Hello from Conway Arkansas

[DJinNH]

Thanks. I plan to repaint it and clean it up some come this winter, but I've enjoyed it way to much so far to tear it apart now. lol

Im waiting for all the "extra" parts that come with the bike to show up here, so I can start sorting thru what I need/want to keep and get it the way I want for sure.

Saw the photos....Yup, that'll work.

Now get use to admitting this, "I (insert your name) am an Ebay addict."

There are another of other parts sites that might help that you'll find listed on the boards somewhere.

Two that I use, not saying they are better than others, just that I have had success with them are;

denniskirk.com

bikebandit.com with this one, you can type in the year, model of your bike and it will access pshecmatic diagrams that help you locate the part you need. Below will be a list of the parts in ref to the number in the diagram and you can order from that or at least get a price idea and their part #.

Like I said, there are many other dealers, plus Andreas is a member here and helps us out with parts as well.

Good luck with the new ride and stay safe,

Don

[andysutt]

Thanks for the help on this.

I had my first accident today. lol

It wasn't major at all, but went to turn into the yard and make a U turn to face back towards the rode and park it.. Front brake + wet grass = dump.

It didnt hurt it at all, no dents or scratches so thats good. Learning experience. Just gotta get the rear brakes fixed is all.

As far as the "Ebay addict" thing... I've had that. lol

Ive worked on a 66 F-100, a 72 Mercury Comet GT and I have a foxbody mustang so I know all about that. lmao

[DJinNH]

I had my first accident today. lol

It didnt hurt it at all, no dents or scratches so thats good. Learning experience.

Aaaaah, the best kind of accident, the ones where the only thing hurt or damaged is your pride.

Don

[andysutt]

It was quite humorous actually. I knew better to start with.

I've been parking in between 2 of my vehicles in the driveway but Its hard to back it out at night to head to work w/ no lights there. So I thought Id try and leave it on yard near the porch. I knew as soon as I turned it was a mistake haha

[CatatonicBug]

Thanks for all the nice welcomes.

As far as I know the bike is just a XS 1100.


Im also interested in getting a pipe, or making something that makes it sound more like a cruiser, rather than the rocket sound it has now.

I respect this bike alot, as it is very quick, and with only one brake working right now, you better respect it or else. lol

The only reason that knowing the actual model is important is because there are a few parts on each model that are model/year specific. It's important to know the difference when offering help with some particular parts. You can compare the VIN with the list posted in this thread. Adding that info to your signature will help people when answering your questions.

Though these bikes are classified as cruisers, they are the forefathers of modern crotch rockets and do sound a bit like them. They run at much higher RPMs (main jets don't kick in till about 3000-3500 RPM) and definitley are not meant to sound like the "thump, thump" of a HD. Be aware that changing pipes may play with the jetting requirements as well.

Definitely want to get that rear brake fixed ASAP. Glad your spill was a soft landing and not while going down the road.

[andysutt]

Looks like just a regular one then.

Why does it say kickstarter discontinued and hole plugged?

Mine has it but its taken off

[CatatonicBug]

The kickstarter was discontinued as standard equipment at one point in the run of the XS (Somebody here will know exact details on that), but it is possible to put one in later. However, the way the electronics work on these things, if the starter isn't working, there's not much sense in having a kickstarter, because it probably means that something else isn't working correctly, and it won't run anyway.

[andysutt]

Thanks for the reply again. Learning some.

I didnt have any intentions of using the kickstarter but its there. lol

Im needing to figure out some of the wiring or a harness for the gas gauge, headlights etc.

I'll take a look at the Clymer book that came with it.

Thanks again for all the help!

[DGXSER]

If it has a kickstarter, then the engine may well be from a 78 or 79. They quit putting them in the XS11 in 1980. They started making the MNS in 80 though. Look at the right side of the engine above the oil fill cap area, you will see the engine number. I know the 81 models had a 4RO at the start, and the 78 and 79 I think had 2H7, IIRC the 80 models had a 3 something. The engines are pretty much the same for all model years and will interchange all the way from 78 to the 82 XJ, but there are some electrical idiosynchrosys between them once you get to 81 model I believe, the timing advance is set up differently.

It is entirely possible you have a replacement engine from a different year, or perhaps someone just liked the tough look of the kickstarter and threw one into your 80 engine when doing the gears fix.

I know, much more info than you were looking for.

[andysutt]

No, actually I like learning about what I own.

I did know the ignition changed in 80 or 81 I believe, I read that in the book today.

As for the kickstarter, it's not "on" the bike, just has a spot to put the actual kick pedal. I'll check on the engine code tomorrow. Thanks

[CatatonicBug]

Is it a post that sticks out, or a hole with a rubber stopper in it marked with "Kickstarter" around it? If it is the latter, that's how they are supposed to be. If it is the former, someone decided to add it on later.

[andysutt]

It has the post, so it's been added or is an older bike.

[trbig]

so it's been added or is an older bike.

More than likely, it's an older motor. Look right here on your motor over your clutch cover and read the number.



I'm betting it starts with 2H7 or 2H9.


Tod

[andysutt]

2h7-024545 is the number on it

I wonder if its been replaced or if its a leftover from 79?
Either way doesnt bother me. lol

[trbig]

Your '80 motor has been replaced with a '78 motor. Don't feel too bad about it though.. the 78's are the fastest year.

Tod