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My XJ is naked again.

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  • My XJ is naked again.

    My XJ hadn't moved under its own steam since late Sept last year. I decided in the spring to take the WJ V and bags off of it, put the stock final drive back on, and the stock signals. Was certain the carbs weren't right after the way it ran last fall, plugs indicated running rich. I never had much luck with my Motion Pro carb synchronizer, the #4 rod always seemed tight in its bore compared to the others, so I bought a set of gauges instead. So a couple months back I got the carbs dead nuts, idled smooth and good throttle response but didn't take it out on the road as the inspection had run out. Next day it wouldn't start. Seemed like a fuel issue as I had good voltages as well as good readings at the TCI and Coils (running Geezer's R/R too). Aggravated, I let it sit several weeks and then spent some time cleaning connections. Yesterday I checked the water level in the battery and put the charger on it. Put in new plugs and some gas in the tank today, petcocks on prime and could see gas flowing in the filters...still wouldn't start, would fire a bit but not start. Pulled plugs 1 and 4, both were dry so I poured a bit of gas in those cylinders and finally got it to start. Was running a bit rough, #4 wasn't heating up as fast... 1-3 were at 300+ degrees pretty quickly while 4 was around 160. Took it out and put about 25 miles on it (with Seafoam in the tank). Still misses a bit until about 3K then smooths out, same thing in a 30 mph zone in 3rd --at steady rpms it misses until I accelerate. I'm guessing I have a pilot circuit issue in #4 carb and if the seafoam doesn't cure it, I'll have to fight with those XJ carbs to get them off.

    Two other minor things --- about a mile and a half into the ride the horn starting blowing all by itself. Had to pull over and pull a wire off each horn to get it to stop. Started out again and then one horn started blowing. Stopped again to discover that the spade connector on the horn was arcing to the reflector on the frame neck. I guess something has happened inside the horn switch on the left side controls.

    The other thing is that the handle bars are turned slightly to the right going down the road. Seems I've read something about loosening the triple tree bolts and using a small plate of glass across the forks to get things straightened out.

    This bike isn't the same machine with the touring garb removed and the stock final drive back on. Runs about 3700 rpms at 55 mph and it accelerates waaaay harder, sure felt good to be in the wind again.

    Now I have to get that LG I rode back from Idaho 4 years ago ready for the rally in NC next month 'cause I think I'm going to sell the XJ. I also have a Venturer I'm trying to get back together but that probably won't happen until this winter. I like all 3 bikes but have come to realize I don't have the time to ride and maintain them all. So if anyone is interested in an XJ and/or a Vetter Windjammer V with lowers and a bracket, I can probably be talked into parting with them.
    Billy

    1982 XJ1100, Ceramic Coated Headers, Raptor ACCT, Barnett Clutch Springs, Dremmel Fix, TC's Fuse Block, De-Linked S/S Brake Lines, 850 Final Drive, Yahman's YICS Eliminator, Pods, stock jets

  • #2
    I hear ya Billy. I have three bikes now and two are xs11's. I tried Craig's list and only got one insincere hit. I am not going to give it away. It is the nakid one and really, it is the funnest to ride. A real screamer!
    Skids (Sid Hansen)

    Down to one 1978 E. Stock air box with K&N filter, 81H pipes and carbs, 8500 feet elevation.

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    • #3
      Fascinating Billy..I miss my Mad Max Maxim...I hear that about maintaining and riding more than 1 bike..Being retired and on a fixed income i havent the means or the skills to maintain a 40 year old bike...Having a modern bike that I can ride easily everyday with its modern attributes is worry free and is just gas oil and tars..That suits me just fine...Still miss the old bikes but glad i dont have to rely on them...
      1980 XS650G Special-Two
      1993 Honda ST1100

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      • #4
        Hi Billy, nice to see you back on the forum. Look forward to seeing you at the Iron Horse.
        Phil
        1981 XS1100 H Venturer ( Addie)
        1983 XJ 650 Maxim
        2004 Kawasaki Concours. ( Black Bear)

        Comment


        • #5
          is this topic appropriate for a family motorcycle forum?
          "Venturered" 80 XS1100G - "DoraMax" getting sort of resto/destro ed.

          Yeah it's a pretty blue, but just because you're old is no excuse to buy a bagger. Fortunately I have wrenches.

          Comment


          • #6
            Fork uppers

            You may want to check your fork uppers. The config of the triple tree keeps everything in line. Hard to go out of wack unless the forks are bent. It doesn't take much deviation at the top to affect the axel position.
            mack
            79 XS 1100 SF Special
            HERMES
            original owner
            http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/a...ps6932d5df.jpg

            81 XS 1100 LH MNS
            SPICA
            http://i946.photobucket.com/albums/ad305/mack-055/2.jpg

            78 XS 11E
            IOTA
            https://youtu.be/wB5Jfbp6SUc
            https://youtu.be/RaI3WYHSuWA



            Have recovery trailer and shop if you breakdown in my area.
            Frankford, Ont, Canada
            613-398-6186

            Comment


            • #7
              Billy, remember well your fly'n'ride adventurer heading from west coast area back east.....and all the pics of your adventurer and ordeal riding that ole' 11 back home. Definitely was an 'adventure' for you.
              81H Venturer1100 "The Bentley" (on steroids) 97 Yamaha YZ250(age reducer) 92 Honda ST1100 "Twisty"(touring rocket) Age is relative to the number of seconds counted 'airing' out an 85ft. table-top.

              Comment


              • #8
                Maintaining Multiple Bikes.....

                Originally posted by BillyRok View Post
                SNIP….. I like all 3 bikes but have come to realize I don't have the time to ride and maintain them all. SNIP...….
                Billy,
                I feel your pain.....But I have EIGHT(8).

                My son use to make a habit of riding the Gold XS11 Café and the Mini-Max but he's getting married and hasn't been living at home. Also getting VERY spoiled by the modern machine......

                Thinking of kicking one (or two) to the curb...

                Looking forward to seeing you again at the Iron Horse.

                Kurt
                Kurt Boehringer
                Peachtree City, Georgia

                1970 - CT70K0 - Mini-Trail
                1978 - SR500 - Thumper
                1979 - CT70H - Mini-Trail
                1979 - XS1100SF - Pensacola
                1980 - XS850SG - Rocky
                1980 - XS1100SG - The Ugly Duck
                1980 - XS1100SG - Mayberry Duck
                1981 - XS1100SH - DEAD Duck Cafe'
                1981 - XJ550 Maxim - Nancy's Mini-Max
                1982 - XJ650 SECA - Hurricane
                1986 - FJ1200 - Georgia Big Red
                1992 - FZR1000 - Genesis
                2016 - FJR1300A - Montgomery

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