New Project-1984 Yamaha xj1100 Rebuild-All advice is Welcome

I have just picked up a 1984 xj1100. The engine was in pieces but the rest of the bike is in pretty good shape. What I want to do is boost performance but I don't want to spend large quantities of cash. So all you wise wizards of the wrench, teachers of torque, and preachers of horsepower feel free to help. What can I do while or prior to reassembly to help improve performance.

 

There are a lot of things you can do. That 1100 is going to perform pretty good stock. Have you ever ridden a bike that size? And if so... have you ever ridden a yamaha in-line 4 that size? Its one of the best rated for performance for its time, actually.
I've never owned one or even ridden one. Just read a lot and have ridden a few different bikes.
As far as performance mods... I heard everywhere the place to start is outside of the motor. The carbs and the exhaust. I was carb and exhausted everywhere by everyone.
Next were the cams. Bigger lift and longer duration with possible mods to the cylinder.
But honestly... unless you are just having fun and experamenting with something that won't matter either way... whether it gets botched or not... I think you should rebuild it to solid stock and see if you like it then.
Believe me... it'll feel a lot different than the 750.

 

Re: New Project-1984 Yamaha xj1100 Rebuild-All advice is Wel

I own a 1980 XS1100LG Midnight Special. These bikes perform just about at their top stock. The guys on the XS11.Com site have tried all kinds of things to improve performance. It all cost money, and for the little bit they gained, in my opinion it just is not worth the time and effort. For lots of expert advice on the 1100's, you should visit the site. Lots of good info there.

 

Re: New Project-1984 Yamaha xj1100 Rebuild-All advice is Wel

Na, I never rode anything larger than my xj750. I am buying a running xj1100 this week, something like 27,000 kms on it. It needs a carb rebuild but after that I will get a good feel for what these bikes are like (if I can get a dry road with a sunny day I might be able to give it a little run before spring). Its a 1983, it was one of those, if I get it for this much it is meant to be, then bobs your uncle I got it for that much.

The rebuild will happen over the next year or so. So this will give me some time to check on the performance on the running xj1100. I am still open to any advice while I decide what to do though.

 

Hordave!!!
I have an 83 xj 1100 and I tell you its a beast but like anything else you still want more power. But they do run at peak when stock and it takes much more money to gain little hp. Some guys put bigger carbs well thats what was said other then that I do not know but I say go stock and enjoy

 

Do you know why it's top end is removed? I hope that bottom end is ok and second gear still works. Enjoy the project.

 

Yes some 1100 have that 2nd gear problem. So far so good for mine.

 

Re: New Project-1984 Yamaha xj1100 Rebuild-All advice is Wel

Ya the guy removed the top end because the engine stopped working. It just died. His mechanical buddy and himself took the top end off to find out the problem (found a couple of busted rings he thinks - it was two years ago). Anyhow his mechanical buddy lost interest or moved or something and the guy was stuck with this bike apart.

So I bought it for $350, figured I couldn't go wrong. Worse case I use it for a parts bike for an 83 xj1100 i got my eye on.

dave...

 

Re: New Project-1984 Yamaha xj1100 Rebuild-All advice is Wel

Okay, so what is this second gear problem of which we speak?

 

Okay so I decided to go stock on the rebuild. So does anyone have a stock exhaust system for this puppy. I have a 4 to 1 that I could trade.

 

You still did not find that exhaust?

 

Re: New Project-1984 Yamaha xj1100 Rebuild-All advice is Wel

No, I am still lookin for the exhaust.

 

wait.... will a 750 fit on the 1100? I have a stock seca 750 exhaust That I want to trade for a 4-1...

 

The engagement dogs on the gears strip out if the owner has been slaming secong gear to make the wheel spin. They won't take much abuse. If ridden normally, it's not an issue.
I have seen XS models, XJ models, and V Max models do this.

 

Re: New Project-1984 Yamaha xj1100 Rebuild-All advice is Wel

I think that the 750 will fit ok. I got a not from Andreas awhile back about that, and he thought they would interchange.