1980 XS1100 Midnight Special

[XSSIVEUS]

I just completed a three year restoration of my 1980 MS. The bike has only 7600 miles on it. It fired right up which was satisfying given the amount of work done on it.

My question has to do with the exhaust tone. I have two 78 XS11 standards and the exhaust tone is rather steady. This MS has a more thumpy exhaust note. I ran it only once after I bought it and don’t recall it’s sound, only that it ran rough due to carb issues.

Does anyone have experience with standard and MSs to compare exhaust notes against what I’ve heard? The MS runs very strong and smooth so it’s not a rough run situation. It performs like a big dog, much like my 78Es. I’ll appreciate any perspective you can provide.

Glen

[DiverRay]

You may have something going on internally with the mufflers. If it's running smooth, idles well, and carbs are synced that is one of the few things it could be. Did you re-check valve clearance? If you have one tight it may cause the problem, as it would be opening before the rest by a few degrees. I try to keep all the valve clearance settings on the loose side, as the tighten up with wear. That is all I can think of, lets see who else has an idea.

[cajun31]

I just completed a three year restoration of my 1980 MS. The bike has only 7600 miles on it. It fired right up which was satisfying given the amount of work done on it.

My question has to do with the exhaust tone. I have two 78 XS11 standards and the exhaust tone is rather steady. This MS has a more thumpy exhaust note. I ran it only once after I bought it and don’t recall it’s sound, only that it ran rough due to carb issues.

Does anyone have experience with standard and MSs to compare exhaust notes against what I’ve heard? The MS runs very strong and smooth so it’s not a rough run situation. It performs like a big dog, much like my 78Es. I’ll appreciate any perspective you can provide.

Glen

Bike looks great. upload a video of it running.

[normalthom]

Damn, I wish my '81 Midnight Special looked that good!! Beautiful.

[Socer4m]

HI XS, awhile back I had a midnight, and had an xj maxim for over 30 years, and many xs standard fixups, now down to one 81 venture,,,, and can add that the sound is different from the specials and the standards. THe special exhaust is upswept a bit and shorter, while the standards straight back is a bit longer. As far as sound the specials were a bit quieter, but had a higher wailing at higher rpm's. The standards sounded smoother but a deeper tone, so, if yours is running good at all rpms, other than somebody switching pipes all should be good.....ride on, Mike in San Diego

[XSSIVEUS]

I'll get a short movie posted of idle and revving once I get the seat back on. The self canceling unit for signals decided to die after sitting for three years and I found a NOS unit. What gall to finally fail after 42 years!