XJ 1100 master Cyl needed

[deo]

I am looking for a master cylinder for my XJ. The one that is on the handle bars. Someone told me that the XS one will work. Any feedback, and does someone know where to find one?

deo

[Jerry]

I picked up a mater cylinder on ebay, along with some rotors and calipers. (M/C has been passed on to another lister, though, so I no longer have a spare.) You might have to keep checking for a while.

The XJ master cylinder activates one front caliper where the XS activates two. I believe the XJ m/c is a 14mm bore, the XS may be larger. (Bore size is cast into the M/C on the underside.) Not a problem except you may have to go a bit lighter (less lever travel) when using the XS M/C on the XJ. Other issue is the XJ's low fluid level sensor, which activates a warning light in the instrument pod. The XS does not have this sensor, I believe.

Yamaha does list a rebuild kit on the microfiche, part number is 4H7-W0041-00-00. Since it does not start with 10M, the model designation for the XJ, it means the same parts were used elsewhere in the Yamaha line. You might check with a dealer to see if the kit is still available, and the cost. Other than physical damage to the cylinder, the rebuild kit should take care of replacing the other critical parts.

[deo]

Jerry,

I found that thehere is pitting in the M/C and that is why I am looking for one. Seems that water got into it while it was sitting and made for a a few unfixable holes. Can sleeves be put in them?

Speaking of pits, my forks need to be replaced as they are rusty and will destroy my seals if I use them as they are. Can I use XS tubes on them or are they XJ specific? How do I check this out with out bothering people? Is there a number somewhere that would indicate this to me?

deo

[Jerry]

To bad about the pitting. Antique auto restoration often uses a sleeve in the M/C or brake cylinders. Usually the cylinder is bored out, a piece of copper pipe is pressed in, then the copper is honed out to the original ID of the cylinder. Any needed holes, such as bleeder in wheel cylinders, is drilled in the copper before it is pressed in, meaning alignment and measurment needs careful work. Don't know if it is worth it unless you have exhausted other options.

Forks...venturing on uncertain ground here. Lower fork tubes are unique to the XJ due to bolt pattern used by calipers and factory fork brace (not real effective!) built into the bottom of the front fender.

Upper tubes may also be different; the microfiche shows them starting with the 10M prefix, unique to the XJ. I suspect this is due to the XJ's variable damping adjustments and the use of air pressure that added further adjustment to the front suspension.

You could probably swap in an entire front end, as the tripple-T clamps are the same as late model ('80, '81) Specials and probably standards. If you do this you will need everything including the calipers and fender. Look for a front that uses the same leading axle configuration.

Otherwise you are going to look for used XJ forks or go to a custom shop like Forking By Frank to get replacements made.

Isn't trying to keep a 21 year old single-year bike going fun?

[deo]

fun is not my operative word on this case but I am finding that I am learning a bunch of very XJ specific information. When that information is placed in line with the rest of the worlds information it should be significant, right?

thanks for the details.

dave

[uk1.1s]

Just some thoughts

Can't help too much here deo - but a bit of lateral thinking for you for one thing and an alternative approach for the other.

1. For the XJ master cylinder. If you have a linked brake set up, beware mis-matching with something (like an XS) which is designed for twin calipers. The fluid moved will be different and may give you some different braking characteristics. I haven't made my mind up if this is a good or a bad thing ...my gut reaction is that it may mean a fiercer front disc brake, which may not be too bad. However, the trade off could be that it will have a really wooden feel rather than a nice progressive, controllable action.

The lateral thought was to fit a Guzzi front brake master cylinder as these are the only other bike I can think of from the same era which came with linked brakes.

2. Front fork tubes in the UK can be refurbished by a few specialist rechromers, who "hard chrome" plate back to original spec. This is not your standard chroming - so beware if talking with a general chroming shop.

Here 'new' fork tubes can cost a lot, especially from the Jap bike manufacturers, so that may have driven this option.

If the tubes prove difficult to source / repair then this is the way to go. Think the price would be the equivalent of around 160 - 200 dollars plus postage if you used one of the UK places. I can let you have details if needs be.

[maxim4rob]

Fork Tubes & Front M/C

Dear Dave:

Sorry to hear your having so much trouble with your XJ. I'm the guy that traded my fairing for your headlight bucket and front grill and nameplate. After re-chroming the bucket everything is back together and so far running great. Regarding the front M/C and fork tubes. You just missed the best e-bay auction I've seen in a long time. The seller parted out an entire XJ (minus the motor). I missed out on a few items but got most of what I wanted. However, I believe the front M/C and fork tubes did not sell. I have contacted the sellers and have asked if these items are still available and if I can forward their e-mail onto you. Hopefully you can still make a deal. When I hear back I'll let you know. Keep your eye on e-bay under Yamaha Maxim you may get lucky. Good Luck.

Maxim4rob

[deo]

Maxim Rob,

Hey, guy I have thought a lot about that trade. The fairing is a beautiful burgundy as well as my tanks, and side covers. I repaired the place that hit the jugs on the motor and they are looking good. I have a few things that I want to do but I'm a bit on the fix it all before I ride it and then have a great time for a good long while.

Thanks for keeping your eyes open on the M/C and the forks. I look forward to hearing from you. I have been hesitant to purchase anything off EBay but maybe this is the time and place to start. Sides I got a boat to sell. So maybe I can learn how.

I'm going to check into the rechroming on the forks. Who knows may be the answer to make it all look good.

Just ordered the 004 0308 turnout exhaust from 2 chanucks I hope they deliver soon.

Have a great one.

dave

[lostgmc]

Ebay

I have gotten quite a few things for my 78'E with very good luck you just have to ask questions if you are at all in question about the part.

[uk1.1s]

Fork rechroming

Deo,

Fork rechroming contact in the UK is here:

http://www.pittedforks.co.uk/

They are well established and I've seen the end product which looks like new.