new xj1100 owner

[kjohnson]

Today, my father-in-law and I just bought a xj1100j for $375 cnd. The PO said that it was seized solid, but when I got it home I knew that it was not the case. The engine would turn about 355 degrees before it stopped. After a little messing around and removing the head, I found a small screw in cylinder #1. Now that I know what the problem was, I just have to get a new piston and more than likely a new head as well.

I hope to get it up and running fairly quickly as I think this bike will be much better suited for taking my wife on trips with than my other bike, a xs750sf

[JWSanders]

Welcome to the site!! There is a wealth of information here about your XJ. Be sure to peruse the tech tips both on the site and here in the forums. Pretty much everything you will encounter has happened before, and has been diagnosed here.

Although, a screw in the cylinder is bad news, for sure! Were the cylinder walls affected? Also, the valve clearance is notoriously small on these bikes, so make sure it didn't bend a valve. Of course, if you're getting another head that shouldn't be an issue.

These babies have NO problem whatsoever pulling 2-up. One member has even used his to tow a pickup. Plenty of power!!

Once you get it back up to speed, be sure to post a pic or two here. We love seeing new ones!

[kjohnson]

I think I'm lucky with the cylinder walls, not a mark on them. I'm sure I could smooth out the damage on the head and not change the CR too much and the valves move smoothly and seat properly as it is.
Heck, I could probably smooth out the piston damage and get some decent miles out of it, but I'd rather replace the piston.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Johnson,

Well, hate to bust your bubble but OEM pistons are not available anymore from Yamaha! You will either need to find some used ones, or bite the bullet and put in a BIG BORE KIT which will get you 4 new ones, rings, wristpins, keepers and special oversized headgasket for around $400.00 US!

Look for a member named Andreas Weiss, he is a parts broker that has good prices and may be able to help with the used parts!
T.C.

[kjohnson]

Don't worry, I know that OEM pistons are discontinued. I probably should have said "new" or replacement I guess. I hope to have a local lead on some parts, just have to find out how much $$ he wants.