New member, want to say Hi! Awsome site!

[Cobia]

Proud owner of a, new to me, 1980G. Co-worker, original owner, had it parked in his garage for 3.5 years. It has 16K mi.
When I went to inspect it, three months ago, I brought a new battery, fresh gas, and my trusty starting fluid (ether). We got her started and it ran strong although it idled like crap.

Made the deal and took it to the mechanic: complete brake system rebuild and new pads, complete carburator rebuild, new front tire, all lubricants and filters replaced. Mechanic was astounded at the condition of this 30 y/o bike and frankly so am I. No rust on any part of the frame or the brackets under seat or tank.
Ohhh BTW, Almost forgot... Installed Tkats incredible FB on Thursday and what a diffrence. Only prob now I feel how mushy the rear is. Any suggestions to improve this will be appreciated.

It came with a fairing and lowers which look like new and I'm selling, and that I took off because I like the classic look better. I want to install a small windshield for highway use and a sissybar/rack for my commuting needs. I would like to find a copy of the original with the adjustable backrest!! This is my daily commuter, weather permitting.

[81xsproject]

Welcome. Sounds like you are ready to rock. Hope you didn't spend too much at the shop. There is tons of great info around here and even more help beyond that. So, don't be afraid to do ANY of the work yourself. But do use the search feature before you ask a question (particularly about oil and tires). Oh yeah, and we love pics around here so get one up on the bike photos thread in the members lounge, get yourself on the member map, and put all your bike info in your signature so it is easy for others to help you.

[Cobia]

Thanks for the welcome 81xsproject

I was just trying to figure out how to load the pictures to share with everyone. Yes, the shop was a little expensive but I wanted to get it "road ready" ASAP. So far I've got $2.2k in it and I think it's a worthwhile investment. I get a lot of looks and compliments wherever I take it, not to mention the ride and adrenalyne rush. The mechanic warned me that I would never go wanting for more on the twist grip, if you know what I mean. So far I've found he was dead on.
One of the many reasons I joined is because of the quality of information on this site. You folks have done a great job sharing what you know regarding the maintenance and improvements on these rides. To me it's been a resource matched by none.
Now if I can just figure out how to post the pictures.....
I'll keep trying.
BTW - I'm headed down your same direction with the LED conversion and modulators for the head and brake lights.
In case you haven't heard about them (which I doubt) there is a very good website where they review all kinds of motorcycle equipment - http://www.webbikeworld.com check it out, lots of good information.

Thanks again 81xsproject. Hope you don't get tired of hearing from me, LOL.

[79XS11F]

what is it you guys always say .... "this thread is useless with out Pics" LOL LOL Welcome to the board and hey post some PICS ... EH
Rob

[Cobia]

OK Guys here are some pictures

Oh yes, I did forget to tell you tha it has a 4X1 Kerker exhaust and the carbs are supposedly jetted for it!!

[prometheus578]

"Nice and clean, Cobia."

I had those pipes once.
Have to drop the pipes to change the oil filter.
I don't miss them much.

[Wildkat]

Welcome Cobia!

Congrats on your newest addition! They are a great bike and there is much help on this site... and lots of opinions... It is up to you to decide which is which...


I just bought HWMBO some Progressive shocks for his rear end... but he put them on the bike instead and really seems to love them. He says they make a world of difference...

Several people have put these shocks on their bikes and I haven't heard or read anything bad about them yet...

Nice lookin' scoot, by the way...

[Cobia]

Re: "Nice and clean, Cobia."

Originally posted by prometheus578
I had those pipes once.
Have to drop the pipes to change the oil filter.
I don't miss them much.

I was wondering about that. Are all the spaggetti pipes like that? Seems as if you go with the 4X1 you're going to have to deal with it, you can't drop them any lower to clear the filter. Unless you want a scraping low-rider.

[Cobia]

Re: Welcome Cobia!

Originally posted by Wildkat
Congrats on your newest addition! They are a great bike and there is much help on this site... and lots of opinions... It is up to you to decide which is which...


I just bought HWMBO some Progressive shocks for his rear end... but he put them on the bike instead and really seems to love them. He says they make a world of difference...

Several people have put these shocks on their bikes and I haven't heard or read anything bad about them yet...

Nice lookin' scoot, by the way...

