xj1100 ?

There is a low mileage xj1100 Maxim for sale some distance from here that is calling my name. I don't need it, I don't have space for it and the $ could just as well be doing other things, but its calling me just the same.

Apparently, its a good runner with some minor front brake hydraulic issues and some aesthetic paint issues. The asking seems reasonable at $1500, mileage is just 33,000 km or 21,000 miles.

If I give in, what should I look particularly closely at?

I understand they were only made in '82 is that right ? Was it made longer for other areas of the world or was it really just a one year wonder?

What am I in for when I need spares, are spare parts available for a 25 y.o. bike only made for one year?

Thanks,

Brian H.
Uxbridge Ont.

 

You are correct, only made in 82. You will need to invest some time and/or money for a YICS tool. Chacal here on the site can pretty much get you the parts you may need. Other than that, it seems to be a reasonable price unless 'aesthetic paint issues' turn out to be gapping rust holes!

 

I already own a YICS tool for my xj650 Maxim. I'll bet the 1100 tool is a different size, right ?

I have only seen a pic of one side of this bike, it looks nice with no "gaping rust holes" evident. Hope the other side is not full of surprises :? .

Brian H.

 

Not sure on this one. Our local parts guy, chacal, only sells one so it may very well be the same! Hopefully it doesn't look as bad as mine did!

XJ1100 before

Although it did clean up nicely!

XJ1100 / Magna VF700 C Powder Coating Pics

 

Your bike looks GREAT Chad, and was really rough to start with!

This is all I have seen, so far, of the one calling me today:



Apparently there have been several tire kickers but no one ready to spend so far.

 

Actually, the XJ1100 was also available up until 1984 in Canada.....including in the black-and-gold "Mignight Maxim" versions.

Also, the XJ1100's are based on the 1978-81 XS1100 bike, with some minor differences, so parts are more available than you might expect!

Beware of the 2nd-gear issue with these bikes, they have trouble with them popping out of 2nd gear (weak design) which are a real pain-in-the-exhaust to fix properly.

And beware of their power, these bikes are incredibly fast!

The YICS tool is the same for all YICS engines.

That's a nice looking bike njh. Check out the 2nd gear b4 you buy! The seat appears to have been re-covered. Nice-lloking luggage rack!

Chad, I'm sending you a PM.........

 

What is it with Yamaha and second gear? The Ventures are renown for a second gear problem too.

As I understnd it on the Venture, its a shifter fork that is too weak and bends or distorts not actually the gear that fails. Is this also the case with the XJ1100 second gear issue?

Thanks for the tip! I will watch out for that now that I know.

Cheers,

Brian H.
Uxbridge Ont

 

I'd say minus any 2nd gear issues, it's a keeper! If you do pick her up, I'd appreciate some pics for the windshield, been looking for one!

 

There's no comparison between a 650/750 and a XJ1100. The 1100 has an amazing amount of power, and will top out at around 150mph or so. It pulls like a freight train.

I hate the handlebars. They're swept back too far IMHO...

The trannys are clunky (as in, they clunk when shifting). From what I understand, the XJ's problems are mostly with 1st gear, while the XS's have similar issues with 2nd. Either way, there's a fairly simple fix that involves some dremel work and a washer moved around...

The fuel system is kind of a mess, it has that dreaded octopus valve... but it serves its purpose. Rebuild kits are kinda rare.

But honestly, I'd be all over that thing if I had the money :mrgreen:

 

That XJ1100 looks great, you had better go pick it up. 1500 bucks is a goog deal.
Speaking from experence , the YICS tool is different for the 1100. If you use the Yamaha tool it will not isolate the #3 and #4 carbs. The tool is a bit longer for the 1100 engine to do this. I have both an XS and XJ 1100 and parts are east to find for both of them.
The transmition issues with second gear can be a pain to fix, nothing you cant do at home in the garage. Look at the XS/XS1100 website they have articles on how to fix this.
Get the bike . you will be impressed with the power and speed. Once you ride a 1100 you will never go back to anything less.