Do they all handle like this?

[Coopz]

Finally got my bike up and running last night (81RH Sports) after some minor clutch woes. Took it for a quick fang around the block, just finding its handling.. well.. a bit unusual. Its smooth and balanced in a straight line but sweeping corners it seems like the front wants to turn in the further I lean it. Hard to really discribe, I lean it left and the handlebars want to turn in left as well (very slightly). Just feels a little strange, not at all dangerous, but in 12 years of riding I've never had a bike thats wanted to do this.. Had a XJR1300SP a few years ago, (the XS's grandson) and it was nothing like this. Also had a 1981 GPz1100 and that also handled differently for a similair sized bike and setup.
Other than that it goes like a windstorm, the previous owner spent a lot of $$ on the engine and it shows, the bikes up to 100 in a blink and dispite its very heavy and clunky gearbox it goes like a cut cat

Also wondering with the petcocks, it has bilateral petcocks on either side of the tank (What the..??) just wondering do they both need to be on the same setting? What is the reason for this?

[cywelchjr]

Each petcock feeds two of the carbs. Normally in stock form it's the two on the same side as the petcock, but many use longer lines and feed the opposite pair. The reason for two, is that the tank hangs over the center part of the frame by a good bit, and if there were only one, you would have a big batch of gas that would never get used. I know my old Honda 360 had a hose between the two side so all the gas got used, but in this case yamaha chose to use two petcocks, They should generally both be on the same setting at any one time.

[bikerphil]

For handling, first check your tire pressure. Low pressure can cause it to pull in turns. For added improvement, change the fork oil and make sure the level is correct. If your forks use air pressure, fiddle with that too. More upgrades also include Progressive springs (no need for air anymore), and a fork brace. Also, if your steering stem bearings are worn, not greased, or out of adjustment, the handling and steering will suffer. If you're still not happy with the handling, a modern fork mod might be in order. HTH

[b.walker5]

Two words..

Fork Brace.

Mine used to do the same until I put a brace on (and a new front guard, but thats another story). Now it's as twitchy as all hell compared to the wallowing fishing boat type steering it did have. (Remember HQ Holdens?, well they steer just like one of those, turn the wheel and wait) After 11 years of riding it like that I'm having trouble adjusting to the really positive feel it has now.

Go here http://www.tkat.com/forkbrace.html for a TKAT fork brace and get one, you wont regret it.

[hamjam]

Fork Brace.

Mine used to do the same .~ Now it's as twitchy as all hell compared to the wallowing fishing boat type steering it did have. (Remember HQ Holdens?, well they steer just like one of those, turn the wheel and wait)

We used yo have a 50 ft. centreboard yawl , and the joke was "turn us around , and make lunch while you're waiting "

air pressure and TKat fork brace two thumbs up
Jim

[jetmechmarty]

I have a Special. At low speeds it does sort of "fall" into the turns. It does not handle like the more modern bikes you mentioned. A fork brace or new springs isn't going to change it. Those things make for improvement, but won't change it. I believe what you described is normal for this bike.

[fredintoon]

- - - Took it for a quick fang around the block, just finding its handling.. well.. a bit unusual. - - -

Hi Coopz,
yeah, those forks'd be OK on a bike that weighed 100lbs less and had only half the power but they do kinda suck on an XS11.
A good fork brace and fiddling with tire pressures will help but only so much.

[oldnortonrider]

16 years ago, when I got my 81 XS11 Special, I put it up on centerstand to get front wheel up off ground, so I could check the front wheel to see if it would wiggle. Everything else that could contribute to a bad handling problem, had been checked out. Had a good bit of "slop" between the hub and axle. I acquired the two bearings and got organized to have all necessary tools, and replaced the bearings. One bearing had a good bit of movement between the two races~~was real bad. After the fix, the handling problem was gone. To check the wheel while on the machine, in some cases, might be necessary to drop brake calipers and pads away from the rotors, to check for sure for any bearing slop. Couple years later, I added a Tkat front fork brace. Nice. Very nice

[Yard Dogg]

How much did that fork brace set you back?

Fork Brace.

Mine used to do the same until I put a brace on (and a new front guard, but thats another story). Now it's as twitchy as all hell compared to the wallowing fishing boat type steering it did have. (Remember HQ Holdens?, well they steer just like one of those, turn the wheel and wait) After 11 years of riding it like that I'm having trouble adjusting to the really positive feel it has now.

Go here http://www.tkat.com/forkbrace.html for a TKAT fork brace and get one, you wont regret it.

[bikerphil]

Anyone need a TKat fork brace for a STD, I have one I'll let go for $75. I don't need it anymore, due to my FJ fork conversion. I think they're $125 new, IIRC.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Phil,
YES, I will take it. ese PM
MAxim Phil

Anyone need a TKat fork brace for a STD, I have one I'll let go for $75. I don't need it anymore, due to my FJ fork conversion. I think they're $125 new, IIRC.

[b.walker5]

How much did that fork brace set you back?

100 bucks. best 100 ive spent on my bike in a good long while

[bikerphil]

YES, I will take it.

It's yours.

[jetmechmarty]

need for brace

This test was passed on to me some time ago to see if you need a fork brace. Find a wide sweeping turn, clean with no traffic. Grab a handful of brake in the turn. Let go and see if your line changes. If it does, you will benefit from a fork brace.

[Coopz]

This test was passed on to me some time ago to see if you need a fork brace. Find a wide sweeping turn, clean with no traffic. Grab a handful of brake in the turn. Let go and see if your line changes. If it does, you will benefit from a fork brace.

Grabbing the brakes on a sweeping corner?? Pass..:P