New XJ1100 owner.

Hello everyone!

So here I am, finally made an account. I've been 'stalking' the forums for about a week as I contemplated buying the 82 XJ1100 I was looking at. Finally went ahead and bit the bullet Friday. It's my first motorcycle, and it needs a bit of work, but overall appears to be in good shape, and runs. I did have a few questions, most of which I have a general idea as to the answer, but better to ask when uncertain than to spend more money later. So here's my list, if you have any answers, or suggestions, please feel free to let me know; and thanks for this forum, I've already found TONS of great information and I'm sure I'll find more.

So first things first, my bike has two petcocks, one on each side, for sure there is a problem with one of them, he told me that it was "rigged" together so that it would work, and something about a torn gasket or seal or something inside. It runs right now (set on prime) but he said if I take it off prime there's a good chance the gasket will come apart inside and block it. Problem is he can't remember which one was having the problem because he's just been riding it on prime. I know this isn't necessarily a problem, but it's something I'd like to fix. I saw a thread on how to rebuild them, but nothing as far as where I could find a kit, or where to find replacements if they're not fixable.

I know the carbs need some work as well, but I'm a little bit intimidated by them to be perfectly honest :roll: . I have what I feel is a strong mechanical background, but generally when it comes to carb tuning, I end up in the vehicle, while my dad fine tunes; so I've never done more than just some basic tuning on my own. PO told me that he had it rejetted at the local yamaha dealer, but somethings definitely not right. Driving it home the other night (30 miles give or take) the bike seems very sluggish. Granted this is my first bike, but it just didn't seem anything like what I was expecting. It's weak on take offs to the point that I felt like I was babying it to keep it from stalling, in 5th gear going down the highway with the grip twisted as far as it would go, I was only doing around 70mph @ 4000rpm. Part of me thinks I might just need to adjust the throttle cable, but mostly I think this is tuning/jet related. I saw on here where valve clearances are of the utmost importance, and I feel like this is something I should tackle as well, but I'm feeling a little intimidated about that as well. All my previous experience has been with cars/trucks and I'm totally new to the motorcycle world.

Next up is the electrical aspect. Brake lights, headlight, and running lights work, but the turn signals do not (haven't done any testing but since they glow at night, I'm assuming this will be something simple in the switch.) Also the guages do not glow, but I haven't had time to check the bulbs yet so this may be a simple fix. I do plan on digging out my voltmeter and checking the charging system just to be sure, but at this point it seems like it's working ok.

I'm sure I'll have other questions in the future, and hopefully at some point will know enough that I can give back and help someone else. Sorry for making this so long, and thank you in advance to anyone and everyone that offers suggestions/help.

 

To add to this, the exhaust smells rich, and occasionally walking by I will smell gas which leads me to believe the floats need adjusting as well.

 

Welcome to the site from the Great White North. Parts are available through Chacal, our supporting vender. His catalogue is available by following the link in the banner at the header, XJ4Ever. Len's prices are fair his service excellent and he is a wealth of knowledge.

If you need to do the carbs, there are several links that can be found using the "search" feature. Do not attempt to do part of the job. To correctly overhaul the carbs you must make sure the valves are in spec, overhaul the carbs step by step as described in several threads (one being "the Church of Clean" by Chacal), set float level using clear tube method, bench sync the carbs, vacuum sync, and then colour tune.

 

Thanks for the reply JFStewart. I definitely am not going to "half ass" it, and there are other things I need to check as well (i.e. brakes, even though they "feel fine") this was just a start point for me, and to see what kind of feedback I get. I'll try to make it to sears tomorrow and pick up some feeler gauges, also going to have to get some carb cleaner, and a rebuild kit. It'll probably be tuesday before I can check the valves, and I'll go from there I suppose.

Thanks again for your help.

 

Update: Took the bike for a quick spin when I came home tonight (around the block a few times). Hardly any work at all, but enough to get it warm. Felt the exhaust when I got back to the house, and the outside two pipes are very hot (burnt my hand a bit) while the inside two were cool enough I could touch for a few seconds without any real discomfort. I'm sure they would get hot too given enough time, but I'm getting the impression that I'm only really running on two cylinders. Ideas? Suggestions?

 

I'd say that the center two holes are not fireing.
Pull your plugs and do a visual inspection.
If this bike has been running on prime then there is a good chance that the two center carbs are flooding and your spark plugs may be fouled out.
Those petcocks should be a top priority.
That 1100 should have all kinds of zip, if you are having to push it hard to go 70, then something really is wrong!!

I'd start with checking the plugs, but fixing the petcocks are a top priority, even if I had to go to manual petcocks.
I changed mine out to a manual petcock as well. that solved a big list troubles for me.
NOTE that those needle and seats leaking by can and will contaminate your oil and cause excessive wear on your cylinder walls and rings.
That contaminated oil will cause excessive bearing wear and could result in engine failure!!

 

Len is a fast shipper so don't hesitate to order from him. I believe he has petcock rebuild kits and they should be cheap. I just recieved my colour tune plug in 3 days from him for less than ebay and it was better than what I found there. Good luck and welcome this site will help you all the way.

 

Thanks guys, I will check the plugs tomorrow if I get a chance, and if not tomorrow, for sure I will check it on tuesday.

