The (not so slow) evolution of my first XS11

[Sebastian_99]

Here is the slow evolution of my '79 XS-1100SF. I picked it up a week ago and slowly but surely am pulling things off, adding thing on to make it just the way I want it. So far it's been extremely fun.
Photos are on the link provided. More to come.

[jjz28]

If you want to get rid of the fairing, let me know.

[Sebastian_99]

If you want to get rid of the fairing, let me know.

I'll probably hold onto the fairing for a little while just to determine if I like riding without it first. On my past bike (though it was much smaller) I enjoyed having the wind in my face, kinda seems like what part of riding a bike is all about. Just curious though, maybe selling it might help fund some of the other repairs, what would you say a reasonable price for it, the mounts and the wiring is?

[Slow Hand]

I'll probably hold onto the fairing for a little while just to determine if I like riding without it first. On my past bike (though it was much smaller) I enjoyed having the wind in my face, kinda seems like what part of riding a bike is all about. Just curious though, maybe selling it might help fund some of the other repairs, what would you say a reasonable price for it, the mounts and the wiring is?

I sold a Vetter fairing, hard saddle bags and a trunk for $150 last weekend. The guy was happy to get it and I was happy to have the money and garage space!

[Sebastian_99]

I sold a Vetter fairing, hard saddle bags and a trunk for $150 last weekend. The guy was happy to get it and I was happy to have the money and garage space!

I have it on my porch (I'm not lucky enough to have a garage), haha. I would take $150 for it all for sure but then again I saw some of the faring mounts for sale on ebay for $95 so I feel like I wouldn't be getting maximum value.

[fredintoon]

Here is the slow evolution of my '79 XS-1100SF. I picked it up a week ago and slowly but surely am pulling things off, adding thing on to make it just the way I want it. So far it's been extremely fun. - - -

Hi Sebastian,
I like the fairing off & the lower 'bars. Put the hard bags back on or use throwover soft bags or where you gonna put your essentials?
Rainsuit, quart of oil, 12-pack, all that manly stuff.
You can check this site's XS11 parts for sale forum to find the headlight ears, headlight shell and front signals you'll need with the fairing gone.
Or see MikesXS for generic items that'll see the bike street-legal.
If this is your first XS11 there's stuff you may not know.
Bike runs out of brakes and handling WAY before it runs out of power.
Stainless steel braided brake hoses will really improve the brakes.
The front brake pads are supposed to be tapered like that.
Unless your signal bulbs are at least 27 Watts each the stock flasher won't work.

[Slow Hand]

Where are most guys getting their braided brake lines from?

[jetmechmarty]

Where are most guys getting their braided brake lines from?

Slow Hand,

I don't know about most, but I bought mine at Z1 Enterprises. You buy the lines and fittings separately. It's quality stuff and Z1 is great to deal with in my experience.

At XJBikes.com you can buy lines manufactured to fit. Here's the link:
XS1100 Brake Lines Now Available!

I had very bad experience with a company called Bremzen. If you find them in a search, I recommend you stay away.

[Slow Hand]

Thanks, Marty! I've heard good stuff about Z1 in the past. Looks like you just measure what lengths you need nd figure out your adapters. That'll be handy with my Clubman bars. I appreciate the leads.

[jetmechmarty]

Looks like you just measure what lengths you need and figure out your adapters.

Yep. That's all there is to it. I think they have instructions on the Z1 site.

[Sebastian_99]

Hi Sebastian,
I like the fairing off & the lower 'bars. Put the hard bags back on or use throwover soft bags or where you gonna put your essentials?
Rainsuit, quart of oil, 12-pack, all that manly stuff.
You can check this site's XS11 parts for sale forum to find the headlight ears, headlight shell and front signals you'll need with the fairing gone.
Or see MikesXS for generic items that'll see the bike street-legal.
If this is your first XS11 there's stuff you may not know.
Bike runs out of brakes and handling WAY before it runs out of power.
Stainless steel braided brake hoses will really improve the brakes.
The front brake pads are supposed to be tapered like that.
Unless your signal bulbs are at least 27 Watts each the stock flasher won't work.

Fred,

I'm still having an internal debate on keeping the hard bags. They are extremely useful for sure. However, with them on and no faring they look like rocket packs on the back of the bike and its handles funny. I am popping them back on for a camping trip this weekend but i am considering picking up
some soft bags at some point, they'll be less bulky. I picked up a headlight for the bike shortly after I pulled the faring but it looks small on the bike and I kind of want to pick up something bigger.

[fredintoon]

I'm still having an internal debate on keeping the hard bags. They are extremely useful for sure. However, with them on and no faring they look like rocket packs on the back of the bike and its handles funny. I am popping them back on for a camping trip this weekend but i am considering picking up
some soft bags at some point, they'll be less bulky. I picked up a headlight for the bike shortly after I pulled the faring but it looks small on the bike and I kind of want to pick up something bigger.

Hi Sebastian,
here's a link to MikesXS:-
http://www.mikesxs.net/products-77.html#products
that shows an XS11 replica 7" headlamp (#09-0074) and generic brackets (#09-0020). Note the fancy cast aluminum brackets are bored through too small to fit XS11 fork legs.
You may do better pricewise looking in the items for sale forum for a headlight plus you may find stock headlight brackets there too.

[jetmechmarty]

I picked up a headlight for the bike shortly after I pulled the faring but it looks small on the bike and I kind of want to pick up something bigger.

Dime City has a 7.5" light listed, but if you want a big light, get one from a XJ750.

[Sebastian_99]

I like how big that one looks! I'll have to look into it!

[CRXSi90]

Fred,

I'm still having an internal debate on keeping the hard bags. ......... However, with them on and no faring they look like rocket packs on the back of the bike and its handles funny.............

Try the bags but without the back rest. In my opinion, it is the back rest which is throwing off the visual balance, not the bags.