Alternate exhaust

[MPittma100]

81h

All 81H models were also factory (not dealer) equipped with the larger (6 gallon) fuel tank, fairing/windshield, saddle bags, touring style seat, and luggage carrier with back rest. One color only. They were, in fact, one of a kind. They also had a chain and lock that used the ignition key to secure the bike when parked/stored.

[IanDMacDonald]

All 81H models were also factory (not dealer) equipped with the larger (6 gallon) fuel tank, fairing/windshield, saddle bags, touring style seat, and luggage carrier with back rest. One color only. They were, in fact, one of a kind. They also had a chain and lock that used the ignition key to secure the bike when parked/stored.

This is the first I've heard of the chain and key. Never heard Moto mention it. Good info Mike.

[motoman]

Sorry bout' that Ian, Mine still has the original chain and attached lock assembly just like when I bought bike new. The yellow plastic covering over chain has badly faded over the decades, but all still there and works correctly if it were ever needed. Even exhaust system is original and immaculate with no dings or discoloration.

[jetmechmarty]

The chain lock was also on the '81 Special. My '83 XS650SK has the chain lock, as does the XS650SH, and I'm sure a bunch of others.

[MPittma100]

Chain and lock

1981 LH had this also. There is a hard plastic pouch mounted on the bike that holds chain. Just outside of the pouch is a stand that the lock fastens to. Takes ignition key to remove it from bike. Motoman stated that chain plastic cover is yellow on the 1981H. The LH chain cover is, as you may have guessed, black.

[TopCatGr58]

It wasn't just the 81H, my 81SH also had the yellow chain/lock.

For what it's worth, the chain was really useless, was so small/thin that it wouldn't take a little push to snap the chain using the bike's own weight as leverage. I took mine off and got a REAL chain and master lock that I kept around the back rest to secure mine when I was worried about where I parked it.

T.C.

[Schming]

I seem to recall some one putting Harley Dyna mufflers on their XS11. My exhausts are original but starting to rust out so will need to do something. Can anyone point me in the right direction. Thanks.

Hows the pipes comin' along ?

Lot of info in these threads:

http://www.xs11.com/forum/search.php?searchid=2355168

[DWP203]

Alt Pipes.

Good morning Schming,

Been under the weather so I haven't really done anything. Feeling better so I guess I'd better get going. Also your link didn't work but thanks.

[Schming]

Link

Oops, I apoligize about the link, if you type in the search box - harley muffler install - it'll display a number of threads with a lot of info that may help steer ya in the direction you want.

GWS

[MaximPhil]

Good morning Schming,

Been under the weather so I haven't really done anything. Feeling better so I guess I'd better get going. Also your link didn't work but thanks.

Hi DPW203,
I have seen many posts over the years about using Harley mufflers.
some were definitely an easier fit than others so research the site for past experience. I recall one set were quite easy if you installed one upside down with a simple bracket.
In the old days bin diving at the Harley dealers would come up with shiny new mufflers for free

Good luck with your search and don't overpay for them either

Phil

[donebysunday]

Good morning Schming,

Been under the weather so I haven't really done anything. Feeling better so I guess I'd better get going. Also your link didn't work but thanks.

I found out late that the inner head pipes extend into the muffs. You may be able to avoid some tuning issues by cutting the muffs back about 8" from where they are attached to the head pipes, then grinding the welds down that hold the muffs to the head pipes just enough to let the mufflers or shells what's left of them come off. Then you need to smooth out that area on the head pipes to allow adapters and muffs to slide on. This way you retain the inner head pipes diameter inside your muffs or adapters if needed, thus keeping the air flow of the stock exhaust as much as possible.

[Poprock]

Harley muffs

I have been running Sportster muffs on a 80 Special for a long time. Decent sound. Had them fitted at a muffler shop. He used Harley clamps. They are the best. Maybe I miss the cross over, but it's hard to tell. I know I get a torque hit at about 3700 rpm.