Red Line too easy?

[Bonz]

For the top speed, wheel bearing question... If they are original bearings then once you pull the dust seal the balls should be right there for a good wiping down and repacking if I recall. I replaced mine just out of wanting to and I believe the original ones were open like I described. If you can't see the bearings, probably has newer sealed bearings and isn't an issue.

We all love to wind it out and "see how she'll run up top" however, if you are thinking about catastrophic bearing failures at the speeds you describe, how often do you plan to do that? With wife on board too? You get what I am saying. The bike is great, but maybe lower the speed expectations on a 35 year old steed.

For the FD question, the swap on an XJ and a Special basically equalizes the gear ratios to that of the Standard XS1100. I don't think the Standard was lacking to pull away from a stop. A Standard with the FD swap however will make it a bit more finicky pulling away when loaded from what I hear.

In any case, it is non-starter as far as I can say. It makes the bike smoother compared to other XJ's or Specials because it isn't at a high rpm in the lower gears as quick, and you aren't fighting the on/off snatchiness of light throttle riding. I would not hesitate to do it.

The XJ turns 4,000 rpm at 60 mph if it is like my Special (80SG) and the FD swap lowered that to 3,600 rpm on my SG. 3,600 rpm at 60 mph equates to the same rpm as a stock Standard XS1100, and equalizes the other gears to the equivalent of the Standard as well.

[3Phase]

Heh, it's a rhetorical question, I know exactly what you mean, that's why we all do it.

For top speed, you're not going to hit 130mph unless it's downhill with a galewind. I wouldn't suggest trying it unless you really do know your bike, things will go wrong really fast.


The center spacer tube between the bearings in the front wheel has to be levered over to one side to let you get at the races. The hub should have a couple of notches in it to let you knock out the bearing races with a long punch or a drift.


Adding a '750/'850 Final Drive makes it like taking off in 2nd gear with the stock drive. If the bike is loaded down, it's a hot day, the engine is hot, you're taking off uphill, or some fiendish combination of all of the above then you will have to use more clutch to take off from a stop.

Edit: Oops, Bonz beat me to it.

[Bonz]

Correct me if I'm wrong...

Because the transmission ratios are the same all XS/XJ's, and rpm in fifth gear with the FD mod on an XJ equals rpm with a Standard and stock FD, it will be like taking off in first gear on the standard. Taking off in second gear on a stock FD Special/XJ is a taller ratio in first gear than on a standard.

[3Phase]

It's like taking off in 2nd gear in either bike, 16" or 17" rear wheel.

The effective ratio will be lower for the 16" but it's still like taking off in 2nd gear on that bike. With the 16" wheel you won't hit redline in 10 feet in 1st gear like the stock drive.

[XJkid]

I'm sane.

I would only try top end on a closed course, alone, with everything in working order and good shape. I'm just trying to understand my bike a little better and attain bragging points with my son-in-law and his '03 Suzuki Intruder with a hyper charger (he swears the charger gives him much more power)

Old Guys/Bikes Rule, just don't know what I rule yet!

[BA80]

Correct me if I'm wrong...

Because the transmission ratios are the same all XS/XJ's, and rpm in fifth gear with the FD mod on an XJ equals rpm with a Standard and stock FD, it will be like taking off in first gear on the standard. Taking off in second gear on a stock FD Special/XJ is a taller ratio in first gear than on a standard.

It's like taking off in 2nd gear in either bike, 16" or 17" rear wheel.

The effective ratio will be lower for the 16" but it's still like taking off in 2nd gear on that bike. With the 16" wheel you won't hit redline in 10 feet in 1st gear like the stock drive.

I gotta go with Howard on this. The 850FD on the 16 is exactly the same ratio as the stock FD on a 17. The only real difference is more torque is put to the ground/rear wheel with the lower gear on the 17 with the stock drive.

[motoman]

I would only try top end on a closed course, alone, with everything in working order and good shape. I'm just trying to understand my bike a little better and attain bragging points with my son-in-law and his '03 Suzuki Intruder with a hyper charger (he swears the charger gives him much more power)

Old Guys/Bikes Rule, just don't know what I rule yet!

Have ridden the 1400 Intruders extensively.....definitely lots of torque, but acceleration-wise, can't 'hold a candle' to the XS/XJ11's, and doubt could even if modified a bit.

[XJkid]

Correct me if I'm wrong...

Because the transmission ratios are the same all XS/XJ's, and rpm in fifth gear with the FD mod on an XJ equals rpm with a Standard and stock FD, it will be like taking off in first gear on the standard. Taking off in second gear on a stock FD Special/XJ is a taller ratio in first gear than on a standard.

So, are you saying the stock XJ FD is lower geared than the rest?

[motoman]

So, are you saying the stock XJ FD is lower geared than the rest?

No, same-same, identical and same externals/internals....if your referring to XS/XJ.

[Bonz]

Stock XJ=Stock Special in all aspects of gearing.

Difference: Standard has a 17" rear wheel vs the 16" rear wheel on the XS Special/XJ. The 16" rear wheel is what makes the bikes turn the higher RPM.

When you transplant the XS750/850 FD it has taller internal gearing that offsets the 16" diameter rear tire and gives it the same overall gearing as the 17" rear wheeled stock Standard.

Therfore, an XJ with the 750/850FD modification has the same overall gearing as a Standard model XS1100. A Standard XS 1100 never had a problem loaded on the hill. That's what I'm trying to say.

However, put the FD mod on a Standard XS1100 and you are lowering the gearing to where I would potentially expect to notice a difference when loaded on a hill from a stop.

Owners of the Standard with the FD mod can chime in.

[XJkid]

Cool!

Now I just need to get the different FD. I had tried to practice the handling course at the DMV, but first gear was so jumpy, I couldn't do it. I have been riding for 3 years without a license as a result.
Thanks for the input!

[Bonz]

The snatchiness is hard to work around and be smooth, especially as a new rider to riding in general and under pressure to pass a test.

The FD mod isn't just plug-and-play, there is some work involved for sure.

[3Phase]

I haven't mastered riding two bikes at the same time and 'Kid doesn't have a Standard so comparing them is kind of weird.

The effect of a '750/'850 drive swap is like taking off in 2nd gear on whatever bike you put it on and are riding at the time. No one cares if it's higher on a 17" wheel if all you have is a 16" wheel.