My roomie bought a Midnight Special. I rode it once and was impressed with the power. Im 6'5", and don't really fit on a "custom" style bike, but my roomie loved his.
Right on! They're smooth & powerful. Changing from the awful pull-back stock handlebar transformed the comfort and control. A must for taller riders. Cheers!
Thanks for the shout out Jon. It's always great to meet people who are of like mind when it comes to these classic/vintage bikes. It's also always great to be able to help out a fellow enthusiast such as yourself, and I'm glad we were able to get your bike back up to snuff.
We ran into the pickup coil wire breakage a lot back in the early 1980s. The factory finally fixed the problem for 1982 on the XJ1100 model by eliminating the vacuum advance mechanism and substituting fixed pickups and a vacuum sensor instead to signal the TCI unit when to adjust timing.The XS11s were a great bike that would pull forever.
The most amazing thing about that pickup coil breakage deal was that I found the directions to fix it online, fixed it, and it worked until the bike was stolen 5 years later. In case you missed it the amazing thing is that I fixed it and it worked. I can't think of another thing that's in that category.
@@jazzrat2000 Did you also find the how to fix it from popping out of 2nd gear without taking the engine out of the frame? That was the other good XS11 fix.
@guylr7390 I'm not aware of that fix. Is there a video or article that covers it? This one doesn't pop out of gear, but it is a common problem. Cheers!
I have a 1979 Honda cb750 Anniversary Edition that sat for a long time and every time I think I have it sorted it develops something else, if you have access to folks that know how to diagnose issues on an old motorcycle you are truly blessed, if not it can be a frustrating head scratching endeavor
Hey Andrew I have a1979 cb750k I've been through it from one end to the other if you ever have a question just hollar just remember we gotta save em all
@@stevemiller821 will do Steve thank you, I’ve rebuilt the carbs now seems to run rich, hate taking them off a third time but I feels like a fuel issue.
Hi Jon, I owned a 1979 XS1100 Special. It was my brother-in-law's bike, which he bought new. Just wish it was the XS1100 standard. Not sure if you agree with me, but this bike (along with my 1980 CB650) suffered from an awkward rider triangle, which I was able to somewhat fix with a set of flatter bars. Looks like you may have swapped bars on yours as well. And my Yamaha experienced the exact same failure under my brother-in-law's ownership. Glad you held on to yours!
Seems everyone swaps bars on these (XS11 Specials). Don't know 'when' mine were swapped but I do like the riding position now for city work. Perhaps the foot peg placement is a bit high for longer rides, but I have a set of crash bars to put on that can provide a second foot placement if I need a stretch out. *of course I'll let Jon's channel know when I do.
@@jasonfisher4860 100% I put CB750 bars on my CB650 and it is now rideable. But the seat to footpeg position is still too close and the pegs too far forward. But makes for a comfortable ride up to maybe 55mph.
@@rolandwheeler4842 Right on! The lower bars made a drastic difference in the comfort of the bike. The broken pickup wires were a somewhat common issue. Cheers!
Glad you got it sorted. 👍 I have four bikes and I keep a stabilizer in the fuel all summer and winter. When I go for a ride I take the required amount of stabilizer in a small bottle so when, after the ride when I top off the tank before I bring it home, I dump it in the tank at the gas station. By the time I get home it has run through the carbs. It’s my system. I’ve never had a problem with carburetor running issues.
Good morning Jon ☕️. I'm always excited to see your XS1100 Special! As I've mentioned, it was my first streetbike purchased in 1988 at 21yrs old, after returning stateside and stationed in Colorado Springs. My rides through the Rockies out to Cripple Creek were epic! This bike really pulls at my heart strings and makes my eyes water. To me, its an absolutely stunning machine! This video reaffirms your advice that you gave me about the benefits of developing contacts and relationships with other local people that have experience with classic bikes, if I chose to own one. I wonder what the outcome would be if you rode to the nearest Yamaha dealer and said "its not running right?" Eric in NC
Right on! It really depends on the dealership. I also try to maintain good relationships with all the local dealers. I have two great Kawasaki dealers locally and a great Suzuki dealership as well. Honda doesn't seem to want to touch the older bikes. Cheers!
Ohh I like Rob's 1100!😊. I have my guy Jay that's my carb, etc. guru. Just replaced coils, wires and plugs plus went back over carbs ( jetting/sync ) on my 82 1100 G. Huge difference on the start/warm up plus more peppy. Good to have friends with knowledge and bike lifts!😅
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 By the way Jon I went with the Dynojet kit ( they DON'T increase pilots) really working terrific. Bike is spot on and cold start/long warm up blues cured. Sold my ES 😪 but just so fond of the old G have basically done everything that you have on yours except I left bars alone and put a Fly screen on instead of fairing. If I ever paint probably will do quarter fairing but my paint is still nice for original. Really enjoy your videos and you kinda kicked me in the butt to go over this one during the last winter breathe some new life ( spark/fuel ) into it! Thanks Jon. Once again wish I had you for a neighbor!
