And she's nearly done. Nearly...

[hobbsy84]

G'day all,

Well, after a bit of a hiatus from anything XS11 related, I'm finally getting back around to getting this bike on the road. I'd even forgotten my forum username, cheers to TC for finding that one again for me. The old carbies caused me a lot of grief, and I can safely say that the ZRX1200 carbies I've installed on it has restored the relationship between this bike and I.

I finally made the decision to sell my FJ1200, and make the XS1100 the touring bike it always intended to be. I've got a couple of photos to show off, then I also have a couple of issues that I'm hoping I can get some advice on. Photos first!


In full touring mode.


Rear view with the panniers. You might notice in the background what takes up the other half of my free time and cash...


Touring gear removed.


Another one without touring gear.


ZRX1200 carbies installation.


I'm finally happy with how everything has come up, and it's been a long time coming getting it right. I'm thinking the panniers and rack might be sitting a bit high, so I'm going to mount it a little lower if the rack allows me to. And if you noticed the home-made baffle in the end of the Hooker exhausts, I do realise it's sacrilege. Unfortunately, I think they'd just be too loud to pass registration inspection. Makes a beautiful low tone without the baffle though.

So, my main problem is, I'm having a couple of issues when trying to put the touring gear on. Basically, when I install the panniers and take it for a spin, the wobble on the front end becomes downright dangerous, even at low speeds. Seems like the extra weight on the back is causing it, since when I take the gear off and ride it, she handles fine. Has anyone come across suspension issues like this when installing panniers? I've tried to change the oil in the forks (went to a 10W fork oil, perhaps this should be heavier?), and I've got the rear shocks on the highest setting (both damping and pre-load).

I know it's a fair whack of extra weight in the rear, but I figured it should be able to handle it. But I'm happy to be told I'm wrong here. I'm pretty good when it comes to fuel systems, but suspension is one of those things I'm only just learning about.

Cheers.
-Hobbsy

[mikubuilder]

maybe you should install Vetter fairing to balance it out....just a thought

[motoman]

Nice looking scoot!........as is the cage in the backround. Low tire air pressure substantually under 40psi can cause this.......JAT. At what speed does it become apparent?......and I am assuming it gets worse with more speed...

[soccer4m]

need forward weight

HI Hobbys,,,,,,it looks like your weight with the Panniers is too far back, its center is behind the bikes center and the rear axles center point probably causing the imbalance. Just a suggestion,,,,try leaning far forward to try and counterbalance the back pannier weight and see if it helps, or place a temporary sandbag over the handlebars and see if that also helps. If so,,,,the problem is too much back weight. Its probably like a car, too much rear weight behind the center of gravity and the front becomes more unstable and the steering can be dangerous, especially on bumps
So,,,,,try the forward weight and see what helps. The other member chimed in with a fairing to balance it out and I agree, as the speed increases the fairing puts down force on the front end which would probably help your rear pannier weighting......keep us informed and good luck...Mike in California

[hobbsy84]

As handy as a Vetter fairing would be, I guess it's more of a case of managing to get my hands on one. I'll definately be keeping an eye out though.

The wobble is more prevalent when slowing down, especially when going down a hill. It comes in at less than 60km/h, and I haven't been game to take it out on the highway the way it is. That, and its still unregistered, best not to tempt fate with the local police...

Bringing the rack forward is probably going to be the best solution, hopefully it'll allow me to lower it a bit too. Biggest problem with bringing it forward is going to be clearance from the rear shocks, and then she'll be even wider than she is now with them fitted. Time to get inventive with some brackets, I spose.

[jetmechmarty]

As stated, you have too much weight, too far back. Also, I expect your springs (front & rear) are not up to the task. You are going to have to upgrade your suspension. Get your laden sag corrected. Do that and I believe your problem will go away.

Suspension Setup 101 Part I: Setting Sag

[Eveready1100]

Gidday Hobbsy! Nice looking bike you have there. I'm afraid you're dead right regarding the availability of a Vetter over here. On the other hand, these do come up pretty often and there was recently one nearby to me that was sold for only $24 complete with the inner panels and brackets.





