1981H xs1100 rebuild project, started Feb.2017

[MaximPhil]

There are 2 or 3 rusted through holes. The biggest one is about 3 by 1 inch.

hi Frank,
That sound pretty bad. What does the interior surface look like ?
Would be fairly simple to weld in patches for someone skilled at welding light gauge steel. Know anyone with the skill and a welder?
Am i correct in guessing the holes are on the bottom outer edges?
Phil

[FranksBMW]

There are 2 or 3 rusted through holes. The biggest one is about 3 by 1 inch.

[MaximPhil]

Here's a question I'll need to know the answer to in the future: Do all gas tanks fit all years and models of the XS1100?

Or, what are the restrictions?

Hi Frank,
All Gas tanks fit the frame however some saddle conflict/ require modification or leave a gap. Believe me you want to preserve the Venturer tank if you possibly can.
Phil

[FranksBMW]

Here's a question I'll need to know the answer to in the future: Do all gas tanks fit all years and models of the XS1100?

Or, what are the restrictions?

[FranksBMW]

Carbs and air box out. 3 of the slides are stuck/sticky. Time for a cleaning of the old gas varnish.

[MaximPhil]

hi Frank,
I sent you a PM ( Private Message)
While you wait for your key you should clean and lightly lubricate the ignition lock. Soaking overnight in Evapo-Rust is a good way to clean after disassembly.
I used a towel on the bed to catch the small springs and parts that can jump out. save the Evapo-Rust as it can be used multiple times.

Phil

[motoman]

Hi Frank,
Keys here: http://www.keys4urride.com/advanced_...cat=0&sort=20a

Takes a week or more but I doubt you will find cheaper or genuine Yamaha blank. Check with them but I think YH48P is the blank you need.
I would suggest you get three unless your code is the same as mine.
Then get 5
Click on the picture of blank and it takes you to the next page. Cutting is an extra $6.50 but do have them cross check the code is correct for that blank.
the fine print says they can not do ALL codes.

Phil

If wanting to have paint original color, AND to keep it simple, it is actually carbon blue-black-effect, 2000 Toyota, fast dry acrylic enamel(single stage,M46031E. That IS a perfect match, as several yrs. back I sanded and re-painted the sidecovers of my Venturer. This was mixed in their quality arosal can with the quality adjustable fan pattern nozzle.Layed like glass and defy anyone to know whether re-painted or not. I didn't, but suggest a quality clear-coat over the paint if fuel drops hit the tank. Otherwise, paint dulls, but can polish out perfectly with Meguiar's mirror glaze fine-cut cleaner #2. BTW, all products used including Meguiar's were from an automotive paint store.

[FranksBMW]

If my small town had a locksmith, they'd get my business, but the known good blacksmith is in another town, 45 minutes drive.

[FranksBMW]

Thank you Phil, done!

This saves both time and $ over the option of visiting a locksmith in a nearby town.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Frank,
Keys here: http://www.keys4urride.com/advanced_...cat=0&sort=20a

Takes a week or more but I doubt you will find cheaper or genuine Yamaha blank. Check with them but I think YH48P is the blank you need.
I would suggest you get three unless your code is the same as mine.
Then get 5
Click on the picture of blank and it takes you to the next page. Cutting is an extra $6.50 but do have them cross check the code is correct for that blank.
the fine print says they can not do ALL codes.

Phil

[MaximPhil]

This is EXACTLY how I'd like a Standard to look! Except, I really like the Venturer blue.

Hi Ian,
+1 on the blue. When the lottery come in repaint back to original is on my list. come on LOTTO I have stuff to do
Phil

[motoman]

4T100043x

matching numbers on frame and motor

Oppps, sorry FranksBMW. Forgot about the different prefix of the Canadian version. But hey, you folks also got the XJ's two extra yrs....only one yr. here in the States.

[3Phase]

Thank you very much Scott! Downloading now.

Good day in the garage. Drained and refilled engine and drive oils.

The bike came without a key. Is the code on the underside of the ignition switch enough to order a new key? Where can one order a new key?

Any trick to removing the carbs? I've loosened the airbox so it can move back a bit, then just unclamp the boots?

Yes, that's the key code. Go to a Yamaha dealer to get a key or try a locksmith.

Loosen the manifold clamps and move them off 'lip' so they drop next to the cylinder head.
Straddle the bike, pull the carburetors out of the manifolds, then the carburetors come out to the left.

You'll have to finagle the throttle cable lever and the clutch cable guide on the #4 carburetor hat as you do it so you don't gouge the manifolds or bend the lever. If it's cold, try heating the rubber manifolds with a hair dryer or a heat gun.

To put the carburetors back in, here's a short video I made with a former forum member. Yes, it really does take five minutes or less to reinstall the carburetors. RIP Planedick.

XS1100 Carburetor Install


Take your time, there's always time to do it over again. And again. And again, right?

[FranksBMW]

Thank you very much Scott! Downloading now.

Good day in the garage. Drained and refilled engine and drive oils.

The bike came without a key. Is the code on the underside of the ignition switch enough to order a new key? Where can one order a new key?

Any trick to removing the carbs? I've loosened the airbox so it can move back a bit, then just unclamp the boots?

[3Phase]

So it's a 1981 xs1100 H, Canadian, originally indigo blue



Does that make it a Venturer?

A'yup, it sure does.

The '81 Venturer had a larger fuel tank so if it's not been replaced or rusted out you'll want to hang on to it and take good care of it. I've heard that the front forks got stiffer springs from the factory for the fairing too but I've never seen and compared them myself so keep that in mind if you remove the fairing.

From 1978 to 1981 there are not a whole lot of importance differences between any of the Standards except minor trim variations, tubeless tires and rims along with air forks. For 1981 the 4R0 TCI has the ignition advance curves built in so Yamaha got rid of the mechanical advance that lives under the left-hand engine cover but they kept the vacuum advance.

The 4R0 TCI is getting rare and can be expensive, if you want a spare you should start shopping now.