Advice on my xs1100....

[Freedo]

Hey Guys,
I have a 1980 yamaha xs1100 that has by far been my favorite motorcycle. I started with a 2003 honda shadow 750 and have restored and owned 14 bikes since and am restoring a 1986 honda rebel 450 now. My favorite find was a 1970 Bridgestone 100 tmx and i parted it out due to rust.
To get to the point I am in love with my xs1100 and every day that goes by the top end gets a little more noisey. I currently start out in 3rd gear to take off because the dogs on 1st and 2nd are out. The airbox was gone when i got it but i did pod filters and they work great. I dont use my blinkers because i did aftermarket cheapos and they will kick the fuse. My start button fell out so i push my key in there to get it going. My speedometer cable is busted and the screws came out of my gauge. Still nothing can beat the power and handling of this vintage bike and how beatiful those round gauges are. (the only thing i liked about my old 1982 xj650 was the gauges). So my questions is... What do I do when my engine goes? Is there an engine that will fit in there from another bike? Are xs1100 engines available still? I am 26 turning 27 in a couple weeks and i would like to pass this bike down to my son when he is ready. It will be in my possession for a very long time so your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[IanDMacDonald]

When your engine goes? Are you purposely trying to run this bike into the ground? Noise could be CCT, valves out of spec, etc. Have you done a tune-up? Get a manual and go from there. As far as your other question, XS/XJ11 engines from '78-'82, with accompanying electrics.

[Freedo]

Where can i come across a manual and what is the going price for one?

[latexeses]

Download one from this site. He is a member on the move right now.

http://web.archive.org/web/201210240...ly/mybike.html

[DGXSER]

To get to the point I am in love with my xs1100 and every day that goes by the top end gets a little more noisey.

Start by adjusting the cam chain tensioner. Always put the bike on the centerstand for this procedure!! Remove the timing cover on the left side, turn the engine till the C mark is lined up. Then loosen the lock nut, then the adjuster bolt. Tighten the adjuster bolt (it is only 4-5 ft-lbs of torque, do not strip it out), tighten the lock nut.

Or you can replace it with one of the automatic cam chain tensioners.

Also adjust the valve lash. Between the two your noise should decrease substantially. But do bear in mind, the top end of these machines is not quiet in perfect running order.

I currently start out in 3rd gear to take off because the dogs on 1st and 2nd are out.

Another patient for the dremel repair, look in the tech tips.

I dont use my blinkers because i did aftermarket cheapos and they will kick the fuse.

Sounds like you have the special model, the stock signals are pretty easy to come by.

My start button fell out so i push my key in there to get it going.

New starter buttons are easy also, same as a horn button for the XS11, about $5 online.

My speedometer cable is busted and the screws came out of my gauge.

Speedo cables are easy to get, and the round speedo for the 80-81 models that go to 85 MPH are not to tough to get either.

These engines easily go for 80k miles if reasonably maintained. I doubt yours is any danger. I am almost certain your bike will be around for the young man to ride when the time comes.

[TADracer]

C'mon Man!

Really??

With the exception of the transmission work (which you should do if it need it) all you need is a few inexpensive parts that are easily available and then use that manual and do a routine tune-up that should be done every 2,500 miles or so anyway.

You like the power now? You will be amazed at the power and performance you are missing after a good tune-up.

[trbig]

I had this whole big thing typed up, but you're new and didn't want to rag on you too much, but you realize the XS11 is a mechanical thing and mechanical things sometimes break and need replacing as well as upkeep, right? You won't replace a starter button or speedo cable or fix your turn signals, but are wondering about engine replacements?

Anyway.. welcome to the site, and I hope you get the bike in decent running/operating order so as to pass something worth actually owning on to your children.

[Freedo]

Thanks a lot to all of you for putting this into a good perspective for me. One thing I do not know is the inside of an engine but I guess its time to learn.
I suppose with anything there is always a know it all who comes out of the woodwork and has to bash on a new guy just because he doesn't know what you know.
Sooo thanks for all of the advice guys I had know idea you could just get a starter button. How do I know if I have the midnight special?

[natemoen]

Compare both your engine and your steering neck vin number to this list.

http://www.xs11.com/faqs/153-serial-...ry-colors.html

We can pretty much talk most anyone through any repairs as long as you are moderately handy and willing to actually listen to us.

[IanDMacDonald]

If you see tons of gold, or you can identify by your vin or engine number. It it's a special, the sequence starts with "3J6", if a Mignight Special, "4H3".