Hey Jon, my old '81 had a problem with that same thing, when I would go a long distance. What it was , was that the COILS,,,,,,(40 yr old coils), yes , they get hot and I lost a cylinder.... so I just replaced them and now , no more problems. No more stock ones, now ACCEL'S.
Yep. A failing coil acts exactly the same way - that's why I knew it was the coil or the pickup wires. When we tested the wires, there was no continuity, so we (Rob) replaced the broken section. Cheers!
I had a wonderful 1979 XS 1100 that was stolen :O... I had an issue with the points and the coil wire that connected them coming loose, I fixed it like it said to and it worked forever but it looked like it was ready to give up at any time. Never did have the second gear problem that everyone seems to have with that bike. I rode a long way on that bike, all the way from South Florida up to TN at least once and Alabama several times. I also had a premiere 1979 XS750 triple, 18K miles, that was stolen. Now I'm too old and too unstable to ride bikes so it's for the best, I guess.
Loving the country two-lane road(s) you ride on. (^_^) Reminds me of when I lived on San Juan Island, WA and drove my 79 XS11 Special round the perimeter of the island anytime/everytime I wanted. No stoplights on the entire island. \(^_^)/ Left the island in 2010 WITH the Special and I still own/ride it here in the Tucson desert.
It might make a bit more torque in the mid-range, but they're close. It's interesting that both bikes are slightly quicker in that test than the much more modern Z900RS I recently tested. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 , I think you could make the same argument for Carbs, since many people install bigger jets in old carbs to cure lean running conditions , especially at idle. Big Brother/ EPA at its finest :)
My roomie bought a Midnight Special. I rode it once and was impressed with the power. Im 6'5", and don't really fit on a "custom" style bike, but my roomie loved his.
Right on! They're smooth & powerful. Changing from the awful pull-back stock handlebar transformed the comfort and control. A must for taller riders. Cheers!
Thanks for the shout out Jon. It's always great to meet people who are of like mind when it comes to these classic/vintage bikes. It's also always great to be able to help out a fellow enthusiast such as yourself, and I'm glad we were able to get your bike back up to snuff.
@RobsRidesPA Right on! And thanks again for the help. Cheers!
We ran into the pickup coil wire breakage a lot back in the early 1980s. The factory finally fixed the problem for 1982 on the XJ1100 model by eliminating the vacuum advance mechanism and substituting fixed pickups and a vacuum sensor instead to signal the TCI unit when to adjust timing.The XS11s were a great bike that would pull forever.
@@guylr7390 Right on!
The most amazing thing about that pickup coil breakage deal was that I found the directions to fix it online, fixed it, and it worked until the bike was stolen 5 years later. In case you missed it the amazing thing is that I fixed it and it worked. I can't think of another thing that's in that category.
@@jazzrat2000 Did you also find the how to fix it from popping out of 2nd gear without taking the engine out of the frame? That was the other good XS11 fix.
@jazzrat2000 Right on!
@guylr7390 I'm not aware of that fix. Is there a video or article that covers it? This one doesn't pop out of gear, but it is a common problem. Cheers!
I have a 1979 Honda cb750 Anniversary Edition that sat for a long time and every time I think I have it sorted it develops something else, if you have access to folks that know how to diagnose issues on an old motorcycle you are truly blessed, if not it can be a frustrating head scratching endeavor
Hey Andrew I have a1979 cb750k I've been through it from one end to the other if you ever have a question just hollar just remember we gotta save em all
@@stevemiller821 will do Steve thank you, I’ve rebuilt the carbs now seems to run rich, hate taking them off a third time but I feels like a fuel issue.
@AndrewTheCelt Amen! I've had plenty of head scratching moments! But I couldn't do what I do without the support of my friends. Cheers!
Hey jon thanks again for what you're doing i went 2 sizes up on my jets as you suggested totally different machine couldn't be happier thanks again
@@stevemiller821 Awesome! I'm glad it helped. Cheers!
Really nice looking g bike. Good to see that your friend Rob was able to help sort the problem out. Enjoyed the video, Jon and RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
Thanks Henry!
Hi Jon, I owned a 1979 XS1100 Special. It was my brother-in-law's bike, which he bought new. Just wish it was the XS1100 standard. Not sure if you agree with me, but this bike (along with my 1980 CB650) suffered from an awkward rider triangle, which I was able to somewhat fix with a set of flatter bars. Looks like you may have swapped bars on yours as well. And my Yamaha experienced the exact same failure under my brother-in-law's ownership. Glad you held on to yours!
Seems everyone swaps bars on these (XS11 Specials). Don't know 'when' mine were swapped but I do like the riding position now for city work.
Perhaps the foot peg placement is a bit high for longer rides, but I have a set of crash bars to put on that can provide a second foot placement if I need a stretch out. *of course I'll let Jon's channel know when I do.
@@jasonfisher4860 100% I put CB750 bars on my CB650 and it is now rideable. But the seat to footpeg position is still too close and the pegs too far forward. But makes for a comfortable ride up to maybe 55mph.
@@rolandwheeler4842 Right on! The lower bars made a drastic difference in the comfort of the bike. The broken pickup wires were a somewhat common issue. Cheers!
