18 inch rear wheel on an XS1100

[bikerphil]

Hey Deebs, I know Topcat did the swingarm mod years back. There was a thread about it, IDK if it survived the move from .com, I couldn't find it. There was a UK site where those fellas did mods like this, it's a shame all that valuable info got lost too.

Just an idea, there is more room to shift/shim the wheel over to the right side a bit. I wouldn't think with running a hack, the alignment with the front wheel would be quite as crucial.

[Ranger_xs1100]

I don't know if this will help or not, because photobucket ruined the pictures/

Promised swingarm mod - XS11.club Forums

[DEEBS11]

Thanks Phil & Bob. Very valuable info. I CAN be done and it HAS been done. Perfect. This is the wheel that will be modified to fit the XS11 hub.

[bikerphil]

Don't forget to leave access to the small screw on the back of the brake caliper, or maybe just leave the screw out.

[DEEBS11]

Good point, Phil. While lowering the diameter to 15" I might have to machine the caliper in order to wrench it on or off. Might have to remove the wheel to get at the brake to change pads every so often. Not a big deal.

[DEEBS11]

Another thing to think about is with the 850 drive mod, you are only using 2/3 of the driveshaft splines at the U joint due to the 16mm spacer you need. Might not be the best idea with the added weight of the rig. Who knows?

I think 3phase had a custom yoke welded up so the full depth of the drive splines could be used.

Phil, I am looking at the 850 rear drive modification to make up for the small diameter car tire. I read up on the subject and would definitely weld an extension on the universal joint. It's crazy to reduce the spline surface with that kind of torque pressure.

[Radioguylogs]

I don't get it....unless the spacer has matching splines machined into it.

[bikerphil]

If you sacrifice an extra driveshaft yoke, you would cut a piece from that which already has the splines and weld it onto the existing unit. That would take the place of the 16mm spacer.

[DEEBS11]

Yes, you cut a piece from an old female splined driveshaft and notch the end that faces the weld (and the existing driveshaft). Then you notch the end of your existing driveshaft. Then you line the splines up together by slipping a driveshaft spline into both and then you weld them together. Once welded, the shaft slips out and you have your extension with full splines for an extra heavy duty set-up. The sidecar bike is pushing a lot of weight. Steel sidecar, people and gear. No wonder I am going through tires.

[DEEBS11]

I have been working with Dave (AKA Stroker from ADV rider forum) since December on this wheel. He builds these type wheels for BMW GS motorcycles. This is the first time he has worked on an antique Yamaha XS11. It came out pretty bad ass.

[DEEBS11]

[DEEBS11]

[LAB3]

That just might be the last tire you ever buy!

[bikerphil]

Man, you need to paint the RWL on the left sidewall, that would look awesome. Let everyone know it's a T/A on there. Nice job, I can't believe you were able to use the stock swing arm.