New XS1100SH Build

[cgross220]

Hey ya'lll,
I just joined the forums and figured I'd make some sort of introduction/plea for help as I take on my first bike build. A little background on me, I'm definitely young, just a sophomore in college, but I work full time for the Fire Department here so have the funds (not mommy and daddy's money) to work on this bike, slowly. I have a pretty good amount of experience working on cars but other than that I'm a keyboard mechanic. I'm starting welding classes at a local school next semester, but as of now am unable to weld myself and have to rely on buddies that'll do it for a case of beer.

Anyway, I recently acquired an XS1100SH project bike from someone for cheap. He had already rebuilt the engine (from what I've looked at so far he's done a pretty good job but he sold it to me as an 82 XS so I'm a little skeptical), and began hardtailing it. I havent completely decided what direction to go with it, but im really liking this style Virago here:
As for my build, I had a few questions to start off. First, I've read a few threads on here about guys doing a monoshock on their bike, and seeing as mine has already got the subframe chopped off I'm pretty interested in trying it. Just wondering what input yall had as to mount points, angles, size of tubing, shocks, etc. Anything really. Also, the petcocks are pretty corroded. I've got some rebuild kits coming in for them, but was wondering if ya'll had any tips on how to get the corrosion off the metal. Third, I was debating straight piping it (running two pipes out each side on the bottom, giving it an old P-51 look almost) and was wondering what I needed to do there as far as jetting the carbs. Finally, I kinda want to lower the forks and want to know the best way to go about that, if its even safely do-able.

Thank ya'll in advance, I'm definitely a newbie when it comes to bikes and especially XS'.

-Caleb

[cgross220]

Also, I'm trying to post some pictures of the bike as she sits now but can't seem to find how to upload pictures...any help with that would be appreciated also

[jetmechmarty]

You have to host the photos on Photobucket, Facebook, or something like that. Place the photo link in the img code.

Lots of folks here will tell you not to run open pipes. It won't run well that way. I don't think you should lower it either. You'll have clearance issues if you ride it.

[cgross220]

Oh ok, makes sense about the photos.

I kinda figured lowering it wasnt in the cards for me, especially if I end up ditching the hardtail and doing a monoshock rear. As for the straight pipes, I figured there might be some issue but just because im curious what's usually the cause? Just problems with the correct fuel/air mixture?

[TopCatGr58]

Here's a very recent thread(0ngoing still) with info regarding Open headers and performance....or lack thereof!

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42894

Can't help you with the monoshock process, but I would imagine a search with that word should reveal some older threads with info from guys that have done it. But IF I remember correctly, they converted their machines to Chain Drives to allow the use of modern swingarms designed for Monoshock, not sure if you'll be able to convert the OEM swingarm to accept/use a monoshock and maintain the driveshaft aspect. Chain drives are another can-o-worms!

T.C.

[cgross220]

Yeah I've looked at a few threads regarding the monoshock/chain drive conversion. I was hoping not to have to dive into that but I guess sometimes its unavoidable. I will ask this though, what is the problem with using the stock swingarm? Just strength? And if so, wouldn't a good bit of bracing around the swing arm do away with that just fine? Oh, and finally here are some pictures of the bike as is. I haven't done really anything to it yet...this is pretty much how I got it.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Caleb,

Okay, after seeing your photos, yep, looks like you'll be doing a monoshock to salvage what's left. If you look at your first photo of the Virago mod....and realizing that the triangle is the strongest geometric shape....view the SIDE of the rear swingarm/driveshaft and you will see that it's a TRIANGLE going across the bottom=swingarm/driveshaft tube....the up from the OEM shock mount/final drive point, and also up from the front edge of the swingarm/driveshaft bearing tube assembly....a nice BRACED triangle that is then paired with the same shape from the right side and linked with a cross bar(HEFTY) that then supports/holds one end of the monoshock. The triangle frame/bracing is needed to prevent the swingarm sections that go towards the OEM shock points from being able to FLEX/BEND under the stress of the driveshaft and suspension action. I don't know why the PO made the frame tubes from beneath the gas tank just curve down to the frame junction at the swingarm bearing point but has left the second part of the swingarm/bearing frame/seat support section unattached!?!? You will need to make another triangle with that portion to be able to support the swingarm bearings section of the frame since that will be the pivot point of the monoshock assembly.

It will also need to be designed to support/mount the seat as well! You will need to weld a bracket to support/mount the crossbar for the other end of the monoshock under the gastank and onto the frame parallel tubes, and would suggest putting some additional triangular shaped braces around that area as well to help stiffen the frame for the added stress of the monoshock.

