First build: 81 XS1100 Special

[Cowsert_C]

Hey everyone, I am in the last stages of my first motorcycle build and I'm looking for a little help. I was given a run down, neglected 81 xs1100 special and I decided to bring it back up to snuff. When I brought it back to my garage, the first thing I did was change the oil. After that I pulled the carbs and cleaned/ rebuilt the float bowls. Soon after that, it started right up. The fuel lines were pretty shot, so I rebuilt that as well. Luckily the compression across all cylinders have equal, strong compression. Transmission is very good, highly responsive. Where I'm having problems is probably in the easiest system, but I can't seem to crack it. The brakes.

All of the calipers move well and master cylinders work fine. But working in conjuction, not so much. The front brake is rather spongy and pulls all the way back to the bar, but still provides the pressure to close the calipers, but I know the lever action needs to be tighter. Any suggestions?

Also, the back brakes don't return all the way when the foot lever is depressed. The brake light stays on, but the tire moves free. I am unsure as what to do here as well.

I want to get the bike up to selling condition. It's a bit large for a first time rider.

Last thing, can anybody tell me how to post photos?

Thanks for any information.

[tcoop]

The front brakes sounds like you still have air in the line. Try re bleeding them again or get something to hold the lever in over night . That might let the air bubbles escape.

the rear brake sounds like the return spring is positioned wrong or needs replaced or the brake peddle needs to be repositioned.

for the photos
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=39747

[donebysunday]

pics

Yes pics might be of help.

Take the pics, file in your computer then join You Tube. Download the pics there and then send them back to the list using the Email & IM located on the right on top. Just find the pic you want to send click on the link, it will say copied, then paste in the thread.

http://s141.photobucket.com/user/Don...S%20AND%20INFO

OK that did not work, try again.

http://s141.photobucket.com/user/Don...S%20AND%20INFO

<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://s141.photobucket.com/user/DonBySunday-07/embed/slideshow/MY%20FAVORITE%20BIKES%20AND%20INFO"></iframe>

[mack]

Brakes

the front's stiil have air in them. The trick with tying the lever back to the bar works pretty good.
The rear my have a plugged spooge hole Or worst case is the piston has pitting and corrosion under the rubber weather seal that prevents the piston from withdrawing off the disc. Caliper cleaning and rebuild are easy, kits are about $18 US. Pistons are around $30 each for stainless.

[kboehringer]

Dont Sell It????

I want to get the bike up to selling condition. It's a bit large for a first time rider.

Cowsert,
Although several people on this board have started on an XS11, I would TEND to agree that an XS11 MIGHT be a little more difficult to learn on. My son is doing his learning on an XJ550 and will EVENTUALLY progress to one of my XS11's. My son is a thin very light weight 5'11'' kid so the XS11 (in stock form) is a bit heavy for him. It's also not nearly as nimble as the little XJ.

HOWEVER, selling your XS11 may not be your only or best choice. The XS11 has GREAT power and if you plan on spending ANY time at all on I-85 you will want that power. My little XJ550 is much too scary to put on an interstate! You also know what you have, what you have done to it, and apparently have some ideas about what it needs yet. In addition, XS11's (in the condition you described) don't NORMALLY bring huge dollars. I picked up three in our GENERAL area for just a few hundred bucks. Yours sounds a whole lot better than any of the junk I started with but they are still not hard too find in our area for very reasonable prices.

I am also right up the street (I-85) from you and I would be glad to provide some parts if I have spares, mechanical assistance (if needed), and would enjoy another XS11 partner for drives around Pine Mountain if your up to it! We also have a heck of a XSSE riding event in the fall that you would certainly enjoy.... We could ride together!

KURT
PEACHTREE CITY GEORGIA

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Cowsert,

Aside from the most likely scenario of air still in the lines, the vinyl lines also give/stretch quite a bit and can contribute to a spongy feel, that's why we highly recommend putting on Braided Stainless Steel lines! IF the latching the front brake lever doesn't bleed the air, it's difficult to get the air DOWN the lines from the handlebars, you can take the calipers OFF of the forks, put a wedge of wood same thickness as rotor between the pads and position/elevate the calipers to the same or higher level as the master cylinder and repeat the bleeding process. Once you get the better tighter feel, then put the calipers back on the forks.

Aside from the rear return spring....it's common for rust to develop between the shaft and frame that it spins in....so you can put on side stand, then try squirting penetrating oil or similar into/between the lever shaft and frame housing to see if that loosens it up, and then squirt some thicker lube. OR you can take it apart, and then apply GREASE!

And has been stated, it can be a bit of a challenge to start out with an XS11, but if you take it easy, it can be done, and then you'll have a great bike that will do pretty much anything you want it to do.

T.C.