X-11 Cam Chain Tensioner - install photos

[Warchild]

My Blackbird's engine, at ~60,000 miles, has been sounding like a "bag-o-marbles" for quite some time now. We had a Group Buy for the X-11 Cam Chain Tensioner (a much improved design, we are told) almost two years ago, but I never got around to installing it. Finally did so today, and the engine is silent as a tomb compared to what it was rattling like before!

This took all of 10 minutes to do, and over half of that was removing/reinstalling the right-side cowling.

For those that haven't replaced their's yet, here's a brief summary:
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Here is the X-11 Chain Chain Tension kit, comprise of the CCT itself, and the CCT gasket, which is p/n 14523-MAL-A00 on the left (gasket hidden behind cardboard packaging):

The CCT is located on the outboard right-side of the engine, slightly covered by the rear of the upper radiatior hose and coolant return line. It's held in place by two 5mm socket head bolts. Once these two bolts are removed, the old CCT lifts straight out. Here is the resultant opening, with traces of the old green gasket that I need to clean off:

Here's is the nice clean, shiny-black X-11 CCT that replaces the oem silver CCT. The X-11 CCT comes "pre-wound", with the windings held in place by a small steel "key" that you can just see inserted at the top of the CCT:

The old silver factory CCT had an 8mm bolt installed at the very top of the CCT, though I'm not sure it it had any real function other that to keep dirt/debris away from the opening. The X-11 CCT did not come with this bolt, but just in case it does serve a purpose, I decided to move it over to the X-11 version. Note small steel "key" that I just removed from the new CCT, allowing the Tensioner's "plunger" to descend as designed:

Ready to rock! CCT installed, bolts torqued, 8mm end cap in place.

Next on the hit parade for my 'Bird is some invasive surgery in the form of a smoked stator removal followed by installing a new Electrex stator that arrived earlier this week. Yeah, I'm looking forward to that treat...

 

[reefer]

better than a haynes manual:bow:

 

[Jaws]

Cheers for the WC .. Top man !:bow:
There is another option available since you guys bought the X11 CCT's that has a different foot and spring assembly but Honda UK sem to know nothing of it and deny its existence even !!
I import them direct and those that have had them will testify to the nature of them

 

[Steptoe]

Jaw's

My Blackbird is due a service within the next 3 months, at 37000 miles, I am tempted to fit this X-11 tensioner just for the peace of mind.

Do you stock them? How much are they? how much would you charge to fit while doing a service?

So many questions for a Monday morning!!

 

[ianrobbo1]

ME,!!! I'VE GOT ONE, !!!

:bow: bought mine off the ''old boy'' fitted it myself, piece of piss to fit, as the fantastic pictures show, longest bit were ''T'' bodywork, an untrained chimp could do the actual change over inside ten Min's, thats with a tea break, :bow: it really IS that easy,
I've had no problems with mine since,

if you've a ''noisy'' cct, for what it cost, and ten Min's sort it, :dunno:

if in ANY doubt about the above just ask ''the old fella'' and he will put you straight,:bow:

 

[Warchild]

I import them direct and those that have had them will testify to the nature of them

Completely excellent, mate! I've posted this thread in a couple of Sport-Touring forums, and the X-11 CCT has gotten a lot of notice in response. But if you've got a yet even better version, then that's obviously the ticket to have!

I'll be directing me mates over to your site then, young man!

 

[Warchild]

Cracking one WarChild, absolutely priceless.

Heh... just trying to be kind to the elder statesman, is all.

 

[frenchuk]

John how much are they? my bird is a youngish fit babe with just 15,000 miles on it but is it worth it to change it anyway to avoid anu potential problem?:beer:

 

[Warchild]

my bird is a youngish fit babe with just 15,000 miles on it but is it worth it to change it anyway to avoid anu potential problem?

I'd get one from Jaws and just hold on to it, frenchuk.... you'll undoubtedly need to replace yours at some point, and this way, you won't have to wait when that day comes....

 

[frenchuk]

forward thinking, I like that! John, how much wonga are we talking about here?:beer:

 

[frenchuk]

err... john... john... john...
(echo)w;;v

 

[Jaws]

Ok ok !! Sorry !!!!!!
been bloody hectic here for the last week and hardly had time to shit fart or shave !!!!
The updated CCT is ?43.00 but we warned !!!!!!
I can only get them in two at a time.. The guys in Japan are very cagey about them and no one seems willing to admit to their existance even !!
basically there is a ( short ) waiting list, so if you want one, mail me !!

 

[frenchuk]

OK, John, I want one Sir thanks a bunch, there you go! When do you want the dosh?

 

[Jaws]

The best thing to do is email me Pierre, that way you will def go straight on the list mate... hang on to your lolly till you get the thing in your hand ( nooooo.... not THAT thing you mucky bugger !!! )

 

[Zed_NZ]

Hey thanks for the great pics and easy fitting instructions man, I fitted a new CCT on my 'Bird today after reading through this thread and it worked like a charm, easy peasy! No more 'ball-bearings-in-the-engine sound' - excellent. :yo:

And thankyou JAWS for the great price and delivery service of the CCT down to New Zealand! :bow:

 

[Jaws]

No worries Glad you found it easy to fit too !

 

[Auld Grey]

Tense, nervous camchain?

hey Warchild.. if you're still with us..

I'm new to this place and found your excellent photo guide to the X-11 cam chain tension installation a bit of a tease.

I'm in New York City and even with the help of my able and willing local Honda dealer haven't been able to find a source for the ellusive X-11 device.

Could you throw me a pointer as I'm unable to get beyond the general air of disbelief when trying various suppliers.

Cheers mate

 

[Jaws]

Auld Grey, you can only get the X-11 CCT from the UK or other Eurpean countries I am afraid..

Sorry to say that as a supplier I will no longer sell them to Bird owners as reports are now starting to crop up about early wear to the cam chain slippers ( The X 11 uses a softer cam and the spring on the CCT is stronger )

I do still have the proper upgrades in stock ( managed to up the monthly allocation to 5 now ) You can find them HERE about two thirds the way down the page

 

[IN THRUST WE TRUST]

I am a little confused (generally) so does the cct for the x11 fit the bird but wears something else out quicker? or is there a specific cct for the bird or are the two things the same and I need to go to bed for a few days a waken up sensible???c7u8

 

[Jaws]

It was always believed that the X 11 CCT MIGHT cause early wear in the CC drive components but no one really knew.. recently some folk who did the 'mod' originally seem to have suffered from worn out slipper rubbers.
This may or may not be caused by the X 11 CCT .. I cannot say ( I will say that at the time they were fitted there was no other option.. and the folk who went down that route did so for good reason and in good faith ... but that was a few years ago now and things have moved on )

I took another route and sourced pucka upraded Bird CCT's.
That was about 3 years ago now..

Those that have them know they are bloody good and do the job..

They are made by Honda but according to Honda UK do not exist