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  • Automatic cam chain tensioner

    In a previous thread, I've seen that the OEM cam chain tensioner can be replaced by an automatic version from other bikes. Does anyone have any 100% tried and tested information regarding which specific bike(s) such a tensioner can be taken from and used safely on an XS1100?

    Also, what is the principle of the automatic adjuster? Is it merely a spring-loaded plunger permanently pushing? If so, won't this lead to cam chain guide wear?
    XS1100F 1980 European model. Standard. Dyna coils. Iridium plugs. XS750 final drive (sometimes). Micron fork brace. Progressive front springs. Geezer regulator/rectifier. Stainless 4 into 2 exhaust. Auto CCT (Venturer 1300) SOLD. New project now on the go. 1980 European model.

  • #2
    The absolute straight bolt on is the venture tensioner. If you don't mind doing a little filing and are a little cheap I use a vision 550 tensioner and got it for less than 8 bucks shipped, and I had to file off about .5mm from each bolt hole.

    No it shouldn't cause premature ware. The big plus is that it will automatically tighten as your chain ware instead of you having to tighten it yourself.
    Nathan
    KD9ARL

    μολὼν λαβέ

    1978 XS1100E
    K&N Filter
    #45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
    OEM Exhaust
    ATK Fork Brace
    LED Dash lights
    Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters

    Green Monster Coils
    SS Brake Lines
    Vision 550 Auto Tensioner

    In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.

    Theodore Roosevelt

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    • #3
      Vmax is the same as the Venture CCT, IIRC.
      2H7 (79) owned since '89
      3H3 owned since '06

      "If it ain't broke, modify it"

      Comment


      • #4
        Thanks. Is that any size engined Venture, then?
        XS1100F 1980 European model. Standard. Dyna coils. Iridium plugs. XS750 final drive (sometimes). Micron fork brace. Progressive front springs. Geezer regulator/rectifier. Stainless 4 into 2 exhaust. Auto CCT (Venturer 1300) SOLD. New project now on the go. 1980 European model.

        Comment


        • #5
          I have done the change and must say ... although quieter the noise I do hear is more rhythmic then in the past. I think it may be a sign of an unevenly worn / stretched cam chain. I think this is a very good mod but I will change out my cam chain this winter.
          Rob
          KEEP THE RUBBER SIDE DOWN

          1978 XS1100E Modified
          1978 XS500E
          1979 XS1100F Restored
          1980 XS1100 SG
          1981 Suzuki GS1100
          1983 Suzuki GS750S Katana
          1983 Honda CB900 Custom

          Comment


          • #6
            I know that both the XVZ1300 and the XVZ1200 tensioners will work, straight up bolt on.
            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 XS750

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            • #7
              over 25 years and counting

              any tensioner from any venture or Vmax will fit according to my cross references, from 1983 to present.
              The tensioner is a spring loaded and self adjusts along a spline, one tooth at a time. Mine has properly adjusted itself for over almost 20,000 miles on my 78 standard.

              I rode a venture for many miles and participated on a venture forum and have never heard of cam chain or tensioner problems on those bikes. Over the winter I will check valve clearance and think I will pull the tensioner guides and take some pics. I am sold on the upgrade, but if you have doubts setting tension is only a 10 minute job that only needs 3 different tools.

              Scott
              I have a bike and I am not afraid to use it

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by RS Thornton View Post
                any tensioner from any venture or Vmax will fit according to my cross references, from 1983 to present.
                The tensioner is a spring loaded and self adjusts along a spline, one tooth at a time. Mine has properly adjusted itself for over almost 20,000 miles on my 78 standard.

                I rode a venture for many miles and participated on a venture forum and have never heard of cam chain or tensioner problems on those bikes. Over the winter I will check valve clearance and think I will pull the tensioner guides and take some pics. I am sold on the upgrade, but if you have doubts setting tension is only a 10 minute job that only needs 3 different tools.

                Scott
                Will those tensioners fit on an 82XJ1100?
                82 XJ1100
                Regina,Saskatchewan,
                Canada

                2006 V-Star 1100 custom

                Comment


                • #9
                  The vision 550 tensioners......i see them on ebay from time to time...cheap. is there a difference from the 'rear' and 'front' ???

                  Are they 'plug and play' ??? or is there a trick to mounting them?

                  Steps??
                  '81H (my first XS ) "Grey Ghost"
                  Stock Pilots/ 110 mains (to change)
                  4:1 Jardine w/ headerwrap
                  Windjammer(wiring issues)
                  SonyMarine unit for Ipod/Polk Speakers
                  New paint/brakes to come!!
                  ===============
                  '80G FrankenBike (parts bike)
                  ===============
                  '80G to fix "BlackSunshine"
                  Stock Pilots/125 mains
                  Pod filters; 4:1 Kerker??
                  SS Brake lines w/ new M/C's
                  LED Brake Lite
                  Needs paint....

