Clocks

[robbo]

Hi, after being XS-less for a couple of years (my previous was a 78 xs1100e) I've just purchased a 79 1100 sf, it was imported into the UK in 95. My question is relating to the speedo as i've seen Stateside models before with 80mph speedos before now. Mine has the 160 mph speedo, were the 80mph clocks only for certain states or only fitted for a number of years. Only curious as to if mine my have had the speedo changed when it was imported. Cheers Rob

[natemoen]

'78's came stock with the 160mph speedo. It was a stupid law (like most are) here in the US that said speedos could only read up to 85 mph that took effect after than.

[Prisoner6]

In the U.S., the '79 F and SF also came with the 160 mph speedometer ... the change to the 85 mph speedo took effect for the 1980 model year.

So, Rob, your '79 SF has the correct speedometer.

[jetmechmarty]

For the record, everything had an 85 mph speedometer in 1980.

Here's one from a Chevrolet Corvette.


These 85 mph speedometers slowed us all down and saved a lot of lives.

[natemoen]

Didn't remember if it was 79 or 80 that it started.

These 85 mph speedometers slowed us all down and saved a lot of lives.

Did it ever! I used to have a '90 Chevy Silverado that once you got above about 95mph you would start to see the other end of the speed indicator wheel come up so then you still knew about how fast you were going!

[robbo]

Thanks for all your replies, I'm thinking that with that info about the clocks and as my bike seems pretty much all original and not showing much wear, that the low mileage is genuine. There is a 1980 xs11 special on uk ebay at the moment with a genuine 13000 miles on the clock so I guess there are still some low milers out there.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Robbo,

There are lots of low milers out there! Not many owners of bikes are true "BIKERS" willing to ride in all weather, traffic,etc.. More often they are leisure weekenders, or got caught up in the "Superbike" status that the XS11 first had, got it, enjoyed it for a while, and then parked it, only occasionally would ride it, etc.! That's why folks come on HERE all the time with Barn Finds with 15,20,30 k miles that have been sitting for years/decades. The carbs and electrics are weak spots, and with sitting around the carbs gum up, batteries die, connections corrode, and it takes a fair amount of experience and skill and some time to get them back into running condition, and lots of folks didn't have any or all of these, and so they just sit, collect dust and rust. Then the owners either loose interest, get older and can't handle the physical demands anymore, etc.. and then let the bikes go for a song! Such is the way in the USA!

I know I have registered some 20-30 new members over the past month or so and most are folks NEW to the bike, just picked one up, or inherited from someone, etc.. And so we are here to help them bring them back to life and their former glory to serve another generation.

T.C.

[Jeffintampa]

Orrrrrr

There are people who have owned these bikes for 5 years and stink at working on them and need all you guys help on the hard stuff........

[Rasputin]

Or

Some of us have been too busy working the summer season and have a long winter season. Many reasons while low mileage bikes are available. Most have to do with replacement gauges more than actual miles on a bike. Thing is if you happen to come across a low miler, be happy, and work that beauty back into shape.

[jwhughes3]

These 85 mph speedometers slowed us all down and saved a lot of lives.

IDK - Tod has an 85mph speedo on his XJ and he's awful hard to keep up with with my 160mph speedo. Maybe my speedo needs a tuneup

John

[BowlingSS]

IDK - Tod has an 85mph speedo on his XJ and he's awful hard to keep up with with my 160mph speedo. Maybe my speedo needs a tuneup

John

That is funny. Adjust them valves on that speedo.

Bill

[Gmac]

Ha, got that beat

There are people who have owned these bikes for 5 years and stink at working on them and need all you guys help on the hard stuff........

I bought a pair of XS's just over 1 year ago. I have spent the entire last year working on a 16 x 10 metal shed turning it into a shop/bike winter storage area. The shed will never rust or leak again and its completely insulated and air tight so that my bikes will not either.

All I've managed to do to the bikes is pull the tanks, side covers and seats off both and the hand controls off the '79. Well, that and made a lot of Ebay sellers very happy I purchased their items. And tools...I only need a Harbor Freight parts washer and sand/bead blaster to be set up to rebuild any bike and there are 4 more in line after the '79.

Like my sig say's maybe one day...fortunately that day is near because the side roof I had to put up to move all the stuff that found its way into the shed that makes it to crowded to work on anything is nearing completion. Concrete floor gets poured next week once the stump from hell gets removed this weekend.

You've made tons of progress, me? Not on the bikes like I originally intended.

[jetmechmarty]

IDK - Tod has an 85mph speedo on his XJ and he's awful hard to keep up with with my 160mph speedo. Maybe my speedo needs a tuneup

John

My remark was intended to be facetious.

[CaptonZap]

LOL, I think John just out facetious-ed you.

CZ