It has been almost one year since I was lucky enough to purchase my XS1100. Some may remember that since this is my first motorbike (unless you count the scooter) the plan was to clean it up get it back on the road and ride it around for a while before I decided on a direction. It was obvious to me from the start that the XS11 has a style that does not take kindly to messing with too much. I think it has a lot to do with the period alloy wheels, there is no hiding what year these bikes where made.
But I have always been into customising so it is good to know this one is a bitser and just asking for me to mess with it.
Although I lost a lot on the rally out to Bourke, I also gained a lot. I met a bunch of great people and came out with a plan of where I want to go with the bike.
I don't like the idea of stopping for fuel every 50km just in case the next town does not have fuel so the longer range tank is a must, maybe even a custom longer range tank. I want a custom style but I want a seat with LOTS of padding for long adventures on the bike, I also want to be able to take the bike wherever I want without fear of getting the bike dirty or even damage.
I love leaning back into the seat as I accelerate out of corners around town but I also like to crouch into tight corners at higher speeds.
Although all show and no go is not me style the XS1100 was built very well and the engine has plenty of go for me at the moment so apart from getting it to run sweet and replace whatever breaks with better stuff I can leave engine upgrades to last.
It is kinda ironic then that the start to this is with the original tank and seat for my model supplied by Eddy. I love it
The exhaust repair done at the local welding shop in burke is still holding ( I had serious shed envy that day) but the exhaust is shot, so going with the replace with better plan, I am thinking Mad Bills XJR exhaust mod is just the ticket. I have been very surprised that I have not found 1 original XJR exhaust looking over the last month or so? I also tried several wreckers with no luck. Next I will see if Yamaha still have new stock for sale as Bill used?
I have some cheap but hopefully not too cheap looking after market indicators and rear view mirrors on the way from Japan. After our chat Eddie chased down some "E" model handle bars for me from Bryan so I should see them in a few of weeks. Thanks Guys!
Eddie also gave me an old rear fender so I can have a go at custom guard work.
I have another set of Mal's brackets to fit the blue spot calipers although I need to work out how I am paying for them and it hurts to buy the calipers + accessories for the second time as the budget is still shot. I might sell the Scooter to give the project a kick start but the Misses reckons that is going to the Credit Card LMAO.
I will have to start with the things that only cost my labour to start with.
