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1978 XS1100E K&N Filter
#45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
OEM Exhaust
ATK Fork Brace LED Dash lights
Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters Green Monster Coils SS Brake Lines
Vision 550 Auto Tensioner
In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
That's what I was wondering. I have an 81 special, but it doesn't even look like the pictures of the Standards that I have seen here. Doesn't hurt to check it out though.
Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
― Albert Einstein
80 SG Ol' Okie;79 engine & carbs w/pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, Custom Mac 4 into 2 exhaust, ACCT,XS850 final drive,110/90/19 front tire,TKat fork brace, XS750 140 MPH speedometer, Vetter IV fairing, aftermarket hard bags and trunk, LG high back seat, XJ rear shocks.
"What they do have is an implacable, unrelenting presence and movement that bespeaks massive power lurking behind paint and chrome. They don't wail like a screeching ninja, the don't rumble like a harley. They just growl like a spactic, stressed out badger waiting to rip your face off and eat your soul." Trainzz~RIP~
The indent on the 81 tank is more squared off, and they didn't come in macho maroon. And as you said, the seat, side covers, rotors and from what I can see of the forks (can't see air caps from the limited site of the tops of them) those aren't 81 forks either. And that's NOT an 81 fairing either, it's a Pacifico, which didn't come on the 81's, not in any shape or form. Basically every styling cue that can be seen on that bike says 78, and not a one says different.
Oh, and besides, while not as obvious, the tanks not tall enough for an 81 tank.
Cy
1980 XS1100G (Brutus) w/81H Engine
Duplicolor Mirage Paint Job (Purple/Green)
Vetter Windjammer IV
Vetter hard bags & Trunk
OEM Luggage Rack
Jardine Spaghetti 4-2 exhaust system
Spade Fuse Box
Turn Signal Auto Cancel Mod
750 FD Mod
TC Spin on Oil Filter Adapter (temp removed)
XJ1100 Front Footpegs
XJ1100 Shocks
I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one.
Just talked to the owner this morning. It is a 78. It was his dad's and has been sitting for 4 years. He has started it off and on, but his buddy cleaned the carbs and tried to synch them. It runs on full choke, but dies when you shut the choke off. Good compression though. I'm going to check it out this afternoon. My wife is going to kill me.
Is there anything (common problem area) that I should look for specifically on this 78 that I either don't have on my 81?
Not really... There's differences, but most are minor in terms of possible trouble points. The petcocks are probably the only part that is enough different that you might want to look at them to check if they're working right.
Good luck!
Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two
'78E original owner - resto project
'78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
'82 XJ rebuild project
'80SG restified, red SOLD
'79F parts...
'81H more parts...
Other current bikes:
'93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
'86 XL883/1200 Chopper
'82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...
Better hurry, there is another post in tge tech section that is most likely referring to this same bike and looking at buying it. Better pull the trigger if you are going to!
Nathan
KD9ARL
μολὼν λαβέ
1978 XS1100E K&N Filter
#45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
OEM Exhaust
ATK Fork Brace LED Dash lights
Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters Green Monster Coils SS Brake Lines
Vision 550 Auto Tensioner
In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Just got back from looking at this bike. If anyone is looking for a good bike that needs a little TLC check it out. If I had the money I would have bought it. He's pretty firm on his price. The carbs have been cleaned, probably just need a synch and a new boot or two. New pipes a couple of years ago. Nice looking bike, but we all know a 33 year old bike always needs something done to it.
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