With regard to this forum, (I am a member of many bike forums), this is probably one of the most informed I have ever been on. A few members on here have owned their bikes right out of the dealership. Can't say I'd brand anybody a know-it-all, or say bashing is on anyone's agenda. These guys are like family with our daily banter. We all want to see these bikes live on, and maybe become a little disheartened to see neglect. Stay along for the ride as I have, and you'll learn a lot as I have.

[trbig]

If you thought that was bashing, then you really wouldn't have liked the other post I deleted.. lol.

Seriously, you've got the internet, obviously, so the only reason you don't know what parts can be replaced is because you haven't bothered to look on any search engine of your choice, or looked at Ebay. You haven't even bothered to fix your turn signals from blowing fuses, but take offense at my comment about engine replacement? That was some funny stuff.. I don't care who ya' are! lol. Nobody is ragging on you for not knowing the inside of these engines. After you've been here a while, you'll hear the horror stories about people getting bikes from P.O's (Previous Owners) with things like blowing fuses when you hit a button, or 40% of the gears don't work.. or you have to start the bike with something metal stuck into some electrical connection to short it, or just general misuse and lack of care or maintanance in general. I honestly do hope that you fix your bike up. Not just for your sake, but your kids.. or the next owner, whichever the case may be.

When looking for parts, many use Bikebandit.com (Go through the OEM search, enter your year and bike, and look at whatever you're looking for) It will show either a price, or say it's discontinued. If it's available, you can probably look around to find it cheaper, but you'll need the actual Yamaha part number, since Bikebandit has their own. There are others, but I use http://www.yamahamotorsports.com/spo...starthere.aspx for finding the actual Yammy part number. Again, click on "Proceed to parts catalog" and enter your info. If the part is disontinued, this website or Ebay are going to be your next best options for finding what you need.

Now, get to work getting your bike streetworthy again, and with a little care, will easily last until your kids are of age.

Signed,

The grouchy, woodwork roaming, bashing, Know-it-all

[BA80]

Ahhh......you gotta watxh out for trbig Freedo, that guy is just a big trouble maker but he pretty much knows his stuff. Unless it' electrical.

You need sources for parts or advice on repairs this is to place to be.

I have a pretty good list of parts sources and I'm happy to share. Just shoot me a PM. I might even have what you need. I have too much XS stuff.

[fredintoon]

Hey Guys,
To get to the point I am in love with my xs1100 and every day that goes by the top end gets a little more noisey. I currently start out in 3rd gear to take off because the dogs on 1st and 2nd are out. The airbox was gone when i got it but i did pod filters and they work great. I dont use my blinkers because i did aftermarket cheapos and they will kick the fuse. My start button fell out so i push my key in there to get it going. My speedometer cable is busted and the screws came out of my gauge. Still nothing can beat the power and handling of this vintage bike and how beatiful those round gauges are. (the only thing i liked about my old 1982 xj650 was the gauges). So my questions is... What do I do when my engine goes? Is there an engine that will fit in there from another bike? Are xs1100 engines available still? I am 26 turning 27 in a couple weeks and i would like to pass this bike down to my son when he is ready. It will be in my possession for a very long time so your input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Freedo and welcome,
oddly, the time to worry is when the top end goes quiet. That means the valve lash has worn closed and the valves are going to burn out.
If the el-cheapo signals blow the fuse you wired them wrong. What should happen is that they come on but don't blink and that's because the stock flasher needs a minimum 54 Watt load to work and the el-cheapo's bulbs are too small. Quick fix, swap out the stock flasher for a $5 2-prong car flasher (plugs in 2 ways, one works, t'other don't)
Like they said, replacement starter button, $5. Or make your own out of a red plastic screwdriver handle.
Speedo cables are easily bought but check that your speedo head turns real easy before installing the new cable. A partially seized up speedo head will twist the new cable off too.
Yamaha's round speedos can be fixed but it takes the skill of a watchmaker and the patience of a saint to get the glass off to put the screws back in.
Easier to find a used replacement. ANY XS-series round speedo will work right.
XS11 engines have been known to turn their odometers over if they are treated right. But you gotta fix the tranny! The hard way works best. Turn the bike upside down so you can get at it.

[trbig]

Ahhh......you gotta watxh out for trbig Freedo, that guy is just a big trouble maker

This.... coming from YOU is just GRAND!!! lmao..

[Cobia]

Welcome

Hey Freedo,

Another invaluable source for used parts is Andreas Weiss. Look him up on here he's very reasonable with his prices and very knowledgeable as well.