New Member Needs Help!

[MTaft]

I've had a stock '79 XS 1100 special serial # 250 for about eight years now. My uncle bought it new in '79 and I bought it from him. The bike has only 10,000 miles on it and pulls like a banshee. The only problem I have is the Handlebars. I would like to replace them with a more standard bar, I will of course keep the originals in case I ever want to switch back. Does anyone know where I can get a set? I also need some carb boots, I coated them when I bought it but they are starting to crack again. In the event I do find some new boots, is there a way to prevent them from cracking to begin with?

[DiverRay]

First, welcome to the site.
The handlebars can be had at MOST bike shops, and online. With the Specials, you need to be aware the master cyl. for the front brake is TILTED to account for the bars. When you go to more of a "Standard" bar, the tilt MAY be too much. It's easy to fix with a different MC, but it ISN'T a "must fix".
The intake boots DO crack on the OUTSIDE. There is another INSIDE rubber tube that will usually keep them from leaking. They ARE available, but at about $100 a set. Some of the members here used heat shrink to cover the intake boots, so there ARE ways to make them "look pretty".

[BlackD1114]

As far as hanldebars go, I haven't personally bought any aftermarket ones to tell you where to go but I'm sure you can find some on JCWhitney.com and bikebandit.com.

As far as the carb boots cracking you should be ok if the cracks don't go all the way through. A good way to test the cracks is to spray a small amount of starting fluid on the cracks while the bike is running. If it revs when you spray them then you know that the cracks go all the way through. (I would suggest keeping a bucket of water close by just to be on the safe side while doing this.)

If you have cracks that go all the way through, I'd say it's time to replace them. If you go to the "For Sale" section on the forum you should be able to find someone selling a set for a reasonable price.

If you're looking to repair the outside, I've heard of either using RTV silicone to fill the cosmetic cracks or using a plastic spray coating.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

[oldyam80sg]

If you need handlebars- i have a set of bars off my 1999 ZRX 1100.They are aftermarket bars.

[dbeardslee]

MTaft - Welcome! Most 7/8" bars will work. Mikes XS has a nice selection - here's a link - Mikes XS Handlebars.

[fredintoon]

I've had a stock '79 XS 1100 special serial # 250 for about eight years now. - - The only problem I have is the Handlebars. I would like to replace them with a more standard bar, I will of course keep the originals in case I ever want to switch back. Does anyone know where I can get a set? - - -

Hi MTaft & welcome,
any 7/8" 'bar will fit and MikesXS on-line catalog shows a fair range of 'bar styles.
If you don't want to go through e-purchase hassles the nearest bike shop more than likely has a selection to pick from.
Or a local swap meet even.
Be aware that just because it looks OK in the store it won't necessarily be right on the bike.
It took me 3 goes to get from the stock rototillers on my XS650 to a reasonable bend.
Luckily my XS11SG came with what looks like a CB750 bend that works good for an elderly 5'-7" fat guy.
And don't worry about the tilted brake fluid reservoir. It'll work just fine like that.
You only need it to be horizontal when you are re-filling or changing brake fluid and you can tilt the 'bars to do that.