1981H xs1100 rebuild project, started Feb.2017

[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

[FranksBMW]

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

[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?

[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]

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

[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]

The lower parts - yes. That's where the water would settle. I do know someone who might be able to weld it. But the tank is a later task (in my head.)

[3Phase]

Fire

Just get another tank, Frank, you really don't need to mess around with a rusty one with visible holes.

[FranksBMW]

Just get another tank, Frank, you really don't need to mess around with a rusty one with visible holes.

Do tanks from other years fit?

[3Phase]

Do tanks from other years fit?

Yes.

The '81 Venturer has a larger ~6 gallon US tank with higher handlebars so they don't hit the tank but you can fit others like an XJR1200:-

gas tank sizes

Apparently, the European tanks are larger than the Standard ~5 gallon US tanks too so it might be worth checking around Canada and across the pond too:-

Fuel tank conversion

Have fun, life's too short to screw around with rusty tanks.

[3Phase]

Oh! Canada!

Here's a UK tank listing that doesn't really want US biz but may deal with the Canada:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/yamaha-xs1...gAAOSwLEtYjz4t

£50.00 | 0 bids

yamaha xs1100 petrol tank
Bedford, UK

May not post to United States - Read item description or contact seller for postage options. | See details

Item location:
Bedford, United Kingdom

Posts to:
United Kingdom

[FranksBMW]

So today, I went through the carbs. There were a few stubborn screws and I had to grind off 2 of their heads because the impact wrench still mangled the cross slots and the vicegrips slipped off their heads.

3 slides were stuck and I cleaned off the varnish with some break cleaner. (keeping that liquid away from rubber diaphragms) On the bottom end, I cleaned out the bowls and the orifices where gas gets sucked up along the needle. The floats of one of the carbs were frozen and I was able to pull the pin and clean off the sticky varnish.

There may be more work to be done to them but this was my first time and I did the obvious.

[FranksBMW]

Here's a UK tank listing that doesn't really want US biz but may deal with the Canada:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/yamaha-xs1...gAAOSwLEtYjz4t

Ideally, I want to get the bike running with just my labour before investing in expensive parts.

[3Phase]

Good luck with your project then, Frank.

[motoman]

Ideally, I want to get the bike running with just my labour before investing in expensive parts.

Good idea. Initially then, I'd suggest use a portable plastic tank of some sort hung from a three legged or roll-around stand. If all seems to be good and just may need a carb rebuild and some serious tunin'......THEN find an internal non rusted tank.