wheels ?

[xsscooters]

Will xj1100 wheels work on an 80 special ?

[John]

Do you mean...

Like this?

Or this?

[(click on the pic)

[xsscooters]

wheels

Thanks thats exactly what i mean't . Is that your bike ? Where did you get the 2 into 2 exhaust ?

[John]

Yeah, that's my 80SG, Twilite Special. Ain't she purty? I found the pipes on a piece of 'yard art'. A 78E that was just sitting on this guys side yard. I bought it for the pipes and engine, and the 80 MNS I just bought has those same kind of pipes also.

[xsscooters]

pipes

Do they still sell those new ?

[John]

I wasn't able to find any new ones after I had the wreck two years ago. Jardine doesn't make them any more. I got lucky to find some replacement mufflers from another member.

[fredintoon]

Why the swirlies?

Hi John,
Did you choose to fit those swirly wheels?
If so, I have to say that I think the stock 7-spoke artillery wheels are more in keeping with the XS11's character.
Of course, if you fitted them because the originals were smashed (you mentioned a collision) and that's all you could find to get rolling again, good on ya!
Practicality trumps aesthetics every time.
Fred Hill, S'toon.

[acof911]

I think the swirly wheels weigh less than the spoked style?
Less unsprung weight = good.
Andy

[jetmechmarty]

I think the swirly wheels weigh less than the spoked style?

I don’t see how it could matter much. The curved spokes make me think of a Roman chariot. I’ve been led to believe they did their spokes that way to keep their wheels from breaking due to thermal reaction.

I share my opinion with Fred. I like the artillery wheels on this bike. I don’t think they’re better. They just look much better to me.

[Ken Talbot]

I think those curved spoke wheels would look great with a set of drilled rotors, with a spiral, graduated size hole, pattern to mimic the curve of the spokes.

[John]

Re: Why the swirlies?

Originally posted by fredintoon
Hi John,
Did you choose to fit those swirly wheels?
If so, I have to say that I think the stock 7-spoke artillery wheels are more in keeping with the XS11's character.
Of course, if you fitted them because the originals were smashed (you mentioned a collision) and that's all you could find to get rolling again, good on ya!
Practicality trumps aesthetics every time.
Fred Hill, S'toon.

I used the curved spoke wheels of my own free will. I had two XJ11's that were being parted out, and I thought the curved spokes looked better then the straight spokes. I don't really know if there is any weight advantage or not, I just thought they looked cooler. They were a direct bolt up fit. I didn't have to mod anything. The wheels didn't get damaged in the accident, nor did the forks. These pics were taken when I finished rebuilding the bike after the accident, in November '05.

[jetmechmarty]

I just thought they looked cooler.

I have no doubt that many share your opinion. It's your bike. Make it the way you like it. BTW, it's a great looking bike!!!

[John]

Thanks Marty. We are planning on putting a set of curved spokes on the Foster Child when it comes time for new tires. I kept both sets of curved spoke wheels. I have a bunch of XS wheels that I would like to get rid of.

[jetmechmarty]

I'm looking for a drum brake artillary wheel for my XS650. It's a chain drive bike. YAMAHA only put it on the 1981 model. I like looking at the bajillion spoke wheels that are on it now, but they're a PITA!

[John]

I'll keep an eye out for one around here, if you'd like.