82 XJ 1100 TCI, pickup coils, vacuum advance

[LAB3]

Here's something I've had around for a couple of years but have always been leery of trying. I've HEARD that the XJ1100 ignition can be fitted to the XS engine to replace the moving pickup coils.

Having to do all my work wherever I'm camped at, I've always been worried that something just plain won't work or a problem I didn't count on would pop up. This conversion requires drilling out the safety screws holding the timing plate and boy, if something didn't work and I had to go back to the old unit then getting everything lined back up right would be pretty daunting, at least for me back in the woods somewhere.

It'll require moving at least one conductor inside the plug that goes into the TCI and reassigning a couple of wires in the wiring harness. The vacuum advance sensor will need to be mounted and wired as well but should be as easy as 3.14159.

So anyhow, here's a snapshot of what I have. An 82 XJ1100 TCI, the pickup coils mounted on the timing plate, the proper commutator and the vacuum advance sensor. I've not personally tested any of these parts, they where eBay finds that I bought a couple of years back. I've got about $150 invested and would be happy to recoup it.

[DEEBS11]

Nice kit LAB3. The timing advance comes from the vacuum sensor which works very much like a Harley EVO advance unit. It has two time programs: retarded and advanced. Not linear like the original centrifugal advance unit but it does eliminate the broken wire issue. The hardest part of this install is making sure the wiring is perfect because you will get one chance to get it right or "Poof". However, it's not too complicated if you follow the wire schematic. I have drilled out the advance mount bolts on my bike and that is not too difficult. You replace the security bolts with cap screws.

[DEEBS11]

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[DEEBS11]

I enhanced the picture. I hope it helps.

[DEEBS11]

Beware of false info on this device on the XJ4EVER web site. The author does not understand the equipment fully. The system certainly has a vacuum switch to advance the timing electronically when the RPM's increase.

[DEEBS11]

Here is the "non-existent" vacuum advance switch. Very important part of the system. (LAB3 includes it in his kit.)

[LAB3]

I've got the pinouts for both the XS and XJ TCI unit wiring diagrams sketched out which I'll include. Basically there's one spot on both models that's left blank but they're different between the two models hence the need to swap out one wire on the TCI unit plug. I've never messed with doing anything like that which is why I shy'd away. A guy could cut the connector off and use individual off the shelf connectors for each pin. It's not a very complex task and given a better working situation such as a garage and a place to stay I'd do it. Then again, if I WAS set up that way I'd fix the second gear issue and broken exhaust studs and cylinder #2 then keep going down the road!

[LAB3]

Since it's officially a "done deal" after purchasing a 2001 Kawasaki Voyager XII and finding a deserving recipient of my XS, a guy who's earned a well deserved break in life, here's both the old and new bikes posing together for a snapshot.

My rule has been that a woman had to be at least as old as my bike for me to take interest in her, I'm tired of dealing with angry old hags!

[Radioguylogs]

Congratulations LAB3 on the new bike.

Hope we still see you at the Vintage Yamaha Rally in September.

[LAB3]

Congratulations LAB3 on the new bike.

Hope we still see you at the Vintage Yamaha Rally in September.

It was getting to the point where my luck was getting closer to running out with the XS. The Voyager was bought by a man as an early retirement present brand new in 2001, he's now 83. So it's a one owner bike, dealer serviced throughout it's life with 53k miles, a fresh set of Michelin tires, newer AGM battery and NOTHING needing any attention other than putting a hitch on it and wiring a trailer plug. Now get this, I paid less for it than I paid for the XS a little less than four years ago, a STEAL!