T.C.

[cgross220]

I think I have a pretty good idea of what your talking about...I'm at work now but hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to get some measurements on the swing arm and begin to mock up the bracing/mounts on my computer and then with PVC. as for the seat mount, the PO cut the gas tank/seat mount of (I guess to make it easier to hardtail) so my initial plan was to weld that back on, reinforce it a little bit, and try my luck at using a leaf spring (probably one from a tractor seat, like seen here: http://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Fa...H_50587DB.html) like they do on this bike
Keep in mind I'm just spit-balling ideas...just cool stuff I've seen on various forums/websites.

[cajun31]

Looking forward

to your updates on this as you progress with the build. Oh to be young again... I am afraid that my body wouldn't be able to handle the stress that it would have to endure on something like that first picture. Of course I have never ridden something like that and I may be way off base as to the comfort of the ride. I suppose with the right seat/pad arrangement it can be made to work comfortably. Good luck on you build.

[dolphans1]

Nice bike.

d-1

[CaptonZap]

to your updates on this as you progress with the build. Oh to be young again... I am afraid that my body wouldn't be able to handle the stress that it would have to endure on something like that first picture. Of course I have never ridden something like that and I may be way off base as to the comfort of the ride. I suppose with the right seat/pad arrangement it can be made to work comfortably. Good luck on you build.

Nope, you are right on base. Anything over 20 mph, and 2 inch deep pot holes, or bridge abutment cracks, and you look for the nearest hoggly hangout, and try to act as cool as the other hard tail riders.
Now what good is a 100 mph bike if you can't ride it on most roads without busting it or you?

CZ

[cgross220]

to your updates on this as you progress with the build. Oh to be young again... I am afraid that my body wouldn't be able to handle the stress that it would have to endure on something like that first picture. Of course I have never ridden something like that and I may be way off base as to the comfort of the ride. I suppose with the right seat/pad arrangement it can be made to work comfortably. Good luck on you build.

haha yeah I'll be experimenting with comfort as I go throughout it. Since I live in a college town and don't really trust the drivers here (and have seen plenty of the aftermath with my job) I plan on only using it for short rides with my buddies out of the city limits, no day-long rides.

Nice bike.

d-1

Thanks, hopefully I don't ruin it

Nope, you are right on base. Anything over 20 mph, and 2 inch deep pot holes, or bridge abutment cracks, and you look for the nearest hoggly hangout, and try to act as cool as the other hard tail riders.
Now what good is a 100 mph bike if you can't ride it on most roads without busting it or you?

CZ

That's funny...I always thought the sport bike rider stance was to HELP control at higher speeds, not hurt it. Maybe we should tell someone...?

My bike, my build. I like the look and feel of a sport bike stance so that's what I'm going for.

[TopCatGr58]

That's funny...I always thought the sport bike rider stance was to HELP control at higher speeds, not hurt it. Maybe we should tell someone...?

My bike, my build. I like the look and feel of a sport bike stance so that's what I'm going for.

Sport bikes have fully functional rear suspensions, dual or monoshocks, but NOT Hardtails....that's what we are warning about...making the rear totally hardtailed/solid frame mounted so that there's no suspension cushion for the rear end.

T.C.

[BigOates]

I almost bought that bike off Craigslist just for the motor, but got a deal on eBay! Glad to see someone is going to salvage the mess he made of it though. Also nice to see another Alabama XS'er on the board. You might want to look over at chopcult.com as far as the fab work goes. If you search the forum over there, you'll find several XS1100s and a build thread or two that are similar to what you're wanting to do. I'll see if I can't dig up a few links for you. We looked through the threads when my neighbor was hacking up (customizing) his xj650.

[BigOates]

Sent this to you as a PM, but figured I'd post it as well in case someone was searching in the future...

Here's a few links from the chopcult site. You may have to register/login to see the photos. Hopefully it'll help give you some inspiration for the monoshock. These are just a few that I found, sure you could take more time and find some others.

The XS1100 Bobber Pics Thread
http://www.chopcult.com/forum/showth...ferrerid=35805

Here's an XS850 converted to a monoshock. The third picture on the first post has a real good angle for how he fabricated the monoshock mounts to the frame and swingarm.
http://www.chopcult.com/forum/showth...ight=monoshock

And a "Bobbers Monoshock Pics" Thead
http://www.chopcult.com/forum/showth...ight=monoshock