Another New Guy!

[tantor]

Hi, this is the first of many posts. I have just started restoring a 1984 XJ 1100. I am sure that I will have a few dumb questions, but I will try to limit them. And, Yes, I have been reading previous posts here. I will post some before pictures soon.

Stan..
North Vancouver B.C.

[CatatonicBug]

Welcome aboard! Wow, 2 new XJ's in the same hour! Questions are good - it's how we all learn. This is definitely the place for answers. Some of them might actually help!

[tantor]

It gets better.... The XJ is what I will be riding while I do a full restoration of an 80 XS1100 you know the only one to come stock with the Yamaha Faring..

If This does not drive me crazy, nothing will !!!

[XS1100_OEM4ME]

Welcome

Welcome, ask away, I am sure someone on here has been through what ever comes up on your bike, better to ask 1st then to cry later

[cywelchjr]

It gets better.... The XJ is what I will be riding while I do a full restoration of an 80 XS1100 you know the only one to come stock with the Yamaha Faring..

If This does not drive me crazy, nothing will !!!

Actually the only one that came stock with the Yamaha fairing was the XS1100H which is an 81 model. If the build date on the neck is in 1980 its almost for sure an 81. This is significant because the ignition system on the 81's is different than earlier years, incorporating the centrifugal advance into the electronics of the TCI, meaning a more complex and expensive TCI than the earlier models. Also the 81 standard is the only standard to come with slotted rotors standard, all the other standard models had non-slotted rotors, with the specials getting the slotted rotors in 80.

[tantor]

Yes, the other bike is an 81.

Anyways, I've been doing a bunch of clean up, and tinkering, but the Vroom Vroom sound isn't happening yet. The bike sat for 4 years, and salt air isn't kind to anything.

I know that the solenoid is suspect, but before I replace that, I have to do some digging, and find out why I have less than 1 volt coming to the solenoid.

If there are any suggestions of the usual suspect items, fire away. For right now, I'm checking and cleaning all contacts from stem to stern. After that, my multi meter is going to earn it's keep, as I try to find the faulty parts.

It's going to be interesting, and I now have an excuse to drink beer in the shop, and swear at the Black Beast!

[Joab]

Welcome! Great info here!

[natemoen]

Your already on the first step. Eliminate the connections as a factor and keep on plugging away. Good luck with her and don't be afraid to ask questions

[dbeardslee]

For right now, I'm checking and cleaning all contacts from stem to stern.

Here's the problem with just cleaning the connections - you can get corrosion that works it's way up inside the wire sheath, and no amount of cleaning is going to get it out. That corrosion can cause resistance, and resistance generates heat - enough to melt wire sheaths and connector housings. I cleaned every connection on mine, and was still only getting about 11v at the TCI. I went through them again, but instead of cleaning I cut the ends off the wires and crimped on new connectors. That got me back to 12v at the TCI.

Geezer sells a nice compound crimper that does a perfect factory double crimp for about $25. I think he sells the connectors and housings as well. You want to make sure you use the appropriate connectors for the wires - copper connectors for copper wires, and aluminum for aluminum wires. Dissimilar metals crimped or plugged together will accelerate corrosion. Do it right and you shouldn't have to mess with it again for another 30 years.

Good luck with it, and welcome to Ch11 .

[TomRodgers]

Welcome!!!! I was in your spot a year ago...since then i have half a$$ed rebuilt two sets of carbs (triple cleaned them both), replaced all my brakelines rebuilt calipers added stainless lines, and a fair amount of other items that i wouldnt have gotten done without the expertise of those on the site. Good luck!!!

I have a spare fairing, a windjammer with the square headlight...but no mounting hardware. it has a couple of structural cracks, but have been told if you know what you are doing, you can repair it.....it has no windscreen either....
im sure shipping would be a bit pricey, but anyone interested, ill take some pics and post them.

[fredintoon]

Hi, this is the first of many posts. I have just started restoring a 1984 XJ 1100. I am sure that I will have a few dumb questions, but I will try to limit them. And, Yes, I have been reading previous posts here. I will post some before pictures soon.

Stan..
North Vancouver B.C.

Hi Stan and welcome,
tantor, eh? Another ERB fan, right?

[CatatonicBug]

Hi Stan and welcome,
tantor, eh? Another ERB fan, right?

I was thinking Disney's Tarzan...

[DenyP]

Welcome to the club! Great bikes and great people here willing to help.
The wiring and connectors on my bike were in good shape. Just needed a little cleaning and dielectric grease but my bikes PO may have been more diligent in taking care of the bike.

Deny

[tantor]

I was thinking Disney's Tarzan...

Bingo! I earned that nickname in the 90s for the way that I crashed through computer systems, and did not care what carnage I left in my wake!

[slow mo]

welcome tantor

you sir are in the right place! not only are you here at xs11.com you are very close to our resident parts guru Andreas wiess,,which can only be a good thing ,,welcome again and ride safe ! slow mo!