over my head. . . wayyy over

[TheDudester]

well the pipes are so rusted out behind the spring that it would sound the same if i chopped them so I'm just gonna do that and than i have a friend that can fabricate an end to make it look the same as the black bike that Mack posted and than eventually get some pipes once i get more money . . . i toasted my next three paychecks to get a new couch. . . the one in my apartment was worn out when i took it off a friends hands.

[Erik the Red]

backpressure

Welcome to the site! This is a great place with a ton of awesome info. If you're willing to do the work on the bike, the massive knowledge base here will be willing to give you the answers you seek. Make sure to do some research on the site (i.e. read old threads) so you don't post up a commonly asked question that has been answered many times before.

As to your exhaust... Be aware that the exhaust system, the engine and the carbs all work together. My understanding is that the exhaust was designed to provide backpressure to the engine, and by cutting off the mufflers/baffles --taking away that pressure, it will likely affect the performance negatively.

You should have some mufflers the right size ready to go, so that you know where exactly you should cut the pipes, if that's what you aim to do. I've heard many folks have gotten a set of Harley mufflers for free from a Harley shop, because they had so many lying around from HD owners changing them out.

Also, if you haven't already done it, carbs are easy. I was intimidated until I actually did it. It's basically a 3D jigsaw puzzle. Get a manual for the bike and you're golden. **Clymers and Haynes do have some typos, so be aware!** If you can get your hands on an original shop manual too, even better.

Great looking 11 you've got there. Take care of it, and it'll take care of you.

[tweeleft]

Welcome. I got my first XS1100SF in 1980 at about your age. I had already enjoyed a year on a XS650. Thought I new how to ride. I layed both bikes down at 45miles/hr. Take the class. Sold both bikes to the same guy 30 years ago and then traded a FJ1100 to him 6 months ago for my present SF. Buy a manual and read it and this forum. Keep the shiny side up

[TheDudester]

the performance is already negatively effected because the pipes are so rusted out they might as well end at the suspension spring anyways. there is no pressure coming out the end because it all comes out the bottom so i was thinking i would chop em until i can replenish my savings because my budget right now is all red and no green due to schedule shenanigans at work. . . i was only scheduled for 12 hours over last week and this week.

[fredintoon]

the performance is already negatively effected because the pipes are so rusted out they might as well end at the suspension spring anyways. there is no pressure coming out the end because it all comes out the bottom so i was thinking i would chop em until i can replenish my savings because my budget right now is all red and no green due to schedule shenanigans at work. . . i was only scheduled for 12 hours over last week and this week.

Hi Dude,
here's a $10 temporary fix for the rusted out mufflers:-
Buy a sheet of aluminum flashing from a builder's supplies store.
It's real thin, cuts with kitchen scissors and can be bent with your bare hands.
Wrap the flashing around the mufflers and hold it on with hose clamps.

[Erik the Red]

Hi Dude,
here's a $10 temporary fix for the rusted out mufflers:-
Buy a sheet of aluminum flashing from a builder's supplies store.
It's real thin, cuts with kitchen scissors and can be bent with your bare hands.
Wrap the flashing around the mufflers and hold it on with hose clamps.

Not only hose clamps, but also head to your local auto parts store and get some metalic muffler tape. It's silverish, deals fine with heat, is good & sticky on one side, so it'll seal everything up tight.

That and a tin can was how I fixed my muffler on my first car back in the day when I didn't have 300 bones to drop on it.

[TheDudester]

those are both really good ideas i might look into that until i can afford a new set of pipes instead of chopping the ones i got up. . .

[mack]

Pipes

Mines were rusted out at the hanger on the left side, rotted right through. I took it to a guy who welded in a stainless steel patch. Unless you look real close, you'd never know it was there.

[Flyman32]

Pipes

OK..now since we are talking mufflers, what about this solution? Anyone got oppinions on these? (I've got a shot baffle)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/XS-XS1100-XS11-1100-850-750-exhaust-muffler-mufflers-/220877721412?hash=item336d568f44&item=220877721412&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

P.S. Nice head turner in the bike on that link too

[fredintoon]

those are both really good ideas i might look into that until i can afford a new set of pipes instead of chopping the ones i got up. . .

Hi Dude,
hopefully the muffler bodge will last until you can afford a better fix. Note that an e-bay seller's "buy now" price for a complete used exhaust system is $400 + $98 shipping and a new MAC exhaust system goes for ~$300.
Mostly the pipes are OK but the mufflers rust out so slip-ons are the economic answer.
Thing is, you may have to cut back into the collector box to get into sound metal and have to weld in an extension tube to get back to a round pipe for a slip-on to slip onto.
Then whatever fits, gives adequate backpressure and looks good will work for you.
Here's one of mine:-



Hold the slip-on to the pipe with a T-bolt clamp, they work far better than a hose clamp. The muffler is 1960s Triumph, $30 the pair from Red Deer swapmeet, sounds great.

[Special Ed]

Omg

You are so-o-o-o way over your head! I didn't have time to read all the replies, but my first bike was a Harley 165 c.c. two stroke with a 3 speed tranny!
But you came to the right place for tech advice. I cannot over emphasize the importance of a good motorcycle safety training course: I took one a few years ago in order to get certified to teach, and I learned a lot, even after .some 40 years of riding!
Welcome aboard! You came to the right place for advice. Maybe we can go for a "putt" when you get your bike running!
Special Ed