5th gear

[montana]

I'm wondering if there is a way to reduce rpms in 5th gear, as my bike runs at 4000 rpms when I am at 70 mph. This seems like it would be hard on the bike and is tiring.
'78 xs1100

[montana]

sorry

If I had done a better job of looking through the archives I wouldn't have asked the question.

[Ken Talbot]

Not to worry, Montana. As you have probably discovered, these bikes will run at 70 mph all day long. When SWMBO and I are touring on your side of the border, we'll often go through one tankful of gas after another at 80 mph if we're on the Interstates. The engine just purrs along without a complaint.

[montana]

10-4

Yeah, it's almost scary how fast you can go from 70 to 90. I took a trip last weekend with a friend who has a GoldWing, which is what prompted the question. his bike runs at 2000, where mine was at 4000, but my acceleration was much better.
The vibration also concerned me, because it was putting my hand to sleep. According to some of the other posts it doesn't seem like this is normal.

[TopCatGr58]

Getting the Vibes.

Hey Montana,

These engines and bikes are fairly smooth, and strong vibrations thru the bars is a bit unusual! The bars on the standard are hard mounted to the triple trees, whereas the Specials have a rubber isolation portion. There are several ways you can reduce the vibration, from filling your bars with lead shot, or hard pack sand, BB's, etc.. Different grips may also help?

Somebody also posted that there is a harmonic vibration that these engines develop around that rpm range, that was more evident with the earlier models?

Also check your exhaust pipes and engine mounts for frame contact and loose bolts which could send extra vibrations thru the frame and possibly to the bars!

And, rev it up, these engines LUV to run, they aren't harleys, they can handle up the redline with ease!
T.C.

[XS1100DRAGRACER]

You might think about running a lager diameter size rim and tire.. What size is your tire now? I am only asking because I do own a 17" rim for the XS, but my bike currently has a 16 inch wheel on it. I have never tried to run the wheel (Its new OEM and never has had a tire on it), but I am sure that a larger diammeter wheel would lower the rpm..

[skids]

You would only save about 5% of the rpms with a bigger rim, i.e. 3800 rpms instead of 4000 rpms for 60mph.

Originally posted by XS1100DRAGRACER
You might think about running a lager diameter size rim and tire.. What size is your tire now? I am only asking because I do own a 17" rim for the XS, but my bike currently has a 16 inch wheel on it. I have never tried to run the wheel (Its new OEM and never has had a tire on it), but I am sure that a larger diammeter wheel would lower the rpm..

[montana]

ok

Thanks for the tips.
I am new to the Yama thing, (always was a Honda man). I just bought this bike last year. Someone had found out the incredible speed of this bike at some time previous. By the marks on it I would guess they rolled it at least once.
It has 17 on rear and 19 on front. Since I am cheap, I haven't got a Clymer's from e-bay yet, thinking I could get what I needed from this forum.
This winter all the gas wound up in the crankcase so cleaning headers, case, carbs etc. and it still isn't completely recovered from the trauma. Starting is always a new experience. Some days starts strong, others very weak.
Speedo is around 10mph fast at 65 mph

[DiverRay]

You would do well to read the "Tech Tips" on the left side of the page. These will help with the carb problems(starting issues) and general clean up and tune up tips. I usually leave the "pretty" stuff for last, and just get things running right. The tires/rims on the '78 and '79 bikes are TUBE TYPE, so be sure to use an inner tube on all tires.
If you have any questions, try doing a "search" to see if it was asked by someone else before posting. Most of the questions have been asked and answered multiple times. Enjoy the ride, and be safe, as these things will accelerate like a freight train. a little slow off the line, and pull like h#ll as the RPM's increase.
Ray