It's off an R100R/t beemer and the main front mount bolts straight onto the steering head. You just have to be bit inventive with the rear mount to clear the fuel tank. Likewise the inner panels have to be modified quite radically to clear the 24 litre tank, but I've done it with a bit of fibreglassing so it's not too difficult.


^ (They do fit straight on though, with the Special's 15 litre tank)

Plenty more info on local bikes & owners at http://xs1100.com.au/forum/

P.S. Is that an R/T in the garage?

[DiverRay]

Just from the photo I can tell the Panniers are TOO HIGH! The TOP of the panniers should be just BELOW the rear seat. The way they are, the rear is VERY top heavy, and WILL cause a problem with the handling. I know, I've put a set of break disks plus calipers into my rear box, and had to go SLOW because of the change in the bike.
Yes, the bike WILL have a wide butt look, and yes, the handling should be better. I would also check the steering stem bearings. If you have "flat spots" on the race, it will also cause even more problems with the weight distribution off.

[hobbsy84]

Very tidy, that fairing certainly looks the part! I think I may have to concentrate on getting the side panniers on mine a bit lower, might have to modify that rack of mine a bit. I managed to get the rack sitting about half a foot further forward, and it's pretty much as far forward as I can go with it. As is, the pillion seat isn't really useable with the rack fitted. Just as well I only ride solo, I spose!

The rear shocks are something I've wanted to replace for a while, the old set of Ikons on it are looking a bit sad. Any suggestions for replacements? Or would it be just as good getting the current ones on there rebuilt with heavier springs?

And as for the front fork springs, what is the general consensus on using progressive springs? I planned to have a chat with someone from a suspension shop, but I'm interested what others have used to update their suspension. My FJ1200 was having a similar issue to this, and I ended up installing a pair of Racetech cartridge emulators and a pair of progressive rate springs. Only downside with the emulators is that you have to modify the dampers by drilling them out.

P.S. Not an R/T in the shed unfortunately, its a base model '74 VJ Charger with a 265 Hemi. I've had that car as long as I've been driving, never could bear to part with her.

Cheers.
-Hobbsy

[Eveready1100]

Mate, here's a pic of xtians bike which I think the brackets are to suit a pair of Givi panniers





As you can see, they do sit a lot lower than yours do.
As far as shocks go, I'd be rebuilding your Ikons and getting the heavier springs to suit. There are some cheap units out there at the moment, but they just don't cut it when dealing with the weight of these bikes.
For the front, I run progressive springs and use 15 wt oil in them. There are some guys over here who've gone the emulator route and they all seem very happy with the end result.

[WSL91]

Good looking bike, hope you get the handling issue resolved. I can't identify the cage in garage what is it?

[hobbsy84]

Good looking bike, hope you get the handling issue resolved. I can't identify the cage in garage what is it?

Its a 1974 Valiant VJ Charger, pretty much the Australian version of the Dodge Charger, I spose. Made by Chrysler Australia. With not quite as big motors as you lot over the pond got in your Chargers back then... Like most things mechanical I own, it gives me grief sometimes, but I still love it.

[Eveready1100]

Just curious, Hobbsy. What pressures are you running your tyres at?
Also when you say you put the touring gear on it and take it for a run, are the bags packed with gear or just empty? If empty, it might just be turbulence upsetting the bike at speed as the topbox is huge and would act as a large airbrake behind you. Any idea how much the panniers, frames & topbox weigh in at? I weighed all my stuff one time and the whole shebang weighed in at 52 kgs including the fairing. I have run my bike with the topbox and panniers with a small bikini fairing on but had no wobbly feelings like you're describing. I see you have a forkbrace already fitted to her. Good man! Keep that bit right there.

[jayel]

you might consider a steering dampener to help the front end wobble, the XS can be said (charitably) to wallow thru the corners, weight, suspension, and frame flex all conspire against you

[BA80]

I would also check the steering stem bearings. If you have "flat spots" on the race, it will also cause even more problems with the weight distribution off.

+1 on the steering head bearings, it takes very little to cause a wobble. They have to be absolutely smooth. BTDT.