Probably should know, but don't

[Eveready1100]

Hi Dahcar,
      Here's a link to a previous discussion about tensioner mods on the site - CLICK HERE
From your pic, I'd say the easiest fix would be just to clean the outside of the body and plug with thinners and give it a smear with some silastic. The harder way would be to remove and clean the tensioner, pop out the plug, clean the plug seat out and smear with silastic, then refit the plug. Should work a treat as there's no pressure forcing the oil out. Just gravity.

[dahcar]

here is a picture of the brass insert on my cam chain tensioner.
Also wanted to see if this photo thing works.

Changed middle & final drive oil today. Broke an allen key attempting to undo the middle drive oil refill. As I had already drained the oil, things were looking bleak as how to refill it, as I could not undo the filler cap. Thoughts of turning the bike upside down, to refill were becoming serious. Finally success, & all was well. Had to buy a new 6mm allen key with 3/8 drive.

[petejw1966]

hi dahcar,
that hole in the bottom of the box is to allow
moisture/fuel/oil to run out if need be, (tho nothing should run out of there)
air being sucked up there wont hurt as it will be filtered
thru the air filter, theres no need to block it off.

jat  blocking that hole off shouldnt have caused any difference in performance
wouldnt hurt to check the snorkal from the air box for blockages, also a mod that
some do is drill a few holes in the bottom of the box to allow more air in,

these bikes when running properly should run smoothly
all the way to red line, maybe something else other than the
exhaust is causing ur vibration. give it a good tune and see
how it goes.

[dahcar]

Hi, be good to catch up with people who know these bikes.
I did not pull the tensioner apart, but I imagine the O ring has seen better days.
I dont know how much vibration these have at different RPM, I still think it is mainly the exhaust having no clearance from the frame.

Checked the airfilter (need a new one), but noticed a square hole in the bottom of the air box, allowing unfiltered air to the carbs. There should be something attached to it? Temporarily I taped it up, although performance seems to have suffered abit.

Hope to do a meet & greet soon

[bluedayt]

Hi Dahcar,

With the cam tensioner, check the O ring on the bolt on the side of the tensioner (that bolt holds the spring loaded tensioner in place) It's under the lock nut but you have to completely remove the bolt to get at it properly. It's probably gone hard and will be the cuplrit if you haven't replaced it yet.

I live in Chesea Heights, not far from Mornington so could easily pop over for a chat and squiz of the new addition to the family. Brian & Fred are guru's on these bikes but I've done my share of tinkering to get mine on the road.

If you haven't balanced the carbs yet give that a go before doing much more searching for the vibration. I've got a carb-tune kit which is piss easy to use

[dahcar]

Sorry don't know how to put pictures on the site.

It is a normal cam chain adjuster, but I presume a past owner has turned some brass to replace the rubber plug. As I have no rubber plug. I had pulled it off the bike & cleaned it.

[Eveready1100]

"Brass cam chain adjuster" ?
Please explain, or better a photo to show it

[dahcar]

Bike fired up this morning, went for a ride, but it was missing at low revs at times, so will take tank off & look at electrical things.
Vibration is much better, silly me knocked the exhaust on something in my driveway. The specified clearance of less than a bees dick was compromised, with the frame. I have gently levered the exhaust off the frame.
Still have oil leak from brass cam chain adjuster.

[petejw1966]

or if u join the us site,  xs11.com
member catatonicbug i think thats how he spells it
has the manuals to download in his signature for free.


heres a link to 1 of his posts.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27014&page=2

[Fred]

Welcome aboard Dennis,

these guys all give good advice and a meet up for a quick lookover and some bullshit and beers should never be knocked back.

Back to a basic on vibes mate is the engine mounts.
Are the rubbers in fair nick?
Loose bolts and overtightened bolts will both give these symptoms but to get the correct torque you need the references don't you.

We can all give you this info if need be but worth it's wieght in gold is a workshop manual.
You can get these on ebay for around $15 used or $30 new.

Looking forward to a meetup on our next "Victorian Rally".

[petejw1966]

hi dennis,

the engine vibration as brian said could be out of ballanced carbs,
also a rich mixture can cause the engine to vibrate,
a good tune up for starters wouldnt hurt, new plugs and a clean
air filter.
is the vibration under acceleration or at cruise?
under acceleration could be uneven float settings,
at cruise could be mixture screws or carb sync.
something to look at for starters.

bty  welcome to the forum.

[dahcar]

Thanks for the input, the checklist is most impressive, will work through it. Be very happy to meet up & see other XS's. Dennis

[melbxs]

I d settle for a few hi resolution pics and link to a vid ...........never can get enough of seeing other xs1100 s........(and about those vac guages brian........) is one thing i gotta  wanna havta do............

I don't use guages. I found a very cheap alternative and having used it this week on horribly unbalanced (rebuilt) carbs I have found that it works perfectly.

I bought it for peanuts on EBay, but I can't find any now.

It's made out of 4mm fuel line and has 2 small ball bearing inside. It balances the carbs perfectly and you could roll it up and take it anywhere with you.

I'll take some pics and a video.

[excess.11]

I d settle for a few hi resolution pics and link to a vid ...........never can get enough of seeing other xs1100 s........(and about those vac guages brian........) is one thing i gotta  wanna havta do............

[melbxs]

You'll notice me and Jeff are looking for any excuse to get a look at your bike. 


Meant to say also, once your battery gets to a certain low state of charge the XS simply will never start. Often there will be enough power to turn the engine over, but not enough to excite the ignition. Battery strength and condition is very important on these bikes.