My first XS1100 !

[AKMac]

Hey guys. I'm the proud new owner of a black 79 XS1100 Special. It's going to need a little TLC but for $1250 I think I did pretty good. It does take a while for the engine to warm up, but maybe thats normal for these bikes? Also the boots going from the carbs to the engine are a little cracked and I would like to replace them just for cosmetic reasons.

I'm also looking at changing the handlebars to something a little more ergonomic. I've seen "superbike" bars on these before and I think they look great. Does anyone know where I can buy some superbike bars?

Anyways I'm only 21 so I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions as I start to fix this thing up. I have some cool pictures if anyone is willing to host them.

[AKMac]

One thing I forgot to mention is that I think the clutch may be slipping at higher rpm. Anyone know of a good clutch kit?

[dewibp]

Congragulations and welcome aboard! First of all post some pictures!!! I too have a 79 xs11 special (carmine red). This site is a wealth of information so start looking thru the tech tips, etc. As far as warming up goes, give us an idea of how long and are you using the choke during the warm up process? The carb boots can look pretty tough and not be a problem. Do a search and you can do a WD-40 test to check them. I like the stock handle bars myself. Still running on the original clutch discs. You might want to make sure it is adjusted correctly first. Search for that too. GOOD LUCK and make sure you post a picture!

[xs650mike]

I've got a '79 Special as well. I love it. As stock bikes go, the '79 is the fastest of all the Specials, I'm told. Enjoy!

[xs650mike]

Forgot to mention, a good selection of handlebars is available at www.mikesxs.com . Place your order and it'll be at your door the second day following. Although this is a supplier for XS650 parts a lot of stuff is interchangeable (turn sigs, switchgear, coils, etc.). Until you get your new bars try dropping the grips on the stock bars down low and angle the control levers downward instead of out to the sides so you don't have to cramp your wrists. This is what I did and I found I didn't need to change the bars. You will need some sort of windscreen so your arms don't get stretched at highway speed though. If you don't want a shield go for the superbike bars.

[AKMac]

Yes I'm using the choke to warm it up (the first setting). It takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute to warm up on the first choke setting, then I'm good to go. The bike will start just fine without the choke out, but it runs a little rough for just a bit.

As for the clutch I'm going to go out tomorrow on a back road and see exactly what it's doing. It may just be my sloppy shifting, but I think it's slipping at maybe 6000rpm.

Here are the pictures. I plan on changing that seat sometime this winter. It's just not my style, but I may keep the sissy bar.

I'm also going to put on a Mac 4-2 exhaust system.

[xs650mike]

Your bike looks great! The king and queen seat is a funky piece though. Ahh the excesses (XSes) of the '70s. Think you need platform shoes, bell bottoms and a pimp hat to go with that seat! It would look nice covered with fur though.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there AKMac,

Great looking machine, aside from the seat However, many people will be willing to get that from you, either a trade for an OEM, or right out selling, so that they can have it reupholstered!

As for the clutch, as per a previous suggestion, do the clutch adjustment at the right side engine cover, and ensure that you have enough slack at the cable handlebar adjuster. Also, do you know what kind of oil was/has been put in it? If it's Pure Synthetic, that can aggravate a weak clutch!

As for a kit, not really, you just need to shop for the required parts. You'll want to get a new set of 8 friction plates, and 8 heavy duty springs. Doubtful that the main pressure plate would be worn down so much to warrant putting in an extra STEEL plate in the middle of the pack, but that's an option as well as new friction plates.

Partsnmore sells the friction plates, but if you'll go to the Brand section(Yamaha), then bike,(XS1100) then engine and then plates, you'll find them for 1/2 price at only $4.00 ea vs. if you go directly to the Clutch Parts section. They haven't figured this out and I bought a set for a 79SF that I'm working on, so nice to pay $32.00 instead of $64.00 for them!! When you add the springs, your order will be just over the minimum limit for free shipping!

Don't bother buying a gasket set, just get some material at your local auto store and make your own!!

Check out the tranny fix tech tips, cause there are pictures showing the process of getting at the clutch, and warnings about re-assembly techniques you'll want to adhere to, or you'll be buying a new STAR Pressure Plate!!