XS1100 vs xj1100 questions

[crazy steve]

...The only mods I can see to it is the exhaust was replaced with a 4:1 and possibly because of obstruction, the center stand was removed and not replaced. Only the kick stand remains. The tool kit is missing and apparently there is a dipstick in the tool kit? That measures the middle gear and rear oil...

The dipstick can be found here: http://www.xs11.com/xs11-info/tech-t...-dipstick.html

The missing centerstand is common with some 4-1 exhausts; hard to say if yours just didn't get reinstalled or if it wouldn't fit. What it does complicate is checking the engine oil; the high/low marks at the 'window' are calibrated for when the bike is on the centerstand. Some owners just loosely install the stand for servicing purposes, then remove it when riding. The XJ uses the same stand as all the 'specials', so finding one shouldn't be too hard. The 'standard' model stand is different.

[KA1J]

Thanks for the reply.

Did you mean to say centerstand or sidestand? My centerstand is missing but the sidestand is there.

Yes I meant to say windshield not window I have one on the 650 and decided it was nice to have although there's nothing like the feel of the wind in the summer.

The square handlebars were a surprise; being from the same year, I expected the XJ1100 to simply be a larger exact copy of the XJ650. Oh no, not so!

I'm a big kid, I like surprises!

[KA1J]

Great pointer for the dipstick! I'll make one. I didn't get one with the XJ650 and just did the best I could.

I'll be able to get help holding the bike level for checking the oil levels but I'll look for a centerstand from a special and if worst comes to worst I can fab one from pipe but it won't look pretty. Guess it would be fine for doing work & then remove afterwards. Living on the coast, the soil is usually pretty soft and I always worry about the sidestand going in too far, specially if it rains unexpectedly.

[DGXSER]

Congrats on the find. Do be careful of the high oil level you mentioned. The carbs can leak through the float valves and flood the crankcase with fuel causing a veyr high oil level. Be sure to check for that before you run it again. The gas will thin the oil and can ruin the engine bearings and such.

As to the centerstand , I have one off an SH or 81 XS11 Special available if your interested.

[Jamie]

Great pointer for the dipstick! I'll make one. I didn't get one with the XJ650 and just did the best I could.

I'll be able to get help holding the bike level for checking the oil levels but I'll look for a centerstand from a special and if worst comes to worst I can fab one from pipe but it won't look pretty. Guess it would be fine for doing work & then remove afterwards. Living on the coast, the soil is usually pretty soft and I always worry about the sidestand going in too far, specially if it rains unexpectedly.

I have a centerstand on the spare XJ1100 frame if you need it. Let me know if you can't find one anywhere else.
Thanks
Jamie