What did you do to your bike today?

[BA80]

My bad. Your right about the shock length.

That squirm is due to the bias ply tires on there. It's not as bad with new ones but it's really nothing to worry about. It won't wreck ya.

[Mullineaux]

Sorry if I got a bit uppity, I was a lil intimidated by your "Super Guru" status When I read bias ply I thought "No way my back tire looks new!" I went out and checked the DOT code on the tire and the last four digits were 1089, as in 10th week of 1989 O_o Looks like I know what's getting replaced next! Btw the tire is a Bridgestone Spitfire 11r, don't know if it's bias ply it's hard to find info on.

[jetmechmarty]

Lowering the rear will adversely affect handling. It unloads the front tire.

[Mullineaux]

Not too worried about the front wheel unloading effect of dropping the rear .5" on this bike:


But srsly, look at that seat, is it me or is that ridiculous?

[natemoen]

I would love a seat like that!

[DGXSER]

Stock Xj1100 shocks all seem to be 13" and at this point using them would mean being on my toes standing astride the bike.

I have the XJ air shocks on my SH, and I can tell you they lower the bike about 1/2" or more. Before I sold the SG which had factory shocks on it, with the two sitting side by side, it was obvious my SH was lower. I think the 13" must be if you pump them up to max pressure.

[CaptonZap]

In the garage, walked by and kicked the tire..........turned key on......yep, still awake.......pulled enricher out, hit the black button and wala!.....Dern, figured after two months settin' would'nt come alive.......wrong, think it went 3 revolutions. Guess my next step would be.....ride?

That's the trouble with you people who keep your machines in fine fettle. You make it sound, to those who lack your skills, that it is a normal condition that all should experience.
To those that wish to enjoy such harmonious conjunction with the mechanical Nirvana, this word of advice.
Learn how to deal with your carburetors, and the fluids that you subject them to.

CZ

[jetmechmarty]

But srsly, look at that seat, is it me or is that ridiculous?

My bike had that seat on it when I bought it. I don't care for the way it looks. Sitting on it for me was horrible. I rid myself of it on eBay. I listed it for $.99 and I learned many of you guys really like those seats.

[jwhughes3]

That's the trouble with you people who keep your machines in fine fettle. You make it sound, to those who lack your skills, that it is a normal condition that all should experience.
To those that wish to enjoy such harmonious conjunction with the mechanical Nirvana, this word of advice.
Learn how to deal with your carburetors, and the fluids that you subject them to.

CZ

And read the book "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance"

Its the journey, not the destination.

John

[fredintoon]

Sorry if I got a bit uppity, I was a lil intimidated by your "Super Guru" status - - -

Hi Mullineaux,
don't let those status annotations scare you.
For instance, my status only reads as it does because "Opinionated old fart who wastes a lot of time e-posting." takes up too much column space.

[DenyP]

Ongoing revival of a stored XS

Cleaned the inside of my calipers and ordered new SS pistons. Couldn't believe how bad the pitting was on the back brake caliper piston. Always been a bear to push this bike. Pad wear shows one sides been dragging. Tomorrow the master cylinders front and rear get tore down cleaned and new kits.
Pulled the gas tank pet cocks. Man they are full of rust. Looks like I have my work cut out for me...

Deny

[jjz28]

Not too worried about the front wheel unloading effect of dropping the rear .5" on this bike:


But srsly, look at that seat, is it me or is that ridiculous?

that is the seat I have. I want to find an original seat but also keep this one. My wife likes it. Also when you twist the throttle, it holds you in place.

[Mullineaux]

The other night I took off the foam grips which were ripping and put on some NOS "Titty Handle Bar Grips" Have a similar set of grips installed on my KZ650 that came with the bike and I'm used to them. These are solid rubber and I just like the feel of them (who wouldn't!).

There's couple more for sale on fleabay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Motorcycle-grips-7-8-Triumph-BSA-Norton-Honda-/151054483935?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item232b8c81df&vxp=mtr

[BA80]

Got the SF out of the garage this evening and finally got to go for the first short ride. DAMN, I forgot how jumpy these things are with a stock final drive.

Anyway, it runs great, all the gears are working good and it's quick.

Might go ahead and ride it to work tomorrow. Needs a bath pretty bad after sitting in the garage for 2 years being S-L-O-W-L-Y assembled.

[mikubuilder]

Totally assembled and ready for the ride