1980 XS1100 Cafe Project

[Desmo200]

Hi all, I'm new and just got my XS11 running so I thought it would be nice to post some details and pics:

1980 - XS1100 Special
Gas tank form a Standard
Rear frame and pegs cut off
Custom made seat/rear cowl (still need upholstery)
Re-routed wiring and modern fuse box
Removed batterybox and airbox
Exhaust cut off at headers (four straight pipes)
Ballistic LiFePO4 battery
Radiantz LED turn signals/brake light

A couple videos:
https://youtu.be/Dq6sWXahf20
https://youtu.be/-oQ7iuGWTkQ

Photos:

[IanDMacDonald]

Cheese 'n Rice that looks nice!!!

[79xs1100s]

Nice proportions.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Tom,
The regulars on this site will know I am no fan of Cafe conversions of the XS.
You Sir have nailed it. That is a great piece of work. Many have set off on the road you took. You arrived at the destination, Well done.
Phil

[Desmo200]

Thank you all, it has been a group effort here and including the great info on this forum.

[MarkD]

I am a stock all the way guy, but....I will say your bike looks mighty sweet. One cool go-slo-scoot. Well done.

[Aches n Pains]

First ever, really good lookin XS11 Cafe !! Good job and I bet you can't go anywhere without being asked about your ride.

[Aches n Pains]

Just watched the videos. Not at all happy with the pipes.

[HalfCentury]

Excellent looking customized cafe racer. Is this bike intended for around town fun or do you intend any long trips on the bike? The noise would give me a headache but it may be perfect for you.

You have skilz. Congrats on a successful build.

[Desmo200]

Excellent looking customized cafe racer. Is this bike intended for around town fun or do you intend any long trips on the bike? The noise would give me a headache but it may be perfect for you.

You have skilz. Congrats on a successful build.

I expect the seat and handlebar position to be more uncomfortable than the noise, so I'm not planning any long trips for it. I ride with a full face helmet and sometimes use earbuds anyway, so the noise wont be a problem. Well, it wont be a problem for me anyway. 'Tis the cafe style, I personally think it sounds better and is no louder than the typical cafe bikes.

P.S. This is still a work in progress and baffles are being debated so stay tuned. I appreciate the feedback.

[Desmo200]

Just watched the videos. Not at all happy with the pipes.

But hopefully you got a laugh when I missed a shift. haha

[DiverRay]

P.S. This is still a work in progress and baffles are being debated so stay tuned.

Baffles WILL help with the tune! These engines, like all 4 stroke STREET engines, need a little back pressure to run well throughout the RPM range. Right now, it's probably best wide open and higher RPM. With something to give it just a little back pressure, you will get back the grunt at midrange that makes these bikes fun to ride.

[Desmo200]

Baffles WILL help with the tune! These engines, like all 4 stroke STREET engines, need a little back pressure to run well throughout the RPM range. Right now, it's probably best wide open and higher RPM. With something to give it just a little back pressure, you will get back the grunt at midrange that makes these bikes fun to ride.

Well I'm in the back-pressure helps 4 strokes is a myth category. I think most people change their exhaust without proper tuning and cars/bikes run different/worse then things get better when they go back to stock. So their conclusion is "it must be back-pressure". Really it is vacuum because stroke 4 (exhaust) will influence stroke 1 (intake).

It's really all about vacuum. Jetting/tuning/syncing has been a long process for me, and with vintage bikes there is always tweaking to be done. I have good torque throughout, I have a step up in power around 5K RPMs where I figure the vacuum is late to open the needles due the pod filters.

More air + more fuel = more go, always. More air flow is easy, just cut things off. More fuel on the other hand... These carbs have a pilot air jet and with a bit of luck I bet sizing it correctly, along with the main and pilot jets, will make up for my mods.

Right now:
Pilot air jet: Stock size
Pilot jet: one size larger (cant remember the number)
Main jet: 130 (stock is round 110, I think)

[islandlife]

wow! i really like the look, the whitewalls are a sweet touch! im no fan of straight pipes, but it certainly matches the style!

[HalfCentury]

I expect the seat and handlebar position to be more uncomfortable than the noise, so I'm not planning any long trips for it.

Now that there is funny. My FJR1300 handlebar position and seat comfort were both abysmal after I started being on for more than 20 minutes at a time. Those required $$$ and effort to find the components that make the bike fun to ride all day.

Your build is eye appealing. The mix of stock and custom are all well chosen. The seat looks like a stock '78 pan minus all of the foam. Its a nod to stock while being totally cafe.

My Honda Magna is totally stock and is too loud for my ears. It is also squirrely in twisties so it will never be beloved by me. I bought it for my 5'2" girlfriend to ride. She loves it.