Need Your Advise

[steelraider]

Just purchased a 1980 Musem quality XS1100 standard. Looking to outfit it with the following options and would like to ask the membership what they feel would be the best bang for the buck in quality and performence. Please include brand and model number.
1. Windshield
2. Soft bags and soft trunk system
3. Rear shocks (I'm overweight due to heart medications)
4. Front end suspension improvements
5. What upgrades, modifications do feel are mandatory to enhance performance and reliability?

I have already read most of the postings and testimonials on these subjects but would like to get some real world suggestions.

Spoke to TCAT at length on phone and he gave me TREMENDOUS help with ideas, suggestions, and a great feeling about the XS11 community. Thanks TC!!

Looking forward to some good ideas!!

Larry

[James England]

Since it's 'museum quality', I'd leave it totally unmolested! Or only do things which you can reverse easily without irrevocable changes to the bike.

I think museum quality bikes are getting pretty rare now? It seems a shame to start doing things to it IMO. Could you buy another one, of less museum standard', to do things to and keep the other beauty for occasional use and gloating over?

[XS1100 Newbie]

Welcome, and pics are good!

[ViperRon]

Pictures Please

Would really like to see pictures of your's have done quite a bit to resore mine as it was sitting dissasembled in less than dry location for many years. Mine is for the most part original except I went from the Silver to this Blue. There are some things I still need like replacment pin stripping. And new emblems for side covers. For getting new parts I do suggest Mikes in the links. As for many parts like original looking shocks he has decent prices. I suggest Windjammer for the windshield and gasket mounting assembly. Attached are some pictures of my 1980 XS1100 G Silverbird. attached.[IMG]C:\Documents and Settings\Ron\My Documents\amotorcycle\PIC_0681[/IMG][IMG]C:\Documents and Settings\Ron\My Documents\amotorcycle\PIC_0678[/IMG]

[jwhughes3]

it doesnt sound like what he wants

will hurt the bike - heck he is planning on riding it so there goes the museum right out the window.

Larry welcome.

1. Windshield - I like the Plexistar3 from national cycle. Has alot of fairing protection without the weight.

2. Soft bags and soft trunk system - cant help - i have a Cortech tank bag - but that is really well made so maybe their stuff - and I saw yesterday a set of soft bags on ebay from them

3. Rear shocks (I'm overweight due to heart medications) - I am overweight due to not enough exercise and too much beer. I use Progressive shocks 2 rated 230/275 and ride 2-up with SWMBO just fine. They are 18-418 series:
04-1455B/C 230/275 4.11/4.91 8.13 207 1.94 49 11.50”, 12,00” (I never adjust them and the handling is much improved for me)

4. Front end suspension improvements - the tKat fork brace from www.tkat.com

5. What upgrades, modifications do feel are mandatory to enhance performance and reliability?
1.fork brace.
2.TC's fuse block
3. geezer's rectifier
4.Performance of a well tuned xs11 is good enough.
5. go thru every single electrical connection and clean contacts and use dielectric grease
6. synthetic gear oil in middle and final drives.
7.download the manual from catatonic bug's website in his signature.


John

[steelraider]

Pics

Cut and paste this link in your browser and scroll down. Forget the price, we came to an agreement !!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/_W0QQ...ffviQ3d1#v4-36

**Editted link, the above is the correct one for seeing the eBay listing, but I'll try to direct link the photos in here as well.** T.C.



Okay that worked, so here's the rest:







As Larry stated earlier, "we" had a nice conversation. As you all can now see, the bike is in Museum quality conditon, but not Museum OEM condition, has has some changes made to it....ie, the 4-1 pipes, and the rear shocks are not OEM...might even be Progressive, not sure??

Larry has lots of wrenching experience and skill, but didn't want to have to do too much REPAIR type work, but does want to have a bike that will be reliable, and as we all know, the FUN factor will be there for sure....he's used to BMW/Boxer machines...but early 70's era, so I think he's in for a pleasant performance SURPRISE when he gets on the XS11 and gets to where he can crack the throttle !

T.C.

[TopCatGr58]

Ps.

