Pie Run ends in tragedy for my xs1100

[manshack_one]

Thought it might be easier to show you guys what's going on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vo_u9n607jo

[olebiker]

Really good use of video. I have never worked on the middle drive but I am sure one of these guys has. Good luck and I hope you can document the fix as I would like to know what you do.

[TopCatGr58]

Okay,

Tod wins this one!! Sounds like the bearing on the output side of the middle drive gear is trashed, not to mention possibly even the gears inside...sounds like you were close to a Middle Drive LOCKUP....not a fun thing! The final drive Ujoint yoke is a real PITA to remove...talking about disassembling the middle drive unit.

You can remove it without pulling the engine, without removing the swing arm, driveshaft, or rear wheel/final drive assembly. Use the rear wheel, piece of wood to wedge in the spokes, and put a wrench on the 4 nuts holding the U-joint to the final drive output yoke, remove them and then, remove the allen/hex key head bolts that hold the middle drive unit to the side of the engine, and you can pull it right out.

You'll probably need to look for a replacement middle drive unit, contact Andreas, or check Ebay, etc.!

Did you ever check the fluid level in it, drain or refill it during your work on the bike???

IT's still easier than having to work on the tranny!!
T.C.

PS: Middle Drive Teardown Tech Tip

[skids]

Drain the oil from the middle drive if there is any in it.

[thewiz]

Great video ...

I guess ... not the worst problem to have either, like TC says, a pretty up front fix. There is another drain plug underneath that gear box that will let you drain any remaining oil. I have only found the gasket for the middle drive at the Yam dealer.

On another note, it's astonishing that that middle drive didn't lock up. A rear wheel lock-up even at 25 or 30mph is a formula for disaster. Don't ask me how I know. Providence was surely smiling on you that day.

[olebiker]

Re: Great video ...

Originally posted by thewiz
I guess ... not the worst problem to have either, like TC says, a pretty up front fix. There is another drain plug underneath that gear box that will let you drain any remaining oil. I have only found the gasket for the middle drive at the Yam dealer.

On another note, it's astonishing that that middle drive didn't lock up. A rear wheel lock-up even at 25 or 30mph is a formula for disaster. Don't ask me how I know. Providence was surely smiling on you that day.

That is were the dirt riding experience that Fred often talks about might save you. You might if you got lucky be able to ride out a rear wheel lockup.

[thewiz]

.....dirt riding experience that Fred often talks about might save .....

Yup, I guess that's so .... I have never had any interest in dirt riding and so, therefore, lack any valuable riding experience that I could have gained there. Sadly, at nearly 60, it's probably too late to 'pay the price' in injuries to learn now.

Plus, I think I'd need a 125cc or smaller ... cuz being only 5'6"; I can just barely touch my toes to the ground on my 11s. The larger dirt bikes look too damn TALL for me. It's a challenge just get off and on one.

[Ken Talbot]

Originally posted by TopCatGr58
Okay,
Tod wins this one!!

Recount! I even asked him when was the last time he checked the fluid!

[olebiker]

Originally posted by thewiz
[/B] .....



Plus, I think I'd need a 125cc or smaller ... cuz being only 5'6"; I can just barely touch my toes to the ground on my 11s. The larger dirt bikes look too damn TALL for me. It's a challenge just get off and on one. [/B]

Yep some of them are really high. If I had a place to ride it I would get an old trials bike. I used to ride trials a bit (was never much good) . They are wonderful bikes to learn fun low speed stuff that I think pays off at any age. But I have no place to keep or ride one now.

[manshack_one]

Yeah, I was worried about locking it up. Especially since my wife was in the minivan behind me with 3 distractions bouncing around inside. That would be a great headline right? But fortunately it just broke loose and rolled to a stop.

So who's going to make a video and walk me through what I need to do? It's easy. I used my digital camera on movie mode. Set the resolution down to 320 from 640 if you can and upload it to Youtube. Just make sure the garage is quiet and speak like your audience is about 8 ft away from you.

Oh, and I've never checked the fluid. Once I got the thing running you couldn't get me to stop until something else broke on it. I"ll have to drain the oil it sounds like to get to the parts I need to.

I'd like a dual sport for my next bike like a V-Strom. Specs say 32 inches and that's about what the xs11 is so hopefully i'd be able to straddle it. I'm inseam challenged like a lot of riders.

[olebiker]

I'll be surprised if you find much oil.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Manshack,

Here are a couple of shots I've borrowed from 79SF's post in the bolt on chain drive thread, showing the middle drive, and then showing it removed, you'll see that there are 8 bolts that hold it in place, so once you remove the Ujoint bolts, then it literally will unbolt and slide right out!!



Hate to say it, but you stated that you never checked the oil in it, so you have nobody to blame but yourself!? It's not the bike's fault. I know there are many instances where it has been said to replace ALL of the fluids, engine, middle, final drives, brakes, etc. when a person acquires a used XS11. These are dependable machines when they are properly maintained!

Hope you can find a good used one fairly cheaply and soon!?
T.C.

[manshack_one]

Fantastic pics. How the heck did it get so clean and shiny? Must have been a new part or something cuz' I don't think mine has ever or will ever be that clean looking.


I'll try and crack that sucker open tomorrow.

[manshack_one]

man, are those bolts on the U-joint plate threaded backwards or something? I pull that rubber boot back, latch on a 12MM wrench, put a board through the wheel and twisted, banged and blistered my hands trying to get those 4 little suckers loose. Please tell me they're just threaded backwards or something. Frustrating that the only 20 minutes I found so far this week I just spent trying to remove 1 stinking bolt.

[XSPastor]

No, they're just normal right hand threads. They can be buggers to break loose though. I used a box end wrench and smacked it with a hammer!