new gauges, kick start install ????

[swartsfigliano]

Hi
I'm new to this forum and thought I would post a few questions.

I have an 1978/1981 XS1100 Venture. I made one bike out of parts from both bikes.

I dont like the gauges on the bike. I wanted to change them but I was not sure if they would work right. How do you know what gauges will work? Is there different gearing to worry about for different gauges.

Also I see on the engine there is a plug where they used to install a kick start . Is is possible to install the kick on this bike. I like the look. Where can I get the parts I need for this?

Thanks

[andreashweiss]

You need to use the kickstart spline and shaft from a 78/79 xs1100. There is no factory kickstarter for the xs1100 that tucks out of the way when not in use. Factory one is an emergency kickstarter that stays in kick position and can be removed and hidden under battery when not in use. I have the assembly and e/kicker contact me at andreashweiss@yahoo.com

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Mike,

If you had a true 78, then you had all the parts you needed for the kickstart aside from the actual lever. However, putting it on/in your 81 engine is another matter. It doesn't look as though you would need to split the cases, but you'll need to remove the right crankcase cover to have access to the mounting flange.

However, if your battery gets low enough to not be able to start it, good chance the kick won't either....TCI needs ~10.5volts to fire, won't if less than that!

IF you didn't have the 78 engine, then you can find kickstarter assemblies onEBAY.

As for the gauges, many Speedos can fit, but the Tach is electronic, only ones for the XS11 will work, aside from expensive aftermarket ones that have the 10K range and ability to adjust for # of cylinders, and it'll wire up to the negative side of the coils, not to the wire for the OEM tach, that's a pulse line from the charging system. NO MECHANICAL style tach will work!!
Speedos from many models of Yamaha in that same era will work, 650, 750, 850, 1100, all had similar front wheel sizes and gearing of speed cable!
T.C.

[xs650mike]

I've got an XS750 folding kickstart lever installed on my '79 Special. When starting with a low battery it's important to turn the key off and back on each time you kick so that the headlight isn't on dragging the battery voltage down. Each time you kick the headlamp will come on just as if the engine had started. I believe you could probably kick start with a low battery just so it isn't too low. I was able to bump start my XJ750 in 3rd gear even though the starter wouldn't work due to low battery (left the parking light on!).

[swartsfigliano]

Thanks for the info

Thanks for the info. Looks like this will be a good site to read over the winter.
I got my bike off of a buddy about 6 years ago. He had left it outside for 3 years. I torn it right down, sandblasted the frame, repained everything and found a 1978 for parts. I rode it for a couple years and than it has sat iy my garage for a couple years.
This is going to be my winter project. It mainly just needs some cleaning up. I would like to chaned the headlight and gauges though. I dont like the square look. The bike does not look at all like a venture anymore. I have lower bars and made the seat one level (flat) and it has a 4 into 1 exhaust. It kinda runs right now but really rough. I need to read up on how to adjust the carbs. IT has 73,000 Km on it but when it was running last it was running good.

Anyway..Thanks again for the quick replys. I am sure over the course of the winter I will be asking a few more.

Mike

[TopCatGr58]

There's a set of 79SF round gauges on Ebay now!
T.C.