My Semi Annual Super Post

[Guest]

Alright everyone. I don't pester yall too much, but i need some help today. I have quite a few questions, so please bear with me. I have searched around a lot, but I mostly found generalizations.

1. Electrical

My front brake switch is done for. (tried resoldering, cleaning, fixing...no luck)
Whats recommended for replacement? I am familiar with the brake fluid pressure switch, but if there is another option I would much prefer that.

My killswitch has been messed up and bypassed for awhile, but i really need to get it working again. I have seen several universal all in one 7/8 switch housing replacements and was wondering if anyone has any experience using these? I figure new electronics are better than old. Im also not looking to spend a fortune.

2. Fuel

The fuel inlet T that feeds all the carbs leaks. If memory serves me correctly there are four non removable o rings on the T. Is a replacement available?

3. Frame

I am quite a perfectionist. Therefore I always worry about things i cant see, such as the steering stem bearing, swingarm bearing and wheel bearings. Everything seems to be fine ( no lateral movement on steering stem or wheel bearings) but is there any sort of check or inspection interval that needs to be adhered to regarding these?

I noticed the side panel and battery strap rubber is dry rotting a little bit. Is there any product that preserves or reconditions rubber?

I read somewhere that in 83 the shafty 1100s switched to rubber motor mounts. I have an 82 and was wondering if a rubber mount upgrade was possible.

Any recommendations on after market mirrors that are better dampened? The ones i have are cheap plastic and need to be trashed asap.

Same with Grips, they are cheap and send vibrations straight up my arms. Any favorite replacements? I like fatter ones too.



I will probably think of more to add.. HA.

[Steve]

I'll just insert my comments in blue.

Alright everyone. I don't pester yall too much, but i need some help today. I have quite a few questions, so please bear with me. I have searched around a lot, but I mostly found generalizations.

1. Electrical

My front brake switch is done for. (tried resoldering, cleaning, fixing...no luck)
Whats recommended for replacement? I am familiar with the brake fluid pressure switch, but if there is another option I would much prefer that.
You can get a stock replacement for less than $20.


My killswitch has been messed up and bypassed for awhile, but i really need to get it working again. I have seen several universal all in one 7/8 switch housing replacements and was wondering if anyone has any experience using these? I figure new electronics are better than old. Im also not looking to spend a fortune.
Depending on your definition of "fortune", a new one is less than $60. Used ones are available on eBay, but you will take your chances on condition.


2. Fuel

The fuel inlet T that feeds all the carbs leaks. If memory serves me correctly there are four non removable o rings on the T. Is a replacement available?
A new one is about $20, but you can wrap a few layers of Teflon tape over the arms to stop the leak.


3. Frame

I am quite a perfectionist. Therefore I always worry about things i cant see, such as the steering stem bearing, swingarm bearing and wheel bearings. Everything seems to be fine ( no lateral movement on steering stem or wheel bearings) but is there any sort of check or inspection interval that needs to be adhered to regarding these?
Not sure about a set interval, but I check them every time I change the tires. I am already working on the frame, so I just chek it all.

I noticed the side panel and battery strap rubber is dry rotting a little bit. Is there any product that preserves or reconditions rubber?
Yes, such a product extists. It's called CASH. The battery strap is a whopping $2. The grommets to hold the side panels are about $1.50 each.


I read somewhere that in 83 the shafty 1100s switched to rubber motor mounts. I have an 82 and was wondering if a rubber mount upgrade was possible.
That's a new one on me. I have not known of any rubber mounts for GS bikes.


Any recommendations on after market mirrors that are better dampened? The ones i have are cheap plastic and need to be trashed asap.
New mirrors are $56 each, and aftermarket mirrors are a personal choice item. Find some that have a size and shape that you can live with.


Same with Grips, they are cheap and send vibrations straight up my arms. Any favorite replacements? I like fatter ones too.
I have not had to purchase any lately, so I will leave this one alone.


I will probably think of more to add.. HA

[psyguy]

you may find that asking many questions in one thread might get confusing and works better if theres only one question per thread

anyhow, the back rubber mounts are integral to the frame brackets so the upgrade is possible.
however, the front mounts seem to be inserts into the casing (by looking at them on my spare bike - i havent taken them out yet) so those could not be retrofited

[piester]

i have the front brake switch and killswitch from my 81 850g. both in working order. lemme know if you want them. ill get rid of them cheap

[chef1366]

I think I have a good fuel T

[49er]

Just had a look at my 2 1100G cases. The '83 is fitted with rubber shock mounts. They are recessed into the case mounts. I removed mine ready for a chem clean job.

You would need to machine your '82 mounts to accept the later model rubber shocks. Could be done, but how much vibration are you getting?

[psyguy]

They are recessed into the case mounts.

You would need to machine your '82 mounts to accept the later model rubber shocks.

so, the cases on 83 are not overall enlarged at where the mounting rod/bolt goes through but the same like 82 just drilled wider at the ends where the rubbers fit?

[lordcannon88]

Just had a look at my 2 1100G cases. The '83 is fitted with rubber shock mounts. They are recessed into the case mounts. I removed mine ready for a chem clean job.

You would need to machine your '82 mounts to accept the later model rubber shocks. Could be done, but how much vibration are you getting?

Well i dont figure the vibration is anything out of the ordinary, but after riding my dad's new ST1300 it really brings the vibrations to light...Hmm i think this upgrade will probably be a future project.

[Steve]

Well i dont figure the vibration is anything out of the ordinary, but after riding my dad's new ST1300 it really brings the vibrations to light...Hmm i think this upgrade will probably be a future project.

Hard to compare smoothness when you are talking about different engine designs.

I think about the only thing smoother than an ST1300 is a six-cylinder Wing. Now those I can compare, I have ridden both.

.

[49er]

so, the cases on 83 are not overall enlarged at where the mounting rod/bolt goes through but the same like 82 just drilled wider at the ends where the rubbers fit?

Psy, I've just checked again and yes you could machine the '82 cases to fit the rubber mounts. The casing bosses are the same diameter leaving ample support.

[psyguy]

cheers 49er

[lordcannon88]

Psy, I've just checked again and yes you could machine the '82 cases to fit the rubber mounts. The casing bosses are the same diameter leaving ample support.

This is good to know. I need to start logging this stuff. haha. basically what i'm aiming to do is modernize and make my 1100 as modern and good a handling and feeling as possible. I simply do not like the look of modern bikes. UJMs IMO are what a motorcycle should look like. No hunched over forward riding angles, but at the same time no clamshell forward control business. Just simple straight up riding with a real motor under me. No VTwin business either.