XS1100 Diagnostic Nightmare

[uk1.1s]

Those final fixes....

Noeleo,

So frustrating when the bike runs well... but not quite right.

I chased a few problems through over the last couple of years which just didn't seem to want to get fixed.

Couple of comments:

The crappy running could be down to bad plug caps. I had an odd problem like that.... all header pipes got hot... but there was a poor firing pot. I finally traced it (after believing it was a fuel problem in the carbs) to a bad plug cap, just waggled it and half removed it and the engine picked up and was sweeter. Off to the shop - brand new cap and hey presto.

The other thing is that a cold engine firing up so readily without a choke sounds like the carbs are set too rich (so it's almost like having that choke on all the time). That would lead to poor running too. Sounds like the carb jet change will go some way to fixing that. Do the plugs get a little black rather than a nice "biscuit" brown? If so - looks like a carb prob.

Good luck with it - sounds like a real steal with such low mileage.

[noeleo]

Well, after removing the carbs for the hundredth time(seems like it anyway), I installed the original clean jets that I took out when the K&L kits were installed. Didn't touch anything else. Took it for a ride, and BAM! It runs the best yet! Going for a 150 mile ride today, and will monitor the plugs and see how she does. Tried to order the jets from Bike Bandit, but the pilots were out of stock. Kinda sucks that I paid for them, and now have to wait forever to get them. Oh, well. Parts for stock, huh? Everyone who posted to this project should be commended for the qonderful advice. I'll let you all know how she comes out today. Thanks alot for the help.

BTW, even though they are chrome, I put on the stock bars, and they feel great. Looks pretty good IMHO. Guess now it will be "off to the powdercoaters"...

[noeleo]

Ok, here goes...My 150 mile ride turned into a 275 mile ride. This machine runs like a dream!!! My fuel mileage increased, too. Went from worst case of getting 85-90 miles before the redlight to over 125. Usually it's me pointing to the gas tank, but not today. The first tank netted me 41.5 mpg! The next was even better at a whopping 43 mpg. More like I expected from a ride like this. Speeds for the ride were between 50 and 70 mph with most being in the low 60's. These guys I rode with were afraid to let them loose, I guess. Oh well, no tickets today. Once again, I will send out a big "hats off" to everyone who posted to help me fix this fine machine. Couldn't have done it without you folks.

Next project...brakes and a hanging caliper. Thanks again.