xs 1100 special running bad

[xs4us]

my bike ran good then all the sudden it started running bad so I had the carbs done then the coils then the ignition most everything on this is new 1 year ago I ran into a guy who has the same bike as me and he told me that if it ever started running bad there is a wire that most xs11 had that go bad does anyone know what wire he was talking about? I cleaned the tank and replaced the petcocks it will idle at 1000 but when you ride it it runs like crap and then it loses power and will barley move in first gear the coils are new some days it runs good others it dont you have to crack the throttle all the way open before it will go like it should please help me gas is killing me in my truck

[xssiveone]

The wire that was mentioned is the ones that go to the vacuum advance mechanism located under cover at the left end of the crankshaft. The mechanism flexes a lot when running and eventually the wire(s) break. This normally only affects the engine at speed, and not at idle but by all means check it.

To check if this is the problem, stretch the wires out taut. If it looks like an hourglass at one point, that is the break. Several ways to repair it, bascally your choice. One popular method is to use test lead wires, mainly due to their design to be flexible.

[xs4us]

I took the cover off and I see black tape on 2 wires the white wire looks kinda smashed couse it is flat in one spot I will fix it tonight when it cools down and I will let you know if this fixes it. but I have to tell you it only affects it at idle when I first start the bike when I try to go 3000 rpm and up is when it gives me the most problems I have 2,800 into this thing and I am getting really tired of this little crap breaking on me

[TopCatGr58]

Hey XS4us,

The pickup coil wires do sound suspect. However, you stated that you had the carbs done, and IF they replaced the jets with a "kit", they may have gotten some bad K&L pilot jets, which were/are known to be the wrong size and style.... too big which makes the bike way too rich! Have you pulled your plugs and checked their condition? You'll probably find that they are sooty black! PLEASE READ the tech tips, about the pickup coil wire fix.

Sorry that you have so much $$ invested into it, but it also sounds like you aren't doing much of the work yourself, and having a shop do it will definitely hurt your wallet, not to mention not being able to be sure it was done correctly! You'd be better off getting a manual, some tools, and learn how to work on it yourself! Once these machines are put into proper working order, they are very reliable!!
T.C.

[xs4us]

well here it is guys, these so called wires the guy told me about well who ever had it before me must have had that problem couse the wires were already done that flat spot I mentioned was where the wire goes into the cover. I started the bike and pulled #1 there was no change nor was there when I pulled #2 but 3 and 4 killed it right away. so I took another plug and tested 1 and 2 wires and I had good spark my vacuum advance was working good well needless to say I am a dumb ass as soon as I unkinked the hose coming from the petcock to the carb 1 and 2 started hitting good there was very little change in idle when I took wire 1 off but 2 3 and 4 there was a big change so I did the same thing with my wifes and my 79 and 81 and all had very little change when # 1 was pulled .
We have a 78 xs 650 , 79 xs11, two 1980 xs11's and a 81 midnight these are all specials I have redone all of these myself except for the carbs I sent those to michigan to be done. I traded a 1974 harley made by amf for this 80 xs11 special everyone told me I was stupid for doing that but that my friends was the best trade I ever did. thanks again

[mro]

redone all of these myself except for the carbs

Hardest part working on the carbs is getting a stock air box back on.

After you do em once you won’t want to send em out. Very good info in the Tech Tips on carbs and Randy has XS11 carb tool to remove the float pin so you won’t have to worry about breaking a post or two.

So far nothing has fallen of my XS when I've ridden out of town and it always starts, couldn't say that about my 67 XLCH.


mro

[xs4us]

It tool me a couple of tries to get that stock airbox back on. and I figured it out! if you put the top in first and tighten it to the carbs then slide the bottom in it goes in much easier then if you were to put the whole thing in at once

[mro]

I figured it out!

Guess I could have mentioned that.

Take bottom off to remove it and don't put back on till tops on.



mro