Non-running '79 XS1100 Special -- How much?

**madmax-im** · 09-03-2014, 12:07 PM

If you're not making progress with it...then its time you did...what seems to be the issues you are not progressing on? People here will help you get it back on the road...it can be done...it has been done and it will be done again.....its all a matter of what you want to do...

BTW a non runner generally doesnt go for more than $500 so it aint gonna make you rich...

**GLoweVA** · 09-03-2014, 09:30 PM

Just a thought that with Autumn here there might not be much interest unless someone is looking for a winter project.

**sail4free** · 09-05-2014, 04:53 PM

Thanks for your response

[QUOTE=madmax-im;449279]If you're not making progress with it...then its time you did...what seems to be the issues you are not progressing on? People here will help you get it back on the road...it can be done...it has been done and it will be done again.....its all a matter of what you want to do...

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Thanks for your encouraging response, but I'm thinking if I haven't gotter' done in the last 10 years, what are the odds I'll getter' done anytime soon? The biggest issue for me right now is having a place to work on it. I live in a large truck camper and spending most nights lately at my GF's house but she only has a carport . . . there is no garage. I could enclose the 6'x10' trailer she's sitting on already if that would give me enough room to work on her?
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The known issues aren't all that intimidating = rebuild the carbs and fuel shut-off valves, flush both brake fluids, rebuild/replace master cylinders as needed, oil/filter change, new tires. I have good luck with my mechanical efforts but it's tough with no good place to do the work -- a place which I can also heat through the winter months somehow.
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Selling her wouldn't be for the money -- just a way to eliminate the reminder of yet another thing undone

This is my last winter to suffer through as a wage slave. By Oct of next year (2015), I'll be FREE -- with lots more time and flexibility for all kinds of things.
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sail4free
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**madmax-im** · 09-05-2014, 05:44 PM

I wouldnt sell it,,,I wonder if there arent any XSives nearby who would be willing to host a place for you and others to work on their rides?...its not uncommon...it does sound like you've not sought out help here else it would have been done by now...JAT..If you're going to have more time and flexibility in the near future...why not hold onto to it 'til then? Post for help and see what happens...

**sail4free** · 01-08-2015, 10:59 AM

Changed My Mind!

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After listing my non-running '79 XS1100SF on craigslist for 500 bucks, one potential buyer said he thought he had a customer for it but that deal fell through. I said, "How much if I pay you to get it going again for me?" So, for $25/hour, I guess we'll see if he knows what he's doing? Through the winter months, he does a few customs (bobbers, etc.) for others in his garage but I'm thinking there aren't many ways to improve on a classic Special.
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I've got new aluminum starter/horn buttons (& springs!) on the way . . . already bought a new battery, four new air filters, some dielectric grease for the ignition box terminals. The old fuel lines are hard as a rock (ethanol sucks!) -- and the barbed inserts in the petcocks came out with the fuel lines! Can these simply be stuffed back in place? Or is there some magic goop to make sure they seal and don't drip? Also -- is there a simpler way to route the new fuel lines and get completely away from the goofy vac-operated fuel valve? Thanks for all your help and support thus far -- this good ol' girl WILL run again!
JIM ~ BOISE, IDAHO
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**madmax-im** · 01-08-2015, 11:13 AM

Glad to hear that...although most mech's you pay these days dont really know these bikes...but heres some more inspiration for ya...
my '79F SwampThing...

**IanDMacDonald** · 01-08-2015, 11:18 AM

Always loved your bike Ben! I'm a sucker for Viper Ron's too!

**madmax-im** · 01-08-2015, 01:21 PM

Originally posted by IanDMacDonald

Always loved your bike Ben! I'm a sucker for Viper Ron's too!

Personally at the top of my list is Mike Pittman's Red 81 Venturer...and a close second is his stock Blue and White Venturer

**sail4free** · 01-08-2015, 06:50 PM

Can't see the pic!

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For some reason, most pics on this forum (including yours) don't display . . . just a little box with a red X in it. I right click and click on "show picture" but natha -- nothing. At home (between three browsers, two laptops, an Ipad, and up to 50 Mg download speed via cable) I can't access the xs11.com site at all. (Though my GF brings it up instantly on her smart phone!) (Frustrated in Boise, ID

)
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**madmax-im** · 01-09-2015, 07:29 AM

sorry you cant seem to view pics...it must be on your computer because i can see the pic as can others...

**sail4free** · 01-09-2015, 01:27 PM

Mechanics

Originally posted by madmax-im

Glad to hear that...although most mech's you pay these days dont really know these bikes...but heres some more inspiration for ya...
my '79F SwampThing...

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Yeah -- if he can't handle it, I may have to do a few things myself. Come spring I'll have a place I can work on it. In the meantime, at least it's inside a garage. In our climate, that alone is worth something! I look forward to getting the old girl cleaned up, painting the tank & side covers, etc. The clear coat on the tank is failing. Does it have to be removed? Or just the usual prep for repainting? Once I'm retired (10/15), we'll be close enough during the winter months -- would be nice to afford some work from these guys:

http://badasspaint.com/

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**madmax-im** · 01-09-2015, 03:08 PM

Just remember that your best source of information and help is right here...you need to find out who is nearby ,if anyone, and hopefully they'll be able to help you out...it isnt uncommon for folks to do that here. I know as I have been the beneficiary of such generosity so dont be shy...

**sail4free** · 03-27-2015, 10:58 PM

Just a little update . . .

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Work on my '79 XS1100F? (Special) is proceeding nicely. All engine/trans fluids and filter are fresh, tank has been cleaned and sealed, carbs are being sorted out and rebuilt (using the best four of eight we have on hand), new plugs and we have good spark on all four, new UNI pod filters will be here 4/2 and then the rebuild kits for the petcocks. Will still need two new tires and resolve any braking issues *but* nothing can stop us now!
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I'm the 2nd owner and I've loved this bike since '83 . . . it's gonna' be so great to hear her ROAR once again! All things considered, this was the best solution for me -- finding someone with a place and the time to keep the ball rolling -- a few bucks here; a few bucks there -- spreading the cost out over many months to the point I have no idea how much we've spent so far (not that much) and don't really care. All that matters is that we're making progress and momentum on the project has been established. It's a LOT easier to *keep* something going once that initial resistance to movement has been overcome.
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Thanks BE to everyone for their comments and encouragement. I'm now so glad that I didn't sell my old friend and I know we'll be making many new memories together -- first attempts to fire as soon as next weekend!

JIM P. ~ BOISE, ID
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**madmax-im** · 03-28-2015, 02:49 AM

Yes!!! Glad we could encourage you to stick it out...nothing feels better than to get that old bike running again...

Non-running '79 XS1100 Special -- How much?

Non-running '79 XS1100 Special -- How much?

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