Speed Devil

Ever since I bought the bike (2nd hand with 984km on the clock) it has been very "snatchy" when opening the throttle in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear with the clutch fully engaged. My chain tension is set correctly, actually slightly tighter than recommended in the manual. Also when lane splitting in 1st and 2nd gear the bike seems to have a "hunting effect". This mainly happens when the bike gets up to speed and I have have to maintain a constant speed, usually between 2000-3500rpm, where not much throttle is needed to maintain speed. I suspect that there might be too much play in the gearbox. I know that there should be some play, but compared to other bikes I have ridden none of them have been this bad. Also when releasing the clutch, it seems to start engaging, and when release all the way it feels as if the clutch "jumps out" all the way. I also have a shudder when releasing the clutch. If anyone owns or has owned a TDM900 and can shed some light on these issues I would be very greatful.

Ok, so I now know that the XS Eleven that i am after is a 1980 model. It has some cosmetic damage, but nothing that can't be fixed or replaced. My biggest headache is that the bike was last licensed in 1986 and there are no papers. So I will have plenty of work to get the bike into my name which is going to cost between $375 and $750. It will probably also take a few months to get the process completed with the state of our authorities here. I don't mind spending the bucks on the licensing, as I can get the bike for $250. So it will still be a bit of a bargain. Another option I have is to buy up a Midnight Specail, which is licensed, but the the head will need new valves and a new crank (according to the advert). I was then thinking of stripping down the motor of the unlicensed bike and using the spares to rebuild the midnight special's motor. Unfortunately the guy lives about 700km from me so I'm not really keen to go all the way down and see that the motor is completely stuffed and cannot be salvaged. I have no history on the bike so don't know what caused all the damage. What does concern me is that the ad said it will need a new crank. I do not know if there will be any damage to the sub assembly (block) itself, apecailly where the bearings will have to go back. There might even be problems with the bore and maybe damage to the pistons if the valves hit the piston heads. Questions: 1) Are the motors from the Mdinight special and XS Eleven the same or were there mods between the different models? 2) If the motors are identical, what do you think the chances are of the sub assemly being totally stuffed? My main concern is the sub assembly, as that is where the engine no. is usually stamped and i will have to reuse it. All other parts I can build over from the XS eleven. I will also be posting on a site dedicated to XS 1100's, but just mabyb there is someone here who can also give some advice. Thanks in advance

Thanks guys for the help. According to this site http://www.biker.net/81_xs1100h_parts/1100_models2_index.html it is a NEw Zealand version. Looking at the serial no. the bike was no. 188 off the production line. LOL @Airhead Would you suggest I keep the bars and just turn them around for the "cafe look" or rather put "standard bars" on? I think those bars should look nice once the bike is restored.

Hi guys I am interested in buying an XS11 as a project bike. Unfortunately the bike is not licensed and the current owner does not know what model it is or the year of manufacture. I have tried to do a few Google searches, but none of the models I have seen look the same as the one in the pics. What stumps me is the seat and handlebars. If someone could please identify what model this XS is and the year I would really appreciate it. The VIN no. is 3X1-000288

Hello everyone. I'm Speed Devil. I'm from Pretoria in sunny South Africa, where we never have snow and can ride all year round. I am a Think Bike member and am on the South African Think Bike forum. One of my biggest passions is safety awareness and informing people about ATGATT and the benefits of it. I am also a marshal with THink Bike and take part in marshalling activities at events like cycle races, charity events, funeral processions and any event that an organiser would require marshals to help escort/control. My current ride is a 2008 Yamaha TDM900. I am in the process of twisting SWAMBO's arm to buy a Yamaha XS1100 as a project bike and hopefully restore it to original spec. So if there is anyone that can help with some info, tips, etc it will be very welcome. Hoping to have a great time here