Hvnbnd I will come up with a game plan on the petcocks, do you think I'd be better off rebuilding? or going manual? As for the oil, PO changed the oil the afternoon that I picked up the bike, though I'm not sure if he replaced the filter. I did see his drain pan though, so I know at least the oil was changed. I will avoid riding it until I have this other issue straightened out though, and I'll change the oil again once everything is resolved. Thanks for your input, and let me know what you suggest I do as far as the petcocks go.

Is Len the guy running this site? Sorry I'm still new. I searched the "XJ MAXIM, SECA, AND TURBO PARTS CATALOG" 1st page for petcock repair kits and didn't find anything; maybe I'm just overlooking it?
Thanks for the quick responses fellas, I appreciate all your help already.

 

I believe he is but I'm not sure still pretty new here myself. Just email Len I believe it is info@xjbikes.com and ask for a price. He responds real quick. Also look into the stuff you need to tune the carbs too. I don't know your bike but I needed a YICS and a colourtune. The YICS is like 45- $50 and colourtune like $53.

 

Yes, mine has the YICS as well. I sent him an email regarding the YICS tool, colortune sparkplug, and the petcock rebuild kits. Hopefully I'll hear something back pretty quick as I'm anxious to be riding again lol. I'm off to bed for the night though, I've got a dentist appointment bright and early. Yippee!

Thanks for your help fellas, and ride safe.

 

Welcome aboard.

Just Pm Chacal with your info (VIN, problems) and he will make sure that you get the right parts and info to take care of your bike.

Deffinately go through the big three (Brakes & Tires, Fuel & Vales, Charging & Electrical) before doing any serious riding.

You have a rear disk brake system so there is no delamination issue for you. But make certain that the brake lines, and hoses are up to date. Any discoloration in the fluid. It will need to be replaced.

It sounds like you do have some carb issues. Get those petcocks taken care of ASAP. Try using seafoam in the tank to clean out any varnish buildup.

If you have been working on cars. It will be generally the same with the bike. Just a slightly different manner of going about it. You should have no problem.

Update your profile information with location, and bike info. It helps when trying to get questions answered when people know what bike it is, and you might have someone close by that can help, or ride with.

Feel free to ask any questions you might have. There are several experienced, and knowledgeable guys on the board that are more than willing to help.

Ghost

 

Len doesn't run the site. He is the supporting vender. His business is supplying parts for XJ bikes. Best supply and service.

 

Welcome!

Barring any major probs that 1100 should fly.

My '80 xs1100 was way fast (for it's time) and with all the info
on this site along with a bit of $ investment you'rs should do the same.

Follow the advice from the many here guru's and all will be well.

Also-I do all my own work from wrenching to painting. You will NOT find
a better source for parts then Len.
They will be RIGHT,and they will come FAST.

 

Alright fellas, quick update.

Did some tinkering today, the petcocks definitely have to be rebuilt, the left is much worse than the right, but I don't think the right one is working properly either. Though it doesn't drip when in the off position.

Pulled the plugs, and two and three were both in better shape than 1 and 4. Almost like they were brand new. I fired it up and let it run for a minute until it got hot, and again exhaust for cylinders 1 and 4 were super hot compared to 2 and 3. Pulled the plugs again, and they weren't wet. I'm starting to think maybe there's something else going on? I won't have time to mess with it anymore this week, my work schedule just got super hectic, but do you guys have any ideas as to what the problem could be? I was thinking maybe the coil since I noticed one coil operates cylinders 1 and 4, and the other operates 2 and 3, but I haven't had a chance to check voltage as my voltmeter isn't here at the moment.

I'll keep you guys posted on my progress, and please keep the advice/suggestions coming.

 

Also, if there's anyone nearby interested in beer and pizza in exchange for helping me check and probably shimming the valves, please send me a message. After closer inspection, and doing some reading on the carbs, I don't think they will be too big of a problem, but I'm not really sure about the valves and I would guess they're probably going to need done.

 

I would help but I'm far far away. Now I had some similar problems with my 550. One of my pilot jets was super clogged and I wasn't getting firing on that cylinder. I also had bad corrosion on my TCI connectors that caused starting and possibly firing issues. If it is 2 & 3 that don't seem to fire, and if it is the same as on my bike, it could be your ignition coil. On mine 1&4 is one coil and 2&3 is another. If its the same on yours pull the coil and read the ohms to see if it still good. Could just need new caps. Could need a new coil. I could be totally wrong.

 

Hey guys, had a few minutes to read last night after work and came across this thread http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... art=0.html
After looking at the pictures of the plugs, I kind of think maybe I'm having a similar problem. I'm still going to check resistance on the coils, and I printed out the TCI thread so I can check things there too. I also still think the carbs need some work, but after seeing the pictures of his plugs, and reading some of the comments, I'm starting to think maybe 1 and 4 are just running super rich and 2 and 3 are running ok? Not really sure, just throwing ideas out there. I'm supposed to be off work tomorrow after all (though I'm working saturday and sunday) so maybe I'll do some more investigating tomorrow.

 

well if 2&3 are just warm or cool and not HOT like 1&4 they probably aren't firing.

 

Ok, that was my original thought too, but I thought I would ask.

thanks for the quick response!

 

Now I'm not sure but I believe you have resistor caps on your spark plug wires. On mine I have 10k ohm ones. You may or may not. But you should check resistance on those. They go for about $3 at most cycle shops. I spent about $12 replacing all of mine. But if I was a betting man I would say you have a bad ignition coil. New they run like $125 new but used about 30-50. Check the resistance on the caps and coils. You may find the culprit real quick. If it isn't that check the TCI.