82 xj11 maxim

[bakenath]

Hey guys, its been a great run with my XJ11 but insurance costs and a move have me at an end with my 1982 XJ1100 Maxim. I can say that it runs but I was out with my dad last weekend trying to start it and it looked like one of the carb floats was stuck open. We used starter fluid to get it primed and once it warmed up it ran like a champ. Keep in mind I haven't started it since I came back from Germany (U.S. Army) in JAN2011. Well, I left it alone and came back to it after a couple hours. It wouldn't start so I used starter fluid, it back fired, and caught fire. Got the fire put out and looks like the only thing that burned a little was the brand new fuel lines I put in. I was trying to do the in-line filters mod (what can I say- sometimes I get overly ambitious). So I decided to give up on it. Life is too short and my life flashed before my eyes when I thought that I just filled the fuel tank and that if it exploded I would be in bad shape. Reminded me of rocket attacks in Afghanistan. Anyway, so $700 obo. Please see my craigslist add for pics if you are interested http://killeen.craigslist.org/mcy/4303856599.html mention XS11.com and I may give you an extra discount because I know you are a fanatic like me.

Nathan
XJ11 owner since 2007

[Prothec]

It's safer to work with a full tank than an empty one assuming it isn't draining all over the place. Liquid gasoline doesn't burn, only the vapor above the gasoline that has mixed with oxygen does.

Because Ether is much more volatile than gasoline, I'd blame it for the fire. If it wouldn't start without it, considering the bike sat for a few years, the carbs really needed to be run through.

That being said, I certainly understand the nerves when the bike caught fire, and it would take a lot to be confident in it again. I hope it finds a good home.

[tcoop]

If the bike was in Utah I would be buying it from you. Even though I would love to see that part of Texas again it's a little to far to go to get a bike. I hope someone picks it up.