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*New Member* Introduction and my XS1100 (PICS)
Hey Guys (and Gals?)!
The weather has taken a turn towards spring here in Toronto and I'm not missing the opportunity to wrench on my XS1100. I thought it would be neat to introduce both myself and by bike; I'm hoping to become a valuable member here
A little about myself. My name is Adam (25yrs) and I'm a junior engineer designing industrial equipment full time. I'm the son of a mechanic, thus, I've had the privilege of gaining much experience with slinging a wrench from my pops. I've always worked on my own vehicles with both pride and pleasure!
My bike ! Last summer, my father happened across 'a bike'. The previous owner was most definitely not a hobby rider for his demeanour was that of a 'biker' if I may stereotype; however, he was definitely of ill health (could have been 150lbs) and seemed to be in a bad state, both mentally and physically. I practically got the bike for nothing, this poor gentleman was desperate 
(he did have a repair manual for it, its been a god-send!)
Anyway, the bike is in good hands. It is an '81 XS1100 SH in what I'm going to call excellent physical condition. There is no rust anywhere and there are no signs of physical damage. The odometer reads 80k km, however, evidence suggest that it is quadruple counting mileage.
Here are some pics!
When I first saw her, she was sitting in the PO's backyard under a tarp (thank goodness) and I was told at the time that she hasn't been touched in several years. No she didn't crank but she rolled. However, she's been surprising me ever since I've laid eyes on her. Quickly removed were the saddlebags, passenger back rest, windscreen and 'cruiser' front foot-pegs for easy-riding.
Shortly after: a little oil in the cylinders, new plugs and battery, quick (novice) carb clean, and an oild change. Frankenstein'ing a new starter button she fired right up on all cylinders! YEAH BABY!
First 'oh ****' moment was with a seized clutch. My father (being of the 'old school' eastern European mechanic mindset) gets the clutch loosened simply by a series of gas, clutch, and brake manoeuvres; r&r would have been better, but we're of the opinion to get her road worthy then focus on longevity maintenance/beauty. That pretty much brought me to an end of last summer.
2012 - Yeah Girl!!!
So, whats next!? Tires are a must. The Harley tires installed have more cracks than a politicians campaign; they are not safe. I removed the wheels and will be taking them to a local bike shop for some fresh rubber (I'm thinking Elite 3's, however, I think I'll have a hard time with sizing?). The disks seem okay, but I'll see what my options are with machining them. I plan on ordering new pads all around. (yes I broke some tabs from the disk bolt locking plates)
Also on the go is some carb work. The carbs, while making the bike run last summer, need some further work. They leak gasoline into the air filter and provide very little power under 3500RPM. Above 3500RPM and she absolutely screams. Also worth noting is that the choke does not work at all, activating the choke kills the engine (engine can not be started on choke). I will be ordering a complete rebuild kit with new needles and jets. Tuning will be difficult for I have no experience: I might need some help.
Some other quick items are petcock rebuild, brake bleed (perhaps rebuild, not sure yet) and a hunt for new handlebars. The bullhorn bars are very uncomfortable forcing my wrists in an awkward angle.
Worth noting is that I am not an experience rider; this will be my first bike. I'm participating in a riders training course in a couple weekends; I thought it would be good to get a few dozen hours of supervised riding before trying to man-handle this beast
Here are some pictures I snapped today.
ALSO!!! PLEASE PLEASE do not hesitate with voicing ideas/concerns for me going forward. A forum like this is the BEST place for feedback. Feedback is invaluable and will only make owning this XS1100 more pleasurable. Thanks everyone!!!
The weather has taken a turn towards spring here in Toronto and I'm not missing the opportunity to wrench on my XS1100. I thought it would be neat to introduce both myself and by bike; I'm hoping to become a valuable member here
A little about myself. My name is Adam (25yrs) and I'm a junior engineer designing industrial equipment full time. I'm the son of a mechanic, thus, I've had the privilege of gaining much experience with slinging a wrench from my pops. I've always worked on my own vehicles with both pride and pleasure!
My bike
! Last summer, my father happened across 'a bike'. The previous owner was most definitely not a hobby rider for his demeanour was that of a 'biker' if I may stereotype; however, he was definitely of ill health (could have been 150lbs) and seemed to be in a bad state, both mentally and physically. I practically got the bike for nothing, this poor gentleman was desperate (he did have a repair manual for it, its been a god-send!)Anyway, the bike is in good hands. It is an '81 XS1100 SH in what I'm going to call excellent physical condition. There is no rust anywhere and there are no signs of physical damage. The odometer reads 80k km, however, evidence suggest that it is quadruple counting mileage.
Here are some pics!
When I first saw her, she was sitting in the PO's backyard under a tarp (thank goodness) and I was told at the time that she hasn't been touched in several years. No she didn't crank but she rolled. However, she's been surprising me ever since I've laid eyes on her. Quickly removed were the saddlebags, passenger back rest, windscreen and 'cruiser' front foot-pegs for easy-riding.
Shortly after: a little oil in the cylinders, new plugs and battery, quick (novice) carb clean, and an oild change. Frankenstein'ing a new starter button she fired right up on all cylinders! YEAH BABY!
First 'oh ****' moment was with a seized clutch. My father (being of the 'old school' eastern European mechanic mindset) gets the clutch loosened simply by a series of gas, clutch, and brake manoeuvres; r&r would have been better, but we're of the opinion to get her road worthy then focus on longevity maintenance/beauty. That pretty much brought me to an end of last summer.
2012 - Yeah Girl!!!
So, whats next!? Tires are a must. The Harley tires installed have more cracks than a politicians campaign; they are not safe. I removed the wheels and will be taking them to a local bike shop for some fresh rubber (I'm thinking Elite 3's, however, I think I'll have a hard time with sizing?). The disks seem okay, but I'll see what my options are with machining them. I plan on ordering new pads all around. (yes I broke some tabs from the disk bolt locking plates)
Also on the go is some carb work. The carbs, while making the bike run last summer, need some further work. They leak gasoline into the air filter and provide very little power under 3500RPM. Above 3500RPM and she absolutely screams. Also worth noting is that the choke does not work at all, activating the choke kills the engine (engine can not be started on choke). I will be ordering a complete rebuild kit with new needles and jets. Tuning will be difficult for I have no experience: I might need some help.
Some other quick items are petcock rebuild, brake bleed (perhaps rebuild, not sure yet) and a hunt for new handlebars. The bullhorn bars are very uncomfortable forcing my wrists in an awkward angle.
Worth noting is that I am not an experience rider; this will be my first bike. I'm participating in a riders training course in a couple weekends; I thought it would be good to get a few dozen hours of supervised riding before trying to man-handle this beast
Here are some pictures I snapped today.
ALSO!!! PLEASE PLEASE do not hesitate with voicing ideas/concerns for me going forward. A forum like this is the BEST place for feedback. Feedback is invaluable and will only make owning this XS1100 more pleasurable. Thanks everyone!!!
1979 xs 1100 F newly aquired...getting it road ready.
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