New Member - Brought One Back to Life

[Aches n Pains]

Folks,

This is my first post but I have used the site a bunch in bringing my 1979 XS1100 Special back to life.


Bought the bike a couple of weeks ago for $300. Generally good shape but, no front brake, clutch was stuck, wouldn't start (carbs), no key, electrical problems.

So far:
Had a key made (easier than I expected).
Automotive style fuse block (special thanks to Gary Granger)
Odyssey P680 sealed battery. Needed to be shimmed in a little.
Fuel
Removed the air box and replaced with pod filters
Cleaned, bench synced and re-jetted the carbs
Adjusted needle from the third to the second position from bottom.
Adjusted the floats
Set the pilot screws out four turns
Removed the vacuum diaphragm and redid the gas lines everywhere
Reversed the upper plate between 1 and 2 carbs and made a bracket to
support the carbs given that the air box is gone
Capped the vacuum vent on the #2 carb boot. Boots look good.
Was planning to coat the inside of the tank but it is immaculate
Broke the clutch plates free
Bled the front brake (the brake pads were new and the calipers had been rebuilt)
Changed oil and transmission fluids
Adjusted the rear shocks
Painted the tank emblems black
Painted a pair of old side covers black
Built an alternative fastening arrangement for the left side cover
Added plug to connect a trickle charger
Added a set of of GenMar risers - raise bars and move them back.
Really help an old man with arthritis.

If you want to see her run:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SDtJ...er_profilepage



A couple of questions:

Anything major this rookie forgot?

I rejetted the main 137.5 to 140 and the pilot 42.5 to 45. Seemed right for the pod filters with no exhaust modifications. Any thoughts?

Do the pilot screws sound right (4 turns out)?

Has anybody found a temperature gauge that would fit in the oil filler?

Anybody got a got a good modification to add an oil cooler?

Anybody have a crisp recommendation to lower her an inch or so. The GenMars allow me to lower the triple tree on the fork leg.


Many thanks to my coach - John Smarsh - who is ever helpful and willing to share his knowledge.


Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions.

Aches n Pains (Doug)

[skids]

At this point, you need to ride it for a while to see how it behaves. No one can tell you exactly how to tune the carbs exactly. Synch carbs. I didn't see anything about inline fuel filters, which I recommend. Unless you know a lot about this bike, change out all fluids. The main thing is to ride it.

[Larrym]

Before and after...

Thanks for the video-she sure sounds healthy.

Now that the bike has a working motor and a willing rider the next step is to lube everything you can: all cables, controls, pivot points and anywhere there's a grease fitting. I'd wait for the off season to get around to repacking the wheel bearings and swing arm bushings but I wouldn't fail to do it. (These bearings are getting harder to find now-a-days and the main cause of failure is neglect...)

I have also found that it's helpful to get a torque wrench and re-torque just about every nut and bolt you can get your hands on. (Loosen each one 1/2 a turn and then re-torque.)The specs for each bolt/nut is in the repair manual. It's not a pleasant surprise to come back from a ride and find something missing.

My right side plastic cover has come loose during a ride and I took the time to tighten up the mounting holes/plugs and even secured it with a tie-wrap for that "just in case".

Basically I'd say ride it as Skid's recommends. Check it before and after each ride and do a little "pre-emptive" TLC. She'll reward you in spades.

[CatatonicBug]

I agree. Just ride, and keep your ears open for any strange sounds. Pay attention to fuel consumption, and play with your RPM ranges. Sounds like you've got it under control though.

[Southhill101]

risers

quote: Added a set of of GenMar risers - raise bars and move them back.

What set did you use? Their site says no cable changes etc? I Could really use a set but was always afraid of getting into trouble with cables/brake lines etc.

Cheers,

[DiverRay]

Welcome to the site! You may find the bike is running a bit rich! I would run 2 turns on the mixture screws, and put the needles back to the center position. With just the pod filters, one size on the mains, and just a turn out on the mixture is all you usually need. the larger pilot jets MAY cause the bike to run rich at lower RPMs.

[fredintoon]

Anything major this rookie forgot?

Hi Doug,
in all that good work, you didn't mention the tires.
Even if they look good, how old are they?
Old tires get hard and don't grip like when they were new.

[Aches n Pains]

Thanks

Thanks for all the good suggestions. I'll put some miles on her and see what's next.

Fredintune - Tires are 3 years old and have at least another year or two on them. Front is better than the rear.

Diver Ray - thanks for the thoughts on jetting. I'll pay attention to how she behaves and adjust accordingly.

Southill101. GenMar risers work great. The GenMar site says 10 minutes to install but they must have a real slow mechanic. Don't need to remove any cables or anything. Just remove the existing piece and lay the bars up behind the headlight. Fasten the front bolts on the new risers fairly tight to hold them in place. Set the bars into the new risers and fasten the center bolt (the longer bolt). Fasten the rear bolt and check if you like the position. Tighten everything down and you're good to go. Need to find a source for the little, black plastic buttons that fill the allen holes. The lowest price I could find was $98.xx at:

http://www.kingpincruisers.net/index...1&item=GM-X102

Be sure you're getting the black anodized instead of the aluminum finish.

[Aches n Pains]

More Thanks

Oh, and Catatonicbug, GREAT WEBSITE.

Found it in getting her to start and you saved me a ton with the manuals you make available. Should have written to thank you earlier.

Aches n Pains (Doug)

[CatatonicBug]

Oh, and Catatonicbug, GREAT WEBSITE.

Found it in getting her to start and you saved me a ton with the manuals you make available. Should have written to thank you earlier.

My way of paying back the help and advice I've recieved from the folks on this forum. I'm glad it helped you out.