From a purely aesthetic point, I like the 1976 IT400 more than any of the others in the IT series. I know the gas tank on the '76 model uses the "pucks" for a front mount and has the hole at the back to mount it to the frame at the rear so it definitely isn't a direct fit. It would be awesome to have a tank with the shape of the '76 that would mount on the '77-'78 frame. Even more awesome would be one made of aluminum so that it would still be lightweight but wouldn't have the aging issues of a plastic tank. Sadly, this would be a ridiculously expensive thing to do because it would be a 1-off.

Also from the 1976 IT400 (or the mid 70's TY series) I like the look of the chrome headlight trim ring with the bars to protect the headlight lens. Not sure if it would just swap onto the '77 headlight bucket or if I would have to swap the bucket out too. Does anyone have both bikes available to do a check fit?

Another thing I like the looks of is the gold anodized rims of the 1982 IT and YZ models. Rather than anodizing I think CERAKOTE would be a much better way to go due to the durability and inconsistency in colors from anodizing.

Enough for the aesthetics part of this discussion.

I want to add the brake light function and possibly turn indicators and horn for street legality. I figured getting the controls from an XT or DT would be the easiest way to accomplish this because the brake light switch, turn signal switch and horn button would already all be in place. As far as the electrical system, my understanding is that there isn't enough power to run the additional lights with the original magneto. That can be overcome by installing a voltage regulator and using LED bulbs vs. incandescent. Another option I've seen done was to add a stand-alone rechargeable battery to operate the brake light and turn signal lights. If anyone has experience with doing any of this I'd love to hear your thoughts and/or suggestions.

Another thing I've contemplated would be to exchange the monoshock from a 1982 YZ400 with the remote oil reservoir. I don't know if this is possible because of the dimensions. Has anyone tried it? The other option that would accomplish the same thing might be to utilize a complete '82 YZ400 frame but there would most likely be engine mounting issues on top of everything else. At that point, why not just buy a 1982 YZ400 and add another coil to the magneto to run lights...? I've ridden a YZ400 very little but don't believe it would be as compatible on the trail as an IT or DT due to gearing and tuning differences.

But first, I just need to get this thing running reliably and leave all the modding in my head!