New Member introduction

[alaskey2]

Hello all!!! I didn't see a thread for this.

My name is Allan and I just picked up a 1978 XS1100 last weekend. Got it titled and insured over the week and I'm super excited to take it out with the lady tomorrow.

On some of the older how to threads the photos are gone, AND I can't post on said threads to request they be reposted. Does anyone know why this is? Anyway... I hope to learn a lot from everyone here.[IMG]Untitled by alaske2, on Flickr[/IMG]

[IanDMacDonald]

Welcome! Bike looks familiar. I may have seen that on the Aurora, IL CL last year?

[latexeses]

Welcome,
Very nice looking bike. Very well kept.

[natemoen]

Welcome! Nice looking '78!

As to the pics, since this forum does not allow photos to be posted directly on it's server but only on other photo hosting sites via the IMG links, when people delete their pics or rearrange or their account expires the links break.

So as a tip for new people, don't post a pic until you have it where you want it in your photo hosting account.

[Prisoner6]

Welcome to the forums, Allan!

That's a great-looking E you have there ... if you want to know about "all things XS Eleven", you've come to the right place!

The people here are very helpful with any questions and/or problems you may have ... Enjoy!

[alaskey2]

Thanks all! I just upgraded from a Honda CB400 and let me tell you... I am VERY happy I did. Can't wait to get the fairing off and feel the wind on my chest instead of just my head (I'm 6'4" so the windshield is juuuuust a little short) hoping to find wiring and headlight replacement ideas here.

As for CL, I bet you did. I picked it up in Joliet. It's gonna live in Chicago with me for what I hope will be a long time.

[MPittma100]

New Member

Welcome to the XS11.com forum. More information here for you than from Yamaha. You will find it priceless as you begin to use it.

From the Vetter website there is a link to another company now producing replacement windshields for the Vetter fairings. They are available in different heights. You may find one that will suit you.

Nice looking 1978E. The 1978s were the fastest of the bunch. You will learn to respect that power quickly - a fun experience.

MP

[BA80]

Thanks all! I just upgraded from a Honda CB400 and let me tell you... I am VERY happy I did. Can't wait to get the fairing off and feel the wind on my chest instead of just my head (I'm 6'4" so the windshield is juuuuust a little short) hoping to find wiring and headlight replacement ideas here.

As for CL, I bet you did. I picked it up in Joliet. It's gonna live in Chicago with me for what I hope will be a long time.

That's a whole different animal than a CB400 as you will find the longer you ride it. It'll run 80 - 90 mph all day long. On a ride of any distance you'll find the wind beats the hell out of your chest and you'll be begging for the fairing back. We won't even discuss getting caught in the rain.

Welcome to the board.

[madmax-im]

Welcome to Ch.11 Allan...You have found yourself an XSellent XSample of the machine we love here...You'd do well to hang onto that fairing with the lowers...even if you do take it off...the bike is setup to tour and those components go along way to keeping you comfortable....I've seen folks have a very short,cut down windscreen and install that for the warmer weather and they just leave the fairing alone...
Folks on this site like to go to rallies meet each other and ride together then BS back at base HQ...

[MarkD]

Welcome, Allen! There will be someone on this forum that will be knowledgeable about ANY question you may have. These guys know a lot about all things XS. I, too, and 6' 4''. I run a Slipstreamer ss-24 Hellfire that's pretty short, and I've looked into trying to figure out the ideal windshield height to prevrnt turbulence at my head level. I have buffeting, and the sites say the top of the windshield should be at nose height. Anyhoo, welcome-- you'll love your E!

[alaskey2]

Thanks for the tips, I am going to keep the fairing. Just not keep it on the bike. I'm hoping to make a harness to the replacement signals and headlight that matches the Vetters so I can pop the fairing back on when I do a long trip.

Speaking of rain, how does a fairing help in the rain? I've been caught in some TERRIBLE downpours on my 400.

[BA80]

Thanks for the tips, I am going to keep the fairing. Just not keep it on the bike. I'm hoping to make a harness to the replacement signals and headlight that matches the Vetters so I can pop the fairing back on when I do a long trip.

Speaking of rain, how does a fairing help in the rain? I've been caught in some TERRIBLE downpours on my 400.

Then you know that a tiny raindrop feels like a bullet at 60 or 70mph.

I don't know if you have June Bugs in Chicagoland but one of those to the adams apple at speed will nearly knock a person off the bike.

[alaskey2]

Yeah, I took one to the chest last fall.. I am not saying you are all wrong, I'm saying I think they look cool without a fairing... and I'm still young enough to be stuipd!

[MarkD]

Gotta love your quote about 'young and stupid'. I like the 'naked bike' look, too. Way cooler without a windshield/fairing. Watch out for stuff like stones and large bugs, I'd say a face shield ( and of course, a helmet) is the minimum protection item. They( Legislature) just made it optional to wear a helmet in MI. I think IL already was optional, so we see a lot of helmetless riders here now.

[alaskey2]

I don't even ride a bicycle without a helmet.