Final drive

[xjeleven87]

The other day I changed the gear oil on my final drive, while putting the drain screw back in I noticed that it was spinning in place, seems I have stripped it. It's now leaking oil and I can't seem to get it back off. While researching on a fix I stumbled across some posts about swapping the final drive with a xs750/850. What would this change exactly? Would I lose acceleration? I found one from an 80 xs850 on eBay for cheap, just want to make sure first of all that it will fit my 82 xj1100 and secondly if there will be any loss of power/acceleration. Suggestions would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[bikerphil]

The gears in the 850 drive are taller, motor would run less rpm, slight loss of acceleration. You should be able to fix your drain plug somehow, maybe with a helicoil.

[xjeleven87]

Thanks bikerphil. You have been very helpful since I've joined the site. You really know your stuff, hopefully I will to someday.

[crazy steve]

Be aware that the FD swap is not a quick bolt-on; there is a fair amount of work involved.... http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11703

If you decide not to tackle that, any XS/XJ11 FD will bolt on....

[Bonz]

You are a lucky fellow... you can do a search for final drive swap and you'll find more than you probably ever care to know about this from the fine gents on this forum.

I don't quite understand however, how the plug came out, you drain the oil and you put it back in all the way, now it's spinning freely? That doesn't compute unless the plug was jacked up before you even removed it. I would put a good dab of silicone sealer on the top half of the plug by the head, spin it back in till it just wants to seat, let it sit and I bet you're going to be fine.

Although spinning freely implies there is no tension would that be correct? Then just do the final drive swap you will love it.