Hello!

[benxs1100]

I recently got a 1979 XS11 Special for free as a gift from a relative. I have to tell you it is an amazing bike. I have been reading the forums for a few weeks and it is a wealth of information so I finally signed up and here I am.

[Wildkat]

Dang!
Nice to be part of your family... How do we get adopted?


Welcome aboard!

[benxs1100]

Thats what everyone has been asking

Story is I had a 1987 Suzuki Savage that was my first bike. I hated everything about it but it was good to learn to ride on. When I told my fiances dad that I was looking for a bigger one he said his brother had an old Yamaha sitting in the barn. Well it has been sitting in that barn for 8 years. Changed all the fluids and spark plugs and it has been running like a dream. When I sold my Savage I asked him what he wanted for the XS he said nothing just dont kill yourself.

[crazy steve]

Some people have all the luck.... That is a very nice Special.

And for free?

'78E original owner

[CatatonicBug]

Nice score!! Welcome aboard! You really lucked out on that one. Most "barn finds" require a LOT more work than that to get running. Where are you located? You might want to check out the rally section of the forum to see about hooking up with other XSives across the country.

[benxs1100]

I am located in West Central Pa.

I was amazed at what great shape the bike was in after all those years of sitting. The only problem so far was my headlight and tach quit working but thanks to this site that was a problem quickly solved.

[randy]

Ben, West Central PA? We'll be there for a rally on Memorial Day weekend.

Hotel info starts on post #53 here:



http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25158&page=2

[Ivan]

I am willing to bet that your headlight and tach aren't working because you aren't getting a charge from the alternator. The headlight and tach both use a signal from one of the stator legs to work. Check the connectors behind your right side cover and fuse block for clean tight connections. Also, check the fuse block for good connections to the fuses. Both of those are notorious on these bikes. A replacement fuse block is available on the cheap from Top Cat, and the connectors can be cleaned and sealed with dielectric grease for long term fixes.

If that don't work, I'll buy that bike for double what you gave for it.

[benxs1100]

Thanks for pointing that out! I wont need the hotel info though because Somerset would be where I am sitting right now!

[benxs1100]

I am willing to bet that your headlight and tach aren't working because you aren't getting a charge from the alternator. The headlight and tach both use a signal from one of the stator legs to work. Check the connectors behind your right side cover and fuse block for clean tight connections. Also, check the fuse block for good connections to the fuses. Both of those are notorious on these bikes. A replacement fuse block is available on the cheap from Top Cat, and the connectors can be cleaned and sealed with dielectric grease for long term fixes.

If that don't work, I'll buy that bike for double what you gave for it.

It was definatley the connectors behind the fuse box

[randy]

Damn.

I guess we know who wins 'least miles travelled'...

[slow mo]

hi and welcome

hi Ben you lucky bas#$rd just kidding ,,great find i hope you enjoy this site and your xs as much as i have ,,take care and ride safe slow mo!

[DGXSER]

Wow, that has to be the best looking bike I have seen yet that sat for that long!!!! And for free!!! Sheesh, that is amazing!! Welcome to Ch 11!!

[tarzan]

Wow, a spoon fed gravy boy.lol

Just kidding.Very nice bike. You are a lucky man.

Welcome to XS11.
Rick

[T99Ford]

Nice bike man! Welcome to the board!