Question on driveshaft lube or oil?

[dolphans1]

1) You need a manual 2 Final drive is what the manual calls the large lump of aluminum at the left rear some are black others silver. Top cap is air breather do not remove. Filler is the one at the rear. Drain is a Hex drain plug 19mm from memory, be careful when tightening easily stripped and use a fresh washer.
Wheel Hub is what the spokes attach to and axle goes through.
OEM plugs are METRIC Allen key. and easily stripped if the wrong tool is used.
Middle drive is the other end of the drive shaft where the rubber bellows is.
drain for that is the same size METRIC allen key. Filler looks same as rear filler bolt.

Phil
someone please post a link to Catatonic Bugs manual site

Thanks for your great tips and pointers.

I tend to be an over thinker kind of mechanic when it comes to worker on stuff and like to know what might go wrong, instead of jumping “all-in” head first and learning the hard way.

Sometimes manuals can be illustrated in ways that are hard to follow. Advice and experience is always a sure bet. Thanks for those who also commented on the 19mm Allen socket and ratchet.

[dolphans1]

Another side question I had is this, Is your XS 1100 bike hard/heavy to push, compared to a Harley or similar size bike? Is it the weight of this motorcycle or is it the drive shaft? To me it just seems like a Harley pushes back or forward a lot easier.

[Schming]

Another side question I had is this, Is your XS 1100 bike hard/heavy to push, compared to a Harley or similar size bike? Is it the weight of this motorcycle or is it the drive shaft? To me it just seems like a Harley pushes back or forward a lot easier.

These bikes weigh around 600lbs. Are you sure your brakes aren't dragging ?

If so you may need to clean your calipers' square o-ring groove to let the piston return and the "spooge hole" may be clogged also. Lots of threads in the repair section.

[Bonz]

My 80 SG felt like I was pushing a heavier bike than I thought it should be as well. For sure the final drive and middle drive fluid, especially when cold, would add what felt like more resistance. When the bike was warm and just ridden, I felt it would roll more easily.

[dolphans1]

My 80 SG felt like I was pushing a heavier bike than I thought it should be as well. For sure the final drive and middle drive fluid, especially when cold, would add what felt like more resistance. When the bike was warm and just ridden, I felt it would roll more easily.

Thanks for the replies, but it feels like a tank compared to other bikes.

[Bonz]

I never said it wasn't a tank...

I said it rolled easier when it was warm but should have been more clear it still was a big old pig to push around.

[dolphans1]

I never said it wasn't a tank...

I said it rolled easier when it was warm but should have been more clear it still was a big old pig to push around.

Yes, I know, it is a very heavy bike indeed and sits up taller than newer bikes as well.

[red bandit]

a big old pig to push around.....but I still love her.

[dolphans1]

a big old pig to push around.....but I still love her.

And she is of Asian decent and and respects her caretaker.

[hamjam]

I rode an XS11e for over 20 years yes a pig to push i now ride a vulcan 1600 nomad wet weight 832 lbs and it is easier to push around and even pick up , I would say the nomad is not as nimble at very slow speeds as the xs but it is a buick ,roadmaster or a wild cat or a nice comfy couch that will do the speed limit anywhere in Canada in 2nd gear and yes shaft drive and hard bags I think the difference is the height and where the CoG is the XS is a lot taller with the weight up higher than the Nad and not the weight of the oil in the rear end