He will also have the OEM Airbox and OEM Pipes, and I've discussed those performance aspects vs. the 4-1's and Indy Pod filters it currently has.

It also has a FULL FAIRING, but he doesn't like that much weight/bulk on the front, hence his desire for a handlebar mounted windshield instead.

Also, he lives in the mountains area, lots of fun twisty road to enjoy, and for a modest turnkey experience, don't think the 750 FD mod would be indicated here.

I think he would also like to hear from folks with SEAT mods...he wants to be able to flat foot it as well as have a LDR quality seat/cushion.
T.C.

[crazy steve]

Just purchased a 1980 Musem quality XS1100 standard. Looking to outfit it with the following options and would like to ask the membership what they feel would be the best bang for the buck in quality and performence. Please include brand and model number.
1. Windshield
2. Soft bags and soft trunk system
3. Rear shocks (I'm overweight due to heart medications)
4. Front end suspension improvements
5. What upgrades, modifications do feel are mandatory to enhance performance and reliability?

I have already read most of the postings and testimonials on these subjects but would like to get some real world suggestions.
Larry

Well, first I'll assume you don't want to do any major, non-reversable mods. Second, this bike has been out of production for 30 years so most new accessories you'll find will be 'universal fit' (which in my mind usually means they don't fit anything exactly right), so unless you're willing to look in the used market for custom-fit, expect some work getting a good fit. So with that in mind, here's my .02 worth...

Windshields. National Cycle and Memphis shades are the two major manufacturers. National Cycle will be the cheaper of the two, and neither offer anything other than universal fit models for this bike. Styling and fit vary between models/brands and you won't find anything that really 'fits' the square headlight standard. The Plexifairing models from National Cycle are popular but a bit large for my tastes. A windshield does have to be 'fitted' to you and the bike to minimize buffeting, so that will have some effect on your choices. Personally, I've never found a 'universal' 'shield that fit well out of the box, I've always ended up modifying the mounting brackets.

You'll have the same problem with soft bags. Plus the added issue that where they come in contact with the bike, they'll wear the finish. In less time than you may think, you'll have bare spots on the paint/chrome. You can find brackets for newer bikes to prevent this, but for a XS you'll have to build them.

You might look into getting a 'vintage' fairing/bag tour pack. There's lots of fairings out there, and a 'wanted' posting will turn up a set of bags. These will have the advantage of actually fitting the bike, but will no doubt be 'cosmetically challenged' to some degree. You can get restoration parts for later Vetter fairings (new plexi, edge trim, etc) for not a ton of money, so the big expense here would be a re-paint to match. The early factory-designed Pacifico (arguably the better fairing) will be much harder to restore.

Suspension? Again, not a lot of choices. For rear shocks, you'll be looking in the used market primarily. For a bolt-on, XJ shocks will be your best choice but you may have problems finding a set that won't need rebuilding. 'Other brand' shocks will need some 'adapting' to fit right. Progressive suspension does offer new rear shocks as well as new fork springs 'off the shelf', about $350 for both. There's also 'cartridge emulators' for the front forks to improve damping, but they're a PITA to tune and only really needed IMO if you're a fairly aggressive rider. A fork brace isn't a bad idea, as the 37mm forks on these are rather flimsy, but again, this will depend on how you ride. Most like the TKat brace, but I'll be a contrarian and recommend the Telefix as I think it's a more rigid design. It's bit more money but worth it IMHO.

The only 'mandatory' mod I can think of would be a V-max/Venture or Vision 'automatic' cam chain tensioner. The stock tensioner is a known trouble point.

There's other options in suspension parts, but they'll generally require a bit more work.

Welcome!

[fredintoon]

- - - Rear shocks (I'm overweight due to heart medications) - - - Larry

Hi Larry,
being an overweight heart attack survivor myself, I can tell you this without insult.
One of the best palliatives for a heart condition is to lose weight. Change your meds/doctor/eating habits.

[MrOzz]

I have the Slip Streamer S-05 TURBO windshield. I really like it. Easy to mount and it is not permanent so you can remove it and not have any mounting holes left on your ride.

Here is a pic of it on my ride.






Ozz

[jetmechmarty]

rear shocks and suspension

Are you planning to get a lot of use from this bike? If so, you can upgrade it. I just went through this on mine and I spent money I didn't need to.

