YOUR 78-79 XS1100s CONDITION

[79XS11F]

It's still not fair that us 80-82 guys don't get to chime in.

Then set up a poll about those bikes. Any member can start a thread and set up a poll.
Rob

[bigray03]

chop the god damn thing!!!

choppa!!!!!!!

[RS Thornton]

wondering about pacifico fairing

This thread reminded me of a question I have about those colour matched fairings that have a Yamaha tag on them. Are those considered "in spec"?

I am not sure if any of my 78's could still be considered in spec as I never seem to be able to find those well preserved gems. Exhaust, rear shock springs and seat covers are common changes, and most have a fairing either those Pacifico's or a Vetter. I also like the operational upgrades of a fork brace, SS brake lines, and oil coolers which are also not stock.
My 79 special has one of the crazy high backed seats that just scream the 70's.
Scott

[je2wheeler]

Two birds with one rock - Condition and update

Maybe three birds as I also have to report that I have not been able with my feeble computer abilities to post pictures (even following a very good tutorial) nor any type of avatar. Bird #2 is the update – two weeks ago I found a complete and except for a reupholstered seat and the carbs having been stripped/cleaned/adjusted by the local Yamaha shop in 2006 a totally correct, complete and unmodified 1979 XS11SF. My first goal is to keep it just as original as I found it. This is proving to be a pipe dream. Correct doesn’t equate to problem free, after all 31 years does have great effect on any mechanical creation. Bird #3. First changed all fluids and filters. Rebuilt all three calipers, master cylinders and replaced pads. All parts from bikebandit.com. Next, the headlight and turn signals did not work. A check of the fuse block established that all the fuse contacts were sprung and the headlight fuse would just slide out of its position. Some small rubber bands provided a quick, temporary fix to determine all lights functioned as advertised. Finding a replacement fuse block was not easy. The RS block described in this forum is no longer offered and the next best is a glass type that is designed for components and not rated higher than 15 amps. I did find a 6 circuit ATO/ATC fuse block, Cat # AF/CFB6 from wiringproducts.com that has a marginal amp rating. When this arrives and I make the mod I’ll get back. Next, she runs but very, very rich through all throttle settings. Checked timing and vacuum advance, adjusted the timing chain with no improvement. Next step is remove the carb block and check the float settings and check for anything else amiss. That’s it for now, more to come.

[je2wheeler]

Whoops

Checking the forum this morning to find I have posted on the wrong thread. Still not at all comfortable knowing that with any one keystroke, I can have a catastrophic blunder.

[randy]

Swamp Thing

Here's an updated pic of the ride in it's new neighborhood, Whitestone, NY. Work done this past winter:

Main & rod bearings
Tapped and plugged right side oil galley
Replaced oil pump and star plate
Venturer tensioner
Painted engine
Polished forks, side covers
New brake lines & Bridgestone Spitfires
VHT painted and baked calipers
Replaced headlight relay
Trashed the RLU
Carb needles raised one clip (no more blueing)
Virago float needles/seats
Attempted starter clutch fix (let's not beat a dead horse)

[evileric]

It seems i am one of the lucky devils

I have a mint (and still as it was when it was uncrated in 78) 2H7 'American' model. I bought the bike 3rd hand from a guy who bought it out of a estate of a private collector / museum. He couldn't get the bike to run properly, and that is how I got it. It purrs now. The 2H7 was only released in South Africa in 78, from 79 onwards we received the European 2H9. I am only the custodian of this bike, and one day it will go to the next fellow that (hopefully) will realize the rarety of it.

I also have another 2H7, totally rebuilt to mint condition, but not to spec anymore. It is the one in my avatar. This bike have been in the family since day one back in 78. It used to be my Dad's bike then.

Recently I have been really fortunate to pick up a 80 model 2H9, in a good condition. Apart from the exhaust which is a good 'standard' match, the bike is completely original and intact. It has been standing for quite some time, and it is now undergoing a major service to get it purring too.

Come to think of it I am a very fortunate guy to have three of the very best bikes ever built, and in such good nick.

