Gettin my gears backcut

[XJkid]

I am having A.P.E. racing cut my xj1100 first and second gears to the tune of almost $500.00. I don't want to do this again, so I have a question: I read an opinion somewhere that the deletion of the kick start shaft and gear may have something to do with the gears getting worn. Does anyone have any info/opinion on this theory?

[motoman]

Not true XJkid.Tthe three dog engagement into the three slots of gear housing tends to be minimal at best. This issue and the fact the three dogs get a bit rounded on ends causes dogs on gear to not say engaged. After fixed, limit any speed shifting(primary cause of rounded ends of dogs).

[DiverRay]

It was a design issue on the gears. Yamaha "fixed" it in the V-4 engines, as they used the same transmission. I've done the "dremmel fix" a few times, on friends and my bikes. Never had an issue after the fix. A.P.E. HAS done a balance on a crank for me, though. Not sure how well it will work as I have not had the time to build the engine yet.

[Ranger_xs1100]

It was a design issue on the gears. Yamaha "fixed" it in the V-4 engines, as they used the same transmission. I've done the "dremmel fix" a few times, on friends and my bikes. Never had an issue after the fix. A.P.E. HAS done a balance on a crank for me, though. Not sure how well it will work as I have not had the time to build the engine yet.

Thank You for that interesting fact that I never knew DiverRay! Now I’m wondering what V-4 models used the same transmission AND could we just buy one of those used upraded trannies as a direct swap/fix for our XS11’s? That would be a great solution for those of us who have struggled with and are reluctant to attempt the dremmel fix.

[auxtian]

Steptoe's video re cutting back gears from XS1100 Australia

https://youtu.be/nor4OygvIHw

[bikerphil]

Pretty sure the first gear wobbles more without it's coaster kick start gear that was eliminated in '81. With this shaft slop, the dogs/slots may fail quicker. IMO

Quote from 3Phase....

"I think the more frequent 1st gear problems in the later models happens because Yamaha stopped putting the kicker idler gear in the later engine cases. The kicker idler gear rides on the 1st gear wheel and doesn't just give the kicker something to turn and start the engine, it also stabilizes it."

[motoman]

Thank You for that interesting fact that I never knew DiverRay! Now I’m wondering what V-4 models used the same transmission AND could we just buy one of those used upraded trannies as a direct swap/fix for our XS11’s? That would be a great solution for those of us who have struggled with and are reluctant to attempt the dremmel fix.

Good try, but the V-4 of the later Ventures obiously use larger tranny shafts,etc., so nope, won't work.....not even close.

[Ranger_xs1100]

Good try, but the V-4 of the later Ventures obiously use larger tranny shafts,etc., so nope, won't work.....not even close.

Thanks MotoMan!

[motoman]

BTW XJkid, the Venture V-4 engine is the de-tuned version of V-Max V-4 engine.