Tweet
Hey Guys, Newbie here. I just bought a 1978 XS E. It almost ran, so I have the carbs on the bench soaking over night. At issue is the serial # (2H7101XXX) indicates that it is a US bike, but it was registered in Ontario, Canada at for some time, and the speedo is km/h dominant. It also has a 90/90-18 front tire If I buy a US speedo do I need to change the speedo drive gear, and will the odd front tire size affect the speedo?
-
Hey Guys, Newbie here. I just bought a 1978 XS E. It almost ran, so I have the carbs on the bench soaking over night. At issue is the serial # (2H7101XXX) indicates that it is a US bike, but it was registered in Ontario, Canada at for some time, and the speedo is km/h dominant. It also has a 90/90-18 front tire If I buy a US speedo do I need to change the speedo drive gear, and will the odd front tire size affect the speedo?
Gunnery Sergeant, USMC (Retired), (A gung ho, lifer, Devil Dog) Semper Fidelis
XS1100E, 11.5" XV1100 shocks, "no name" 4 into 2 headers and turn out mufflers, stock air box, 140 mains, spade type fuse block, volt meter, LED conversion on running/turn/brake/tail lights, aux front driving and running light bar, 850 FD swap, Chrysler electronic VR. Ugly as a monkey's butt - runs like a scalded ape (WHEN IT RUNS
) -
Be careful soaking the carbs. Any caustic carb cleaner will destroy the rubber butterfly shaft seals. The correct size front tire for an XS1100 is 100/90/19. A MPH speedo from an 11 will bolt right up and read correctly. Smaller front tire will throw the speed off slightly.2H7 (79) owned since '89
3H3 owned since '06
"If it ain't broke, modify it"
☮ -
Thank you for the info, bikerphil. I misspoke regarding soaking the carbs. I should have said I was soaking the jets, etc.
Gunnery Sergeant, USMC (Retired), (A gung ho, lifer, Devil Dog) Semper Fidelis
XS1100E, 11.5" XV1100 shocks, "no name" 4 into 2 headers and turn out mufflers, stock air box, 140 mains, spade type fuse block, volt meter, LED conversion on running/turn/brake/tail lights, aux front driving and running light bar, 850 FD swap, Chrysler electronic VR. Ugly as a monkey's butt - runs like a scalded ape (WHEN IT RUNS)Comment
-
bikerphil, what is the benefit of installing a different FD?Gunnery Sergeant, USMC (Retired), (A gung ho, lifer, Devil Dog) Semper Fidelis
XS1100E, 11.5" XV1100 shocks, "no name" 4 into 2 headers and turn out mufflers, stock air box, 140 mains, spade type fuse block, volt meter, LED conversion on running/turn/brake/tail lights, aux front driving and running light bar, 850 FD swap, Chrysler electronic VR. Ugly as a monkey's butt - runs like a scalded ape (WHEN IT RUNS)Comment
-
The 750/850 FD has a taller gear ratio, it'll cut your RPM's down about 800. Better for highway cruising, JMHO.2H7 (79) owned since '89
3H3 owned since '06
"If it ain't broke, modify it"
☮Comment
-
Welcome to the board Clyde!!
I have installed that same FD swap and loved it. I also installed one on a members bike who is the original owner (an 80 special) and he swears it is the single best improvement he ever made to it. He is more of a cruiser style of rider.
HTHLife is what happens while your planning everything else!
When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.
81 XS1100 Special - Humpty Dumpty
80 XS1100 Special - Project Resurrection
Previously owned
93 GSX600F
80 XS1100 Special - Ruby
81 XS1100 Special
81 CB750 C
80 CB750 C
78 XS750Comment
-
Welcome to the forum! The FD swap is pretty nice. I just did it on mine, and it really feels a lot more comfortable on long runs, with the RPMs a bit lower. Some people say it helps fuel mileage, but I can't say it did much of that for me. Riding style affects fuel mileage more than anything.1980 XS850SG - Sold
1981 XS1100LH Midnight Special (Sold) - purchased 9/29/08
Fully Vetterized and Dynojet Kit added, Heated Grips, Truck-Lite LED headlight, Accel Coils, Irridium plugs, TKAT Fork Brace, XS850LH Final Drive & Black SS Brake lines from Chacal.
