Phil's Bike

[melbxs]

Great thread. Enjoying watching the progress.

Setting a whole new standard I think Phil. 

[Exs1.1]

Thanks for the link XSokie, the way it's explained on that page makes it look very simple and certainly worth the effort. Consider your advice "taken" as I wouldn't want 2nd to fail soon after the restoration was completed. And seeing as how the engine is out of the frame already, I would be crazy not to do the mod when I have unlimited access.

[XSokieSPECIAL]

Exs1.1,

 Even if the gear looks good I suggest doing the washer swap http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23758&highlight=gear+washer+swap  just as a security measure. IMHO

[Exs1.1]

Hi all, today was the beginning of major surgery on the heart of this beast. Thankfully no huge surprises were revealed once the head was removed, apart from number 3 piston showing signs of little or no evidence of combustion (top of piston washed clean by UN-burnt fuel)  Was told by the guy (Sam) who is doing the work, that this is common with a motor that has leaking issues from around the valve seat, so we got to work on the head and within 1/2hr all valves were removed and cleaned on a wire wheel. We decided to cover the pistons and barrels with shrink wrap to avoid any foreign objects entering the engine. Next Then it was simply a matter of carefully extracting the buckets and shims using a custom built valve spring compressor, and with the magic of a very fancy tool that oscillates while carefully grinding away at the seat, the whole job was done within the hour.
All it needs now is to have the stems shaved so the correct clearance can be achieved and she will be ready to rock and roll (well not just yet as I am considering taking a peak inside the gearbox to see how second gear looks) That is something that I haven't discussed yet with the mechanic but I have no doubt that once I explain the issue he would probably suggest that an inspection is certainly warranted. It will be next weekend before any more can be done as our work schedules are quite demanding and Sam also works night-shift. I still have more than enough small jobs waiting to be completed before the engine will be ready to be transplanted,

[Exs1.1]

hey phil,
its coming along nicely,
hows the head work coming along?

G'Day Pete, yeah the head work hasn't started yet as the guy from work has had other projects to complete before getting to my issues, I spoke to him last Friday and he thinks that we may be able to start on the engine later this week. I thought I would wait and see what the problem is with the exhaust valve before I hassled you for one  So fingers crossed it should all start coming together real soon, I am reluctant to put any more parts onto the frame just yet as I would rather we have plenty of room to swing the motor back in. I am trying to be very patient but I must admit, it's killing me 

[Exs1.1]

Thanks guy's, it is certainly a labour of love that's for sure. As I keep coming back to the XS1100 (this will be number 5) I do intend on keeping this one, not sure the wife believes me though  I have sold the ones in the past for various reasons, ranging from financing other projects, to simple greed and wanting something new and flash, but I think I am at the age now where I can really appreciate the awesome riding experience that these magnificent machines have to offer. I am so looking forward to roaming the streets on this almighty beast, and it will definatly have a 2011 rego label on it 

[petejw1966]

hey phil,
its coming along nicely,
hows the head work coming along?

[Carsten]

Definently setting the bench mark.  Looking good

[AussiXS11G]

nice attention to detail Exs.....

[Exs1.1]

Next was the brake Discs, the ones on the bike were very worn and grooved so I purchased 3 not so worn discs from a fellow in Castle Hill who was selling bits from his wrecked 79 XS. Two discs were standard and one disc was slotted (Gold trim from a RH) but all 3 were in need of a tidy up. I purchased a few cans of 3M Caliper Paint and proceeded to prepare the discs for painting (removed all traces of  OEM paint that was left on the disc fingers) Then I applied 4 coats of Caliper Paint to each disc (24 hrs between coats) The instructions on the can was to cure the paint at a temperature of 200deg centigrade (usually achieved by normal brake usage) but as I was using this paint on the discs and the bike is still in pieces, the curing procedure couldn't happen in the usual way. Instead I used our hooded BBQ as a kiln, just removed the hotplates (so no fat residue  could foul the surface of the disc) and placed a flat clean sheet of steel over the burners to dissipate the heat evenly. I had the disc supported on 2 small pieces of colourbond fencing C channel placed so no painted surface was resting on anything, the cooking process took around 1/2 hour for the temp to reach 200deg (it helps to have a temp gauge in the hood) I then let it cool naturally and the end result is extremely robust paint that can withstand all types of treatment that would have normal uncured paint showing scratches and scars (Paint thinners didn't even come close to making any sort of impact) So the only way to remove the overspray was to use wet and dry sandpaper carefully around the edges, I am hoping that what is left in the tiny grooves on the braking surface will vanish once the bike is up and running and the brakes are used normally.
The 3 pics below are of the different stages of the process. Once the temp reaches 200deg the gloss paint turns into a molten substance that fills in any blemishes and dries to a rock solid matt finish

[Christian Raith]

Sorry blokes, I got a message from the server that there were too many attachments and it was getting to a dangerously full level so as Bryan has already said we have to start using photobucket or imageshack or the likes for posting pictures etc.

[Exs1.1]

And a couple more 

[attachment deleted by admin]

Not sure whats going on here 

I am not too bright when it comes to a hosting site AussiXS11G, don't really know what you mean. But I posted those pictures in the same way I have posted all the pics on this site, I just use the generic "Browse" button that is hidden behind the "additional Options" button that is in the left hand corner just below this window.

[Exs1.1]

Hey melbxs that's a relief (not good for us who have postered pics though) as now I know I haven't infringed on any rules. Let's hope all our pics return eh

[melbxs]

I don't think Admin would do that. Must be some non-admin reason for them disappearing.

We all want to know where we get things done and where we buy stuff, so I can't imagine theres any kind of problem.

EDIT - looks like all picture attachments have gone astray across the whole site. Some setting must have changed or something. If we're patient they'll probably reappear.

[Exs1.1]

Now who could ignore a couple of pics of the rear end as well  The shocks are NEW from "TECSHOX" in Queensland, they were on eBay and I picked them up for $75 as I was the only bidder. I will include their write up that was included in the auction, just in case anyone else is interested in purchasing a set. I do hope I won't infringe on any rules that may exist regarding promoting a business on this site, but I have no affiliation with them and am only letting you guys know of a great product.




Great quality replacement shocks for your classic. These shocks are offered after expansion of well respected UK Ebay source, we have an exclusive contract with a large OE quality shock maker who supplies to several large motorcycle makers, with no wholesalers or dealers taking a cut and passing savings on to you. The shocks are made to our spec and are not available from anybody else. These shocks have been selling in UK for 2 years and now available in Australia.

 
For sale no reserve auction, new and unused pair of top quality chrome OE style shocks with chrome progressive wound triple rate springs,5 way adjustable, 325mm between centres, in perfect condition.


You will not be disappointed. If not totally happy return unused within 7 days for full refund.