To Mod up my bike or not to

[Js80XS11]

I just got a 1980 XS1100 Midnight Special and I dont know much about it. I wanted to modify it to make it as fast as I can and also look alittle like a cafe racer style bike. The bike looks pretty good...almost like new. I havnt been able to ride it yet because the carbs need to be cleaned from sitting and some starter problems. So I really dont know what to expect. I know it wont handle like the R1 but I was thinking about doing some custom work to the body and the engine. Below are some of the questions I have about this idea.

1st ?....Is this a bad idea or not and why
2nd ?....Would I be wasting my time
3rd ?....Is the bike fast and hows the handling

[mason79]

restore to its former glory, i llooks great stock and how much faster you wanna go?

[HobbyMan]

well, I see a big bore kit in your future. Maby the fuel injected mod? Do you wan't good acceleration too? You will need a high flow exhaust with K&N pod filters or a drilled air box.

[dale_1]

fast

I have turned over 120.... ok 122.?? in just about 12 seconds on mine and it was right around 30K on the clock.

It was a while back and I got lucky and didnt miss a shift.

I lost to a GSXR by about the front end of the bike.

I lost to a V-Max by a long way.
"but I think Hippie Dave's could take a V-Max"

I haven't done that in a long time so I probably don't have the nerve to do it again........ but these are pretty quick bikes..... anything over 120 just gets wierder and wierder.......

It seems to me that my bike..... others pipe in on this..... runs really happily at about 85........ 70 is so smooth(speed limit) that you could do that all day.... and I have on several occasions.

I just love the (possessed) feel when it gets around 7 grand on the tach.

[Bauer]

MOD IT!!!! seeing as the bike has low miles, its not going to take a growler on you anytime soon, if it fits your budget do it.

Pod filters, new exhaust, larger main jets, raise the needles in the carbs, strip what you can to lose weight (dont compromise safety) and that will make a biiiiigggg difference right there. Other than those, the possibilities are endless

Heres my 80 special, one of the fastest ( I like to think) in ND

[Js80XS11]

Bauer

Very nice looking bike....I like that....I was thinking about going with a smaller front fairing but that looks nice....I am definately going with K&N pods and a jet kit....The exhaust I am not sure about....which is better the 4 into 1 or the 4 into 2? and do they make a good black exhaust....I do want to keep some of the same look to it since it is a Midnight Special....I was also thinking about removing the rear fender and using a tail cowl from something else....upgrading the brakes....and later maybe putting on fuel injection....the tires im also not sure about....I heard that the BFgoodwrench Battleaxe BT45s where good tires....but i would have to change the front tire to 100/90/19's

[Pat Kelly]

Here's my 80 Midnight

before:



And after:



All I changed was the handlebars from the buckhorns to superbike bars and added a small sport fairing.
It is getting a big-bore kit right now but only because the engine was worn.
I am also working on a custom exhaust that should look relatively stock when it's done.
Because the Midnight Specials were a "limited supply" item I'm trying very hard to resist the tempation to change the look too much. That's what my 78 E is for.

That being said, you do what you want to your bike . Go for it!

[Js80XS11]

Pat

Where did you get the handlebars and the front fairing?....thats the style im looking for. I dont wont to change to much that I cant return the bike back to the way it was stock as far as looks anyway.

[Bauer]

An exhuasting topic.....

Exhaust systems come in all shapes, colors and coordinations, just depends on what you want to pay.

With <20K miles on my bike, the factory headers were still in excellent conditions, so I opted for slip on mufflers from www.mikesxs.com and then drilled them to "tone" them to my liking.

I think either Kerker or jardine make an all black set up, maybe both 4-1 and 4-2??????

[HobbyMan]

Baur- Do you still have the original mufflers?

[Bauer]

Nope, sorry, bike didnt come with the factory pipes on it.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there JS80XS11,

Glad to see you finally got on here!! You need to contact and hook up with Dpotter58, he's in Maryland, and has several MNS, so you could see what they can look like in their pristine condition! I don't know if he'd let you ride one, though!

These machines are fairly fast, but if you're looking for Crotch Rocket performance, just sell it now and get one! These bikes are 20+ years old machines with that age technology. Some modest mods are possible, but putting lots of $$ in them for things like Fuel Injection aren't necessarily worth the end result, not much more in power/speed!

It's your bike, you can do what you want, but just want to have you think about Realistic Xpectations.

I've only seen 4-1 pipes in the ALL BLACK format, and even then you might end up with black headers and chromed muffler!? The 4-2's are all chrome. Both types breath better than OEM, but you can loose a little of the low end grunt with aftermarket pipes of either style. The 4-1's are supposed to be a little better for higher rpm performance. Depends on what type of riding you're looking to do, and where you plan on running the engine!

Good Luck with your decision!

[dale_1]

exhausting subject

heres an exhaust for you

http://www.tailgunnerexhaust.com/

nope ain't putting one on mine either......

but that'd do alot for tailgaters

[Ken Talbot]

IMHO, a nicely cleaned-up Midnight Special doesn't just look good, it looks great. If I had one, oh wait, I do have one, I would leave it pretty close to stock simply because there aren't too many of them around. If I was wanting to mod one, oh wait, I am modding one, I would pick up another Special and fly at it.

[HobbyMan]

I am leaving mine stock.