Glad you got it sorted. 👍 I have four bikes and I keep a stabilizer in the fuel all summer and winter. When I go for a ride I take the required amount of stabilizer in a small bottle so when, after the ride when I top off the tank before I bring it home, I dump it in the tank at the gas station. By the time I get home it has run through the carbs. It’s my system. I’ve never had a problem with carburetor running issues.
@@blipco5 Right on! Thanks for the tip. Cheers!
Thank you Jon as always great info I just learned something more about the XS1100 just in case . There is nothing better than Old School.
Right on!
Good morning Jon ☕️. I'm always excited to see your XS1100 Special! As I've mentioned, it was my first streetbike purchased in 1988 at 21yrs old, after returning stateside and stationed in Colorado Springs. My rides through the Rockies out to Cripple Creek were epic! This bike really pulls at my heart strings and makes my eyes water. To me, its an absolutely stunning machine!
This video reaffirms your advice that you gave me about the benefits of developing contacts and relationships with other local people that have experience with classic bikes, if I chose to own one.
I wonder what the outcome would be if you rode to the nearest Yamaha dealer and said "its not running right?"
Eric in NC
Right on! It really depends on the dealership. I also try to maintain good relationships with all the local dealers. I have two great Kawasaki dealers locally and a great Suzuki dealership as well. Honda doesn't seem to want to touch the older bikes. Cheers!
you definately have a nice collection of classic hot rod bikes.am happy for you jon.keep up the great work.we appreciate it bud.
@@timkis64 Thanks for the kind feedback!
I love my 1981 GS1100E, but that is one nice-looking bike.
@@JohnDoesGarage Thanks!
Ohh I like Rob's 1100!😊. I have my guy Jay that's my carb, etc. guru. Just replaced coils, wires and plugs plus went back over carbs ( jetting/sync ) on my 82 1100 G. Huge difference on the start/warm up plus more peppy. Good to have friends with knowledge and bike lifts!😅
@@rogermcadams8806 Right on, Roger!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 By the way Jon I went with the Dynojet kit ( they DON'T increase pilots) really working terrific. Bike is spot on and cold start/long warm up blues cured. Sold my ES 😪 but just so fond of the old G have basically done everything that you have on yours except I left bars alone and put a Fly screen on instead of fairing. If I ever paint probably will do quarter fairing but my paint is still nice for original. Really enjoy your videos and you kinda kicked me in the butt to go over this one during the last winter breathe some new life ( spark/fuel ) into it! Thanks Jon. Once again wish I had you for a neighbor!
@@rogermcadams8806 Right on! You're welcome, Roger!
Hey Jon, my old '81 had a problem with that same thing, when I would go a long distance. What it was , was that the COILS,,,,,,(40 yr old coils), yes , they get hot and I lost a cylinder.... so I just replaced them and now , no more problems. No more stock ones, now ACCEL'S.
Yep. A failing coil acts exactly the same way - that's why I knew it was the coil or the pickup wires. When we tested the wires, there was no continuity, so we (Rob) replaced the broken section. Cheers!
❤❤❤❤❤
great vid Jon .. thx for sharing
@@BiGDeE3 You're welcome!
Had one my electronic module went out I used two 1971 Chevy V8 modules bike run great 8000 rpms but them in module box😊
@@larrylong4407 Right on!
Do those pick-up wire flex a bit with the vacuum advance?
@@wdhewson Yes, they do. The ones on the upper pickup flex much more and are more prone to internal breakage. Cheers!
I had a wonderful 1979 XS 1100 that was stolen :O... I had an issue with the points and the coil wire that connected them coming loose, I fixed it like it said to and it worked forever but it looked like it was ready to give up at any time. Never did have the second gear problem that everyone seems to have with that bike. I rode a long way on that bike, all the way from South Florida up to TN at least once and Alabama several times. I also had a premiere 1979 XS750 triple, 18K miles, that was stolen. Now I'm too old and too unstable to ride bikes so it's for the best, I guess.
@@jazzrat2000 It's a shame that both bikes were stolen!
Loving the country two-lane road(s) you ride on. (^_^)
Reminds me of when I lived on San Juan Island, WA and drove my 79 XS11 Special round the perimeter of the island anytime/everytime I wanted. No stoplights on the entire island.
\(^_^)/
Left the island in 2010 WITH the Special and I still own/ride it here in the Tucson desert.
@@hwugh1 So cool 😎! Thanks for sharing the memories. Cheers!
Does the XS have more torque than the GS due to being a 2 valve engine, in regards to the 40-80 mph test ?
It might make a bit more torque in the mid-range, but they're close. It's interesting that both bikes are slightly quicker in that test than the much more modern Z900RS I recently tested. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 , i have seen a lot of V-8 engine dyno tests where Carbs made more power than fuel injection.
@flexjay87 From the factory, FI is optimized for emissions, not for top performance. It makes direct comparison more difficult.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 , I think you could make the same argument for Carbs, since many people install bigger jets in old carbs to cure lean running conditions , especially at idle. Big Brother/ EPA at its finest :)
@@flexjay87 Right on!