A Confession

[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

[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......

[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]

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.........

[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]

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!

[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.

[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.

[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

[James England]

Well, I've been out onthe bike. It's a lovely ride. I thought my XS11 was smooth etc but the XJR is really smooth, quiet and brilliant to ride. It's physically big, and you can feel the XS1100 origin of the engine. Yes, I'll have to get used to a chain drive but it won't be a problem. One thing I do like a lot is the light weight (comparatively) of the bike. You're right.... I love it

[Cuda 69]

I wish they would bring the XJR over to this side of the pond,I would seriosly consider getting one.There beautiful.

[James England]

Well, not fettered by the self-imposed demands of 'classic-ness' that I feel with the XS1100's, I've been able to go to town somewhat with the XJR1300.

I replaced the jets with a Stage 1 Dynojet kit. Replaced the OEM airfilter with a K&N. Sawed off part of the airfilter intake tube (which allows better 'breathing'). I replaced the barbarically restricted OEM inlet manifolds with full-bore ones made for the FJ1200 and had alloy spacers made to take up the 10mm slack (the FJ1200 manifolds are 10mm shorter).





Fitted Iridium plugs. I advanced the ignition timing 4 degrees by using a modified ignition plate. Fitted a belly pan (which surprised me because it stabilises the handling so well). Fitted a little fly screen to offset the belly pan visually and divert air somewhat.

The effect of the above has made an already extremely fast, torquey bike even faster. The bike will spin the rear wheel on a dry road and try to wheelie at 80mph when the throttle is really twisted.

The chain drive side of things is surprisingly nice, actually. The chain is very large and there is none of the shaft-drive clunkiness. Adjustment of it (not required so far in 820 miles use) is easy, precise and high-tech, compared to the old British bikes (surprise). Unlike the shaft-drive, there is no much loss of engine output, of course. Brakes are the same as on the Yamaha R1. Riding posture is perfect for me and extremely comfortable.


Performance-wise, there is no comparison with the XS1100. Nor should there be, given the age-difference etc. I've always regarded the XS1100's as very fast but the XJR feels like going from a supersonic jet to a flying saucer. The acceleration of the bike is, I find, frightening at first!

None of the above in any affects my love-affaire with the XS1100, of course, so I hope no-one reads the above and thinks "traitor!". The XJR1300 owes much of its design to the XS1100 and they both have that lovely Yamaha build quality that's had me hooked for 30+ years.....

[James England]

Oops... sorry Steve, this is getting off-subject. Please feel free to move it, Oh Moderator...

[natemoen]

Got some pics of your new baby James?

[James England]

Got some pics of your new baby James?

I'll take some, Nate, and post them in the 'Other Bikes' section. Before CrazySteve rightfully tells me off for going off-topic! It's raining badly here (surprise surprise), so I'll wait until it clears up....