Newbie 750 FD question

[metrogtiguy]

From the pictures, everything looks the same, but looks can be deceiving Will the XS750 FD fit on an XJ1100? I'm not 100% sure about the similarities between then XS and XJ's yet. The 750 FD looks like a great mod to do this winter. Cruising at 5k on the freeway seems a bit excessive for a big bad 1100cc engine!

[CatatonicBug]

According to the Parts list, the FD part numbers are the exact same between the XS1100SH and the XJ1100J. I know Tod (trbig)has done the swap on his XJ, so I would assume it's an even swap, as long as you use the spacer on the shaft.

[DGXSER]

Yep, the shaft drive is the same from XS to XJ. This mod works on both. All you need is the 750 FD, some RTV silicone, a 1/2" flat washer, a piece of 3/4" copper coupling and perhaps a rubber o-ring or two depending on your preferences. Add about an hour or two of time and you have a nice cruiser with attitude.

I've installed one so far and now knowing the secrets to getting the drive shaft out and in, it will be quicker and easier (I hope) the second time round.

[metrogtiguy]

Excellent Thanks! I think I'll be doing the brass spacer myself. That copper one looks like it ever so slightly mushroomed out in Tod's post.

[DGXSER]

Brass is of course an option. As to the copper, think of two things;

one - his u joint self destructed that this copper is riding against.
two - This is Tod and HIS riding style. If ANYTHING does not self destruct in that atmosphere it must be good!!

[metrogtiguy]

Hahaha, rides it like he stole it huh? Mine's for cruising around with the lady . Copper might do just fine then! The lady doesn't like the back of the GPZ, cause she feels like she's getting pulled off the back all the time(The GPZ is a wee bit quicker than the XJ11 ) But, she LOVES how the seat feels like riding in an old Lincoln on the XJ.

[CatatonicBug]

Hahaha, rides it like he stole it huh?

Yeah... Let's just say, Tod is famous for his... "aggressive" riding style.

Isn't Brass softer than copper anyway? I may be wrong on that, but that's what I thought....

[DGXSER]

Raw material wise brass is soft like copper, but the commercial brass has more nickel (I think its nickel) in it making it harder than copper.

[Ivan]

Brass is a copper alloy that can be manipulated for different properties.

The copper sweat coupling will do fine, since the only force against it is the spring in the other end of the drive shaft. The purpose of the brass is to keep the other end of the driveshaft in the splines, which are not full length in the coupling as they are on the 11'S FD. Tod had over 40K on that spacer, and the mushrooming on the end really isn't much to worry about.

[XJOK2PLAY]

One from an 850 will also work.

[Tropic-al]

What are the pros / cons of doing this swap?

[Ivan]

What are the pros / cons of doing this swap?

Best thing is to read the tech article. I think it is posted in the tech section, minus the pictures. It gives a pretty good description of the pros and cons.

One big rub is the mileage. Some claim fantastic increases in mileage, others don't (including myself). No one has ever said don't do it. the only reason not to would be if you are using it in lieu of a tractor for pulling tree stumps or dragging boulders off your land.

[DGXSER]

Having riden with mine in for about 6 months I think it has been, in my opinion the pros are that you get much lower RPMs at higher speeds. You can also take that out to equal more top end if you have the nerve to go there. Some claim better milage, I am not certain I get any more miles in a gallon of gas, but I do see where it could happen. Did I mention the lower RPMS at higher speeds. I no longer get up to 50-70 mph and try to shift into 6th gear.

Cons, the only things that comes to mind is you wind up shifting more often. With the original FD, I could keep it in 5th gear at any speed over 30 MPH all the way up to top speed if I wanted to. Now I find I shift down to fourth at about 35-40 MPH as the rpm range is lower. I also noticed a bit less torque at takeoff when I first made the switch, but once you get used to shifting more often, the bike has plenty of torque to overcome the gearing.

After my time with the 750FD in place, the only time I feel I might want the old FD back is if I was going someplace with the only purpose of being to hit the twisties hard and no superslab in the forecast. If there will be a mix even, I'd stick with the 750FD for the superslab workout and deal with the shifting in the curves. JMHO.

[trbig]

Now I find I shift down to fourth at about 35-40 MPH as the rpm range is lower.

This makes me wonder if you have some carb issues? I ride mine down at 20-25 in 5th quite a bit going through school zones. Granted, you won't be pulling any wheelies on takeoff, but it will pull good enough to not have to downshift.


Tod

[DGXSER]

I am certain my carbs could be better Tod, I have tried several times to ear tune them and I can turn screws all day long and not notice a change until it about chokes out or leans out completely. I also tend to downshift at about 2500 rpm. I could run it down to 25 or so, and have, just feels like the engine is lugging to get back up from there. I've even taken off in third gear unintentionally with the 750FD in place.