Thanks, Wildkat. I've been lurking about the website for some time now and finally decided to join. Your reputation precedes you!! Not in a bad way, so far as i can tell, LOL!

I'll have to do some more reading up on those progressives and consider them.

[Stralya]

Hey prometheus

I too have the problem of having to drop my pipes to change the oil. TC suggested drilling a new hole somewhere but my ineptitude rules this out.

The Mac system people boast ease of oil change and centre stand retention on both their four into ones and four into twos however they state that either system will not fit a bike fitted with a factory oil cooler. Looking at the pics, I see no reason why they wouldn't but I take them at their word.

Being in a hot Country, I need the oil cooler. I also need to change the oil from time to time.

Given that the original prometheus gave fire to mortals, could you give me some idea what system I could use to direct The Swiftcicle's fire safely away from my legs and still let me change the oil and retain my centre stand? I like four into two's btw.

Dan
Former Fireman.

[Cobia]

Hi Stralya,

First things first, I did not install the Kerker 4X1, the previous owner, a co-worker did along with the re-jetting of the carbs. Also, (and I know I'm going to sound like a snotwad but) my mechanic did all the initial work on it including the oil and filter change. Didn't ask him and didn't notice at the time the lack of access to the filter housing!!! I'm doing all future work on it so I'll be picking his brain heavily on this and other Xsesive members as well. Additionally, both stands are operational on my bike. I don't know why others cannot design their spaghetti the same way!!

I like the idea of installing an oil cooler myself considering the temperatures here in FL. But I wonder what the optimum operating temperature is for the engine. You may not want to cool it down too much because that will bring other issues to the surface.

Funny you call you ride the "Swiftcycle" because there is a brand of chopper with the "Swift" name. My oldest son's best friend mother runs a dealership for them in Stuart, FL

http://www.swiftmotorcycle.com/[/URL]

Let me know how it goes with the oil cooler project and careful with the roos while you're riding.


Thanks,
Robert

[prometheus578]

Stralya...
MAC's 4 into 2 pipes.... you can retain the centerstand.
A little creative modification is all that's required.
Problem with these pipes, is that the centerstand leg(arm?) hits the bottom of the exhaust, forcing the centerstand to hang low to the ground.
As I can bend people to my will... so can I too bend a centerstand .
Put a large diameter pipe over the centerstand's arm. Bend it downward. This allows the centerstand to ride higher up under the bike.
You will still be able to see the centerstand's legs when looking at the bike from the side, but they're safely tucked up out of the way.

At the top of the white oval, you can see the centerstand arm in relation to the pipe. Can't really see too clearly, but at the bottom of the white oval is where the centerstand legs hang in relation to the tire.
Out of the way, and doesn't look too out of place.

[Stralya]

Thanks cobia and prom

Looks like you don't have an oil cooler prom. I was wondering how and by how much they wont fit a bike with a factory oil cooler.

Believe it or not, I actually thoight of your centre stand fix but decided against it. I thought it was bound to stuff something up.

I have a set of stock 4 into 2's off an XJ1100J that 'fit' but I would need to do the centre stand bend thing. That would solve my oil change issue but still leaves me wondering what system I could get in the future.

Hey Cobia,
Yeah, saw that site, I wonder if the copyright police will raid me?

Dan
Intellectual property miscreant.

[lakecountrydave]

Welcome!

She looks nice

Dave

[TopCatGr58]

For Cobia, and DAN/Stralya

Hey Cobia,

By the looks of those photos, you've got more than enough room to do the oil filter change without dropping the pipes! Once you pull the filter bolt all the way out, then the filter cup will drop down and slide forward thru that large gap easily! And with you being able to use the Centerstand, looks like the manufacturer of those pipes made them alright.

However, if you and Dan/Stralya were wanting to put an oil cooler on there, and perhaps make it easier to do your oil filter changes, then you might want to look at this tech tip regarding the NEW combination spin on filter and oil cooler adapter plate that I make!? You'll need to acquire a cooler radiator. The ones for Transmissions have the press/clamp on 3/8" hose fittings vs. the oil cooler that use AN screw fittings! The SOFCA I make uses the clamp 3/8" hose fittings since most folks that replied about what they had on their machines were of this size/style! They are also a bit smaller vs. the "engine oil" coolers, so would be easier to fit above the pipes on the frame!

T.C.