I'm building a '79 XS1100 bobber project, help/comments are welcome.

[snakedriver]

Hello folks,

I've always wanted to do a bobber, and a friend talked me into getting an XS1100. He has several, and he's been riding for 30+ years and swears by these bikes. So I traded an '81 Goldwing for this '79 XS1100 standard, and the build begins.

I'm thinking about going with a special gas tank, a round headlight, round gauges, a solo spring-style seat, and relocating the fender. Other than that, I'm all ears to ideas, concerns, advice that this forum may have. Here are some before pictures:

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/bertcarrier/DSC_0081_zpsfe2b361b.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/bertcarrier/DSC_0088_zpsda955c4e.jpg

http://i1278.photobucket.com/albums/y518/bertcarrier/DSC_0086_zps287f2fea.jpg

[snakedriver]

Any suggestions on battery relocation?

How about fender relocation?

Has anyone used a Maxim 550 front fender? I had a Maxim and the fender was very stiff and substantial, almost like a fork brace.

Are there any cheaply-available rear shocks from other bikes that make good replacements? Mine are rusty and shot.

[Gallaecus]

sometimes the speedo and tach do not have the same connectors from standards to specials. i think you can use XJ shocks, just dont go too low cuz it will stress the shaft drive. it would be easier to go cafe. get yourself some clip-ons and a small fairing and your done.

[Petersg_99]

You'll want to do a search for bobber on the forum. There are several people that are either in the process of or have recently finished doing a similar project.

You may want to look up Nitengale, he's just finished a nice old school bobber conversion, complete with patina and all...

Guy

[Nightengale]

look at this

take a look at my thread "want some feedback on my project". it took a while (about a year), to get it to where it is now.



but that thread pretty much documents my build of my bike. good luck with the project.

[Catmaigne]

If you don't have the tools or patience for modifying the frame you could always slap on a Dyna seat. Here's my favorite.



I think the shaft drive looks a bit odd when hardtailed.

[snakedriver]

Catmaigne, that looks awesome! Thanks for the tip. Does any particular year Dyna seat work well?

[Catmaigne]

That solo seat was from a 2006+ Dyna. They pop up on eBay for $50 or so from time to time. You will have to modify the seat pan slightly to get it flush with the tank but it's no big deal.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showpost.php?p=265871&postcount=13

Remember the stitching because this one seems to work and look the best.



There's also the LePera Solo Silhouette from an older Sportster that seems to work very well. I'm not sure if any modifying has been done to the seat because there are few details on this bike. I think it's from Spain.

[madmax-im]

If you don't have the tools or patience for modifying the frame you could always slap on a Dyna seat. Here's my favorite.



I think the shaft drive looks a bit odd when hardtailed.

well done...I like this look...contrary to what most folks might think anout being a purist...I like this because it retains all the classic lines and frame of the original bike yet it is enhanced by a few design changes...There are a number of folks here that really know what they're doing...