                  It is better to be thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt....

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    I bought a set of vmax ones of a 96. I kept one and sold the other for 15 plus shipping. Easy to install!!! Had it on for about 1 year now no problems!!!
                    " She'll make point five past lightspeed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid. I've made a lot of special modifications myself. "

                    79 xs11 standard
                    xs pods, Kerker 4-1, zrx1200r carbs mikesxs coils 35k voltz of power!!!
                    8mm msd wires
                    tkat fork brace...
                    Fox shocks...
                    mikes650 front fender
                    led's gallore...
                    renthal bars
                    gold valve emulators
                    vmax tensioner
                    Rifle fairing

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      78E part number is for the tensioner case is: 2H9-12212-00-00

                      82 XJ1100 part number for the tensioner case is: 2H9-12212-00-00

                      So the venture part that fits on the XS should bolt on to the XJ just as easily.
                      Scott
                      I have a bike and I am not afraid to use it

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        I have 2 79's and an 82xj and the tensioner is identical!! This is plug and play!!

                        I havw the vmax book and you have to take the big bolt off the tensioner. The bolt the housing to the bike then push the bolt in an tighten. With the ignition pointed at c of course...
                        " She'll make point five past lightspeed. She may not look like much, but she's got it where it counts, kid. I've made a lot of special modifications myself. "

                        79 xs11 standard
                        xs pods, Kerker 4-1, zrx1200r carbs mikesxs coils 35k voltz of power!!!
                        8mm msd wires
                        tkat fork brace...
                        Fox shocks...
                        mikes650 front fender
                        led's gallore...
                        renthal bars
                        gold valve emulators
                        vmax tensioner
                        Rifle fairing

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Originally posted by yamahansolo View Post
                          I bought a set of vmax ones of a 96. I kept one and sold the other for 15 plus shipping. Easy to install!!! Had it on for about 1 year now no problems!!!
                          Looking at the XS1100 CCT, there is a little rubber foot on the end of the plunger rod. This is absent on the V Max ones, I think. Does that matter?
                          XS1100F 1980 European model. Standard. Dyna coils. Iridium plugs. XS750 final drive (sometimes). Micron fork brace. Progressive front springs. Geezer regulator/rectifier. Stainless 4 into 2 exhaust. Auto CCT (Venturer 1300) SOLD. New project now on the go. 1980 European model.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            No, the rubber just pushes against the metal behind the pad that runs on the chain. I just put one of the 550 Vision units on my '79, and it's MUCH better than the stock one, IMHO. All I needed to do was run about .5mm on one mount hole. Fits well, and no leaks.
                            Ray Matteis
                            KE6NHG
                            XS1100 E '78 (winter project)
                            XS1100 SF Bob Jones worked on it!

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I have done the change and must say ... although quieter the noise I do hear is more rhythmic then in the past. I think it may be a sign of an unevenly worn / stretched cam chain. I think this is a very good mod but I will change out my cam chain this winter.
                              Rob
                              I've had three different automatic tensioners, and I like the venturer tensioner the best. Stock gasket, no leaks, and the plunger lines up perfectly with the cam chain guide. It doesn't seem to tension as tight as the others I've installed so there's marginally more chain noise. At first I thought as Rob does that my chain was about at the end of it's life. I took the spring out of the tensioner, and then dismounted it so I could see how far out the plunger was when installed, and found that there's plenty of adjustment left. It just seems to be little looser, and I'm thinkin' that's probably a good thing. A tighter cam chain tensioner would probably cause the chain to stretch faster, and the venturer seems to be plenty tight enough to keep everything where it's supposed to be.

                              Rob - if you do change your cam chain, you might take a look at the EK Enuma chains (Z1 Enterprises). It's a reasonably priced chain ($32.74), and it's the stoutest cam chain I've seen yet. It comes as a continuous chain, so you usually have buy a rivet link and break it. The links are slightly larger diameter than on the stock chain, and they fit very tightly - in fact I had to press the master link together. It looks like it will hold up better than the Partsnmore variety, or even a stock chain. Just passing it along.
                              Last edited by dbeardslee; 10-13-2010, 12:26 PM.
                              I think I have a loose screw behind the handlebars.

                              '79 XS11 Standard, Jardine 4/1, Dyna DC1-1 Coils, 145 mains, 45 pilots, plastic floats - 25.7mm, XV920 fuel valves, inline fuel filters, speed bleeders, Mikes XS pods, spade-type fuse block, fork brace, progressive fork springs/shocks, manual petcocks, 750 FD, Venture cam chain tensioner, SS brake lines

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