A Confession

[ddragon63]

Yeah, it's a shame Yamaha never offered that bike here. Not too 'crotch-rockety' looking and retained a 'standard' riding position, something that pretty much disappeared out of the Yamaha line here after the XS11 'standard' went away....

Would have had to think about that chain drive though; I like the belt on my Harley.

'Crotch-rockety' I think I resemble that statement

You can keep your belt Harley man.... a 530 o-ring chain is a must when you plant 142hp to the rear tire. But that's for us 'crotch-rockety' guys

[b.walker5]

Would have had to think about that chain drive though; I like the belt on my Harley.

Yeah, it took a while to get used to a chain again (been over 25 years on shafts) but once I got my head around the routine maintenance, and found some GOOD chain lube, it's not an issue any more. May be a different story when it comes to sprocket replacement time ($$$$$) but i'll cross that bridge when I come to it. (or ressurect the XS )

You'll love it James. Great bikes, but if they have a known weakness it would have to be the same issue as the XS's, they're a little weak in the forks and can flex a little in some circumstances. I hit a deep pothole on a left hander the other day and it started 'walking' the front wheel for 50 or so metres up the road. Not Nice, but it's the only time it's done it and i've put over 5000 k's on it since i got it.

Check out Xjr1300.co.uk for some good info and tips.

[crazy steve]

Yeah, it's a shame Yamaha never offered that bike here. Not too 'crotch-rockety' looking and retained a 'standard' riding position, something that pretty much disappeared out of the Yamaha line here after the XS11 'standard' went away....

Would have had to think about that chain drive though; I like the belt on my Harley.

[James England]

Just out of curiousity James, how do you like the 1300? That was my plan too but I've had mine for a while now and I'm a little ashamed to say that I havent touched my 1100 since.

My 1300 arrived this morning and, unbelievably, I've not had a chance to ride it because of the weather! However, I must say, I'm really impressed by the appearance, design, build and sound. It's done nineteen hundred miles and sounds like new. It makes me realise why I love Yamahas so much over other makes. Also, I think the XS1100 origin is detectable in the engine design. It does look like a lovely, very well engineered and built machine. I'll report back asap with a ride report!

[b.walker5]

In the meantime, I bought a Yamaha XJR1300 to ride. This means I can get an XS1100 and do a full rebuild over the summer, without missing out on riding time.

Just out of curiousity James, how do you like the 1300? That was my plan too but I've had mine for a while now and I'm a little ashamed to say that I havent touched my 1100 since.

[James England]

Yep, I agree re mind-losing. I'm looking for another XS1100 project now actually. In the meantime, I bought a Yamaha XJR1300 to ride. This means I can get an XS1100 and do a full rebuild over the summer, without missing out on riding time.

BTW.... I had a V-Max delivered on approval from a dealer..... it went straight back! They're pretty small really and this one was not quite as described..... Not my kind of bike either, to be honest.........

[trdriver71]

As you can tell buy the poll a majority of people have voted that you have lost you mind james we hope it for a very short while.

[James England]

Well at least I can set here and stroke the many parts for my "G" which have been personally handled and blessed by James before he sent them to me. When installed my "G" will be BRITISH with the "setback" foot controls and British handle bars. Can't wait to get them on the bike. Also my 2 LH rear wheel bearings rate a special place in my shop waiting for the smoke signal to rise from that area of the bike requiring repair. Well James, she sure was pretty to the eye and I'm sure she rode like a dream

Cheers,

Larry

Hi Larry! Great you got all the bits but....when you gonna fit them? And do that pictorial write-up? It won't take long to fit everything I sent you, you know....... carpe diem, old chap. then, instead of that well-known Yankee 'Easy Rider' pose, so painful for the back and limbs, you'll have a Limey 'stiff upper lip, straight back and proud of it' posture......

[MaximPhil]

It's tarting it up like a Debutante going to meet the Queen that's made it too pretty to be seen with the likes of you.[/QUOTE]



Phil

[steelraider]

Say it isn't so James !!

Well at least I can set here and stroke the many parts for my "G" which have been personally handled and blessed by James before he sent them to me. When installed my "G" will be BRITISH with the "setback" foot controls and British handle bars. Can't wait to get them on the bike. Also my 2 LH rear wheel bearings rate a special place in my shop waiting for the smoke signal to rise from that area of the bike requiring repair. Well James, she sure was pretty to the eye and I'm sure she rode like a dream

Cheers,

Larry

[Lonerider62]

I say ride as many different bikes as you can. Some day we'll all be sitting in a chair with soup running off our chins telling the stories or the fabulous and maybe not so fabulous motorcycles we once had. I keep a log of the bikes and years so when the memory goes, I can at least read about them. Each and every one has it's own story, like the one I gave to a girlfriend (she promised to give it back if we broke up) I bought it back about four years later after it had changed hands three more times and a friend told me where I could find it. I gave it away for $0 and paid $500 to get it back. Lesson learned, never ever expect a friend to give something back they got for free.

[ViperRon]

James
Dear Sir
I should have shown more pitty but you need something to shock you out of this thought process man. You can not just allow things that are the loves of your life go. I do forgive you and I do understand you did what was best for her.

Personally though I would have purchased new exaust pipes and kept them beautiful stainless steel pipes I covet so much.

We do all need you here.

But I do not need your bearings as I have new ones in all the way round and spares. I do howerver expect one day to need your experience. I have thought of a more suitable title for a man of your stature. XSLESSGURU

Ron

[dpotter58]

Your wit and wisdom are always welcome here James. Just because you sold the bike I'm sure you retained your knowledge and will be be willing to share.

[James England]

Wow this is a lot like the captian abandoning his ship. You have given up willing to start from scratch. You have resigned your commision. You worked so hard for the title GURU and now you have demoted yourself to XSLESS

Oh, woe is me! I agree, I am unworthy of such an elevated title amongst such faithful adherents as yourself. I, who am not fit even to supply you with a rear wheel bearing if yours (and any spares you have) should suddenly fail! Oh, the righteousness with which you will not deign to call upon the services of a mere XSless worm such as I, thou ye may know I have a box full of what you need to get back on the road. How admirable, that you will let your XS1100 languish with its back wheel dropping off, rather than sully your your purity by dealing with such as me!

[fredintoon]

LOL... I see! Fred you get your lights yet?

Hi Don,
not yet. Remember that the package has to move through two separate postal systems plus Canadian customs before it gets to me.