Here's what I'd do if I had it to do over again:

Contact Traxxion Dynamics on the telephone. (Their website is not helpful for our purpose.) You send them your forks. They install cartridge emulators and replace the front springs. (They drill the damper rods and tune the suspension to your needs.) You get greatly improved front suspension with your satisfaction guaranteed.

Traxxion can provide you with good quality rear shocks at reasonable cost. They will be of correct rate for you and your bike.

You're probably looking at $500-$600 for the whole package. What you end up with is a tremendously improved motorcycle and it looks perfectly stock. I added a TKAT brace as well. $100.

Here's what I did:

I bought cartridge emulators from RaceTech for $170. Traxxion price is $150. For $170, I get to install and tune them myself. I bought custom wound springs from Traxxion @ $150. I chose to install them. I bought Progressive Suspension rear shocks with Heavy Duty springs @ $300. The springs weren't heavy enough, so I bought another set @ $125 more. I bought a tool to swap the springs @ $35. I bought a TKAT fork brace @ $90. While I am ecstatic about the improvements, I'm still tweaking the front end. As Steve pointed out, it's not a simple five minute procedure.

Also, I'm not crazy about progressive springs. To me, it seems the are either too hard, or you suffer too much sag. I opt for hard because of how I use the bike. Traxxion could have provided me with something I'd be happier with, at less money. Some folks like progressive springs, and that's fine. They're just not for me.

I attempted to make "no compromise" suspension improvements to my bike, and I think I'm pretty close. I realize that what I have done is WAY out of line for many in this group. I like the bike and felt it a worthwhile effort.

That's my 2 cents and I hope it helps.

[James England]

Personally, I would put the bike back to standard.... 4 into 2 pipes, standard airbox and filter, get rid of the rack and sissy bar. That bike is too nice and in too good condition to start hacking it about, drilling bits for panniers/screens...whatever. It's lasted what?, 30 years? so far in almost pristine condition apart from the usual air filter thing and 4 into 1.

I don't like museums and think a bike should be ridden. However, eBay is littered with poor ole' XS1100's that people have 'customised' (aka ruined, usually) or 'modified' (aka now they burn funny or pop in the exhausts etc or don't start in the cold etc) or... worse.... 'chopped' badly. They end up as spares bikes and lose most of their financial value when compared to a standard machine and it's one fewer example of these bikes. I've broken two of them this year so far.... all altered beyond hope.

Looking at your bike, I would spend a relatively small amount of money and put it back to standard in appearance. Geezer's rectifier regulators are good. Dyna coils are good. Progressive front springs and a fork brace are good. Iridium plugs are good. XS750 final drive is good (ha ha..) Check the pickup coil wires. You did ask! I know people will disagree. I think that model of XS1100 is really nice.... it seems a shame to change it too much.

[jetmechmarty]

windshield

I have a Slipstreamer S-02 Spirit on mine. I do not recommend it. It is a challenge to install properly. The stanchions on the bars have broken off more times than I can count. I get sick of having to stop and fix the windshield. My bike is a Special with stock bars. Maybe that makes a difference.

It does work very well with a square headlight. At 45-55 MPH, I don't get wet above the knees. If you smoke, you can smoke behind this one. It is very good for touring if you can get it mounted to stay. It's good enough that I have been living with it for several years.

Bottom line: I won't buy another one.

[jetmechmarty]

Spring City

Steelraider,

Sept 30 - Oct 3 is the XSive Rider's Rally in Robbinsville, NC. We'll be at The Iron Horse. You're too close to not make a showing. I'll let you try my bike. It has 140/200 rate springs on it. If you weigh under 600 lbs, they'll hold you up. I got them for two-up and loaded. I tour on the bike often.

Show up and you can see what others have done to their bikes and collect some "real world" opinions.

Marty (in Tampa)

[James England]

Have a look at this. It's rare to see one of these in the UK as it's a US import. This one is completely standard.....airbox, exhaust. Your rear shocks look to be OEM like the ones on this bike. It didn't sell, which I found surprising..

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1980-YAMAH...item231243d778