[Elevenator]

I've had several but these were my two original "mints"

Zeus - '79 XS11SF Special. I've buried my foot in my a$$ numerous times since I sold it to some dentist in Fort Smith. I have no idea what I was thinking...obviously I WASN'T





This beast was BEAUTIFUL. The only thing it lacked was the original stock seat. My good friend Dan Hodges just happened to have one that he bought at a Donelson Yamaha in St. Louis NOS as that were clear out a bunch of old stock a few years ago. He gave it too me. Now he wan'ts to "kick my a$S as well" for selling the bike. I told..."Get in line...I get to kick my a$s FIRST!"

Next is the Time Machine. It is my '79 XS11F. I bought this from a fellow in Chicago a few years ago. It has XStreemly low mileage. The man was the original owner. It is near mint. The only thing this bike lacks to being 100% original is the pipes. He had replaced them for some reason years ago and didn't have the originals. He bought the bike showroom new in Feb of 1979. I still have it and will never sell it. My sons and grand children will have this bike as I plan to keep it a family heirloom.

[crazy steve]

Where's the 'I'm going for mint but it's currently all over my shop' choice?

'78E original owner

[XSive Okie]

My '79 Special is definitely not mint. All original except for Vetter Windjammer fairing and a trunk from a Harley-Davidson Roadking. Stock 4 into 2 exhaust, stock mufflers, stock handlebars, stock gauges (speedo does not work, reads 34998 all the time), missing tank and side cover emblems (although my father-in-law says he has them in his garage somewhere), tank needs repainted as it has two quater-sized dents and a couple of spots where the paint is bubbling. Stock air filter, and bald rear tire round it out. Will replace emblems and repaint when extra money will allow it, but for now it's a daily driver, that I wouldn't trade for any bike. Hope to get pics on here someday, but like I said she's no beauty queen!

[fredintoon]

- - - Stock air filter, and bald rear tire round it out. Will replace emblems and repaint when extra money will allow it, but for now it's a daily driver, that I wouldn't trade for any bike. - - -

Hi Okie,
the emblems and paint can wait but best you replace the baldie before you need to add road rash to the defects list, eh?

[XSive Okie]

Hi Okie,
the emblems and paint can wait but best you replace the baldie before you need to add road rash to the defects list, eh?

Yeah, need to put a new shoe on it for safety, front tire is okay. Started a thread on here asking about tires, and found out that is a touchy situation. Road rash would be a definite, small town Oklahoma roads are like a cheese grater.

[bikerphil]

Yeah, need to put a new shoe on it for safety, front tire is okay. Started a thread on here asking about tires, and found out that is a touchy situation. Road rash would be a definite, small town Oklahoma roads are like a cheese grater.

Best bang for your buck tires are the Shinko 712 and the Bridgestone S11. JMHO,

[XSive Okie]

Best bang for your buck tires are the Shinko 712 and the Bridgestone S11. JMHO,

I will check into those, need something economical, yet lasting. Will have the dealer here in town install it, have never messed with a shaft drive before. And to clarify, my speedo does work (although needle is broke off and laying in the bottom of the gauge), it's the odometer that is stuck. And the reserve is not hooked up, so when the low fuel light comes on, I head for the gas station!

[malber]

I will check into those, need something economical, yet lasting. Will have the dealer here in town install it, have never messed with a shaft drive before. And to clarify, my speedo does work (although needle is broke off and laying in the bottom of the gauge), it's the odometer that is stuck. And the reserve is not hooked up, so when the low fuel light comes on, I head for the gas station!

The shaft drive doesn't make removing the rear wheel difficult. I've never had a belt or chain driven bike, but I would imagine mating up the splines on the rear wheel is a lot easier than re-mounting a chain or belt.

If you're up to wrestling a python, TC has an excellent guide for removing, mounting, and balancing tires in the maintenance section. I just did it myself and I appreciate not having to pay the labor costs of having a mechanic do it. Prices in my area ranged from $60-$90 per wheel.

I used Dunlop 404s. Good prices can be found at Motorcycle Superstore. Link is below. Our size is 130-90/H-16. They'll ship to a shop if you prefer having someone else mount them.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...Rear-Tire.aspx

Mike