Here's my web page devoted to my bike! XS/XJ User's Manuals there, and the XJ1100 Service Manual and both XS1100 Service manuals (free download!).
Whether you think you can, or you think you cannot - You're right.
-H. FordComment
-
Clyde,
Do you really have an 18" wheel on the front of your bike?
The 750 FD is probably good if you ride on straight roads with a 90 degree turn every few miles. I live and ride in the mountains, so I wouldn't be willing to give it a try. I might stick one on to ride the bike on a long tour, but I'd have to put it right back.Marty (in Mississippi)
XS1100SG
XS650SK
XS650SH
XS650G
XS6502F
XS650EComment
-
jetmechmarty, I just double checked and the tire is 19". I don't know what the PO did with the bike, but the tire is so scuffed up and dry rotted that it is barely legible.Gunnery Sergeant, USMC (Retired), (A gung ho, lifer, Devil Dog) Semper Fidelis
XS1100E, 11.5" XV1100 shocks, "no name" 4 into 2 headers and turn out mufflers, stock air box, 140 mains, spade type fuse block, volt meter, LED conversion on running/turn/brake/tail lights, aux front driving and running light bar, 850 FD swap, Chrysler electronic VR. Ugly as a monkey's butt - runs like a scalded ape (WHEN IT RUNS)Comment
-
OK, I missed something. What is this FD you are referring to. never mind duh (Final drive)
Just ME and my 82 XJ 1100. Mac 4>1-2 1/2" open baffle shotgun, no octy, K&N pod filters, LED tail/brake light & directionals, 750 FD mod, Ear Cannon air horn, modified bars and dash. "Motorcyclists are all bound together by a brotherhood tie through their love of the sport, and what difference does it make what machine he rides as long as he belongs to the clan." Walter Davidson, Dec. 1920 edition of Harley-Davidson Enthusiast Magazine http://s851.photobucket.com/albums/ab78/justme1100/Comment
-
Hey Justme...FD + Final Drive. The XS750/XS850 share the same Fianl Drive external body. Only difference is the gears and the coupling. So it is a common modification to take the FD from an XS750 or XS850 and swap it onto the XS1100.Life is what happens while your planning everything else!
When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.
81 XS1100 Special - Humpty Dumpty
80 XS1100 Special - Project Resurrection
Previously owned
93 GSX600F
80 XS1100 Special - Ruby
81 XS1100 Special
81 CB750 C
80 CB750 C
78 XS750Comment
-
Yep, FD swap is a common one, and one that I am getting ready to do since my original started seaping the gear oil from the inside to the outside. Got the replacement, and I even already have an extra drive shaft to prep everything with, so I just gotta get started and getter done.
Cy
1980 XS1100G (Brutus) w/81H Engine
Duplicolor Mirage Paint Job (Purple/Green)
Vetter Windjammer IV
Vetter hard bags & Trunk
OEM Luggage Rack
Jardine Spaghetti 4-2 exhaust system
Spade Fuse Box
Turn Signal Auto Cancel Mod
750 FD Mod
TC Spin on Oil Filter Adapter (temp removed)
XJ1100 Front Footpegs
XJ1100 Shocks
I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one.Comment
-
If you have a spare rear wheel, to hold the FD still on while loosening and tightening the bolt, that can make the pre-work alot easier. And the install alot quicker.Life is what happens while your planning everything else!
When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt.
81 XS1100 Special - Humpty Dumpty
80 XS1100 Special - Project Resurrection
Previously owned
93 GSX600F
80 XS1100 Special - Ruby
81 XS1100 Special
81 CB750 C
80 CB750 C
78 XS750Comment
-
I just used an impact, and it came off without a problem.
1980 XS850SG - Sold
1981 XS1100LH Midnight Special (Sold) - purchased 9/29/08
Fully Vetterized and Dynojet Kit added, Heated Grips, Truck-Lite LED headlight, Accel Coils, Irridium plugs, TKAT Fork Brace, XS850LH Final Drive & Black SS Brake lines from Chacal.
Here's my web page devoted to my bike! XS/XJ User's Manuals there, and the XJ1100 Service Manual and both XS1100 Service manuals (free download!).
Whether you think you can, or you think you cannot - You're right.
-H. FordComment
Comment