81H with SH Parts

[mmatches1]

I removed the wheel yesterday to replace the front bearings and check the brakes and discovered that the bike has SH brakes. The left and right fork covers that hold the headlight are also from an SH.

Serial numbers say that my bike is a 1981 XS1100H but it seems to be a mish mash of parts. Someone mentioned that some of the 81's were made up of parts from different models in the last year of production and this appears to be the case.

[jetmechmarty]

Is your axle in front of the forks or at the bottom? The SH has a leading axle.

[crazy steve]

...Serial numbers say that my bike is a 1981 XS1100H but it seems to be a mish mash of parts. Someone mentioned that some of the 81's were made up of parts from different models in the last year of production and this appears to be the case.

Some smaller stuff got 'mixed' between years, but not major assemblies. Very likely your bike had accident damage somewhere along the line and a PO replaced the 'Standard' forks with boneyard-sourced Special forks. Not uncommon....

[fredintoon]

I removed the wheel yesterday to replace the front bearings and check the brakes and discovered that the bike has SH brakes. The left and right fork covers that hold the headlight are also from an SH.

Hi Doug,
seems you have a Frankenbike, it's easy to do with Yamahas as the parts swap like LEGO.
Most Frankenbikes are collision rebuilds using whatever the bike breaker has that will fit.
Some are done to suit the owner's preference, Standards into Specials because the owner likes the look.
Specials with Standard gas tanks because the owner needs to go out of town.
But a factory Frankenbike is a rare item indeed.
Like Marty sez:- where's the axle?
If you could post a photo we could better see what you have.

[mmatches1]

It has the forward axle like a special. As several have mentioned the original forks must have been swapped out. Too bad I have no idea who the previous owners were. It may have had many owners over 30 years.

As for the brakes, are all the Yamaha pads that look like mine the taper type? I was looking at these as a replacement. Any thoughts?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/170911304197?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1761wt_952

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/170867501424?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1761wt_952

It is hard to tell from the add if the pads are tapered. Any other recommended sources? Thanks, Doug

[mmatches1]

These are the only ones that show the taper but they are more expensive. At least I know I am getting the correct type.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Vesrah-VD-216-Organic-Brake-Pads-Front-Fits-Yamaha-XS1100S-1979-1981?item=390557589800&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m7&_trkparms=algo%3DLVI%26itu%3DUCI%26otn%3D5%26po%3DLVI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D6272653788680148148#ht_1331wt_906

[crazy steve]

It has the forward axle like a special. As several have mentioned the original forks must have been swapped out. Too bad I have no idea who the previous owners were. It may have had many owners over 30 years.

As for the brakes, are all the Yamaha pads that look like mine the taper type? I was looking at these as a replacement. Any thoughts?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/170911304197?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1761wt_952

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/170867501424?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1761wt_952

It is hard to tell from the add if the pads are tapered. Any other recommended sources? Thanks, Doug

Those two listings are the correct left/right pads. The other listing is for left side only...

[ExcessiveBiker]

81 brakes

It has the forward axle like a special. As several have mentioned the original forks must have been swapped out. Too bad I have no idea who the previous owners were. It may have had many owners over 30 years.

As for the brakes, are all the Yamaha pads that look like mine the taper type? I was looking at these as a replacement. Any thoughts?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/170911304197?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1761wt_952

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/170867501424?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1761wt_952

It is hard to tell from the add if the pads are tapered. Any other recommended sources? Thanks, Doug

mmatches1,
These are the correct special front brake pads, one listing for right and the other for left side. It takes four completely different pads to make a full set for these forks, they cannot be traded side to side by reversing them. The other add for PartsGiant pads is more deceptive, only calling the position as FRONT. If you look up the Vesrah part number on the web, you can identify which side the VD-216 model fits.

ExcessiveBiker

81 Venturer
81SH

[mmatches1]

Okay. Thanks. Are sintered pads an issue? Some say that they wreck the discs.

[crazy steve]

Okay. Thanks. Are sintered pads an issue? Some say that they wreck the discs.

They are harder on the rotors compared to organics, but they won't 'wreck' the rotors either. You can see more rotor wear, but it can depend on riding style too. They're also known for being noisier (squealing) sometimes....