New guy here

[uatubagod]

Hello everyone!
I've come across a 78 XS11. The only problem is that it has been sitting in the garage since about 1987 (the tag on it expired 1-88).
I'm planning on cleaning it up this winter and running it next summer. So far, all the info I have read here has been helpful. Any tips on what to check out besides the carbs, brakes and tires?


78 XS1100 by uatubagod, on Flickr

[crazy steve]

That looks to be in pretty nice shape (except for the missing parts), so congrats!

I would pull/clean the forks too; it's not that much more work or expense. Pull the plugs and soak the cylinders for a couple of days with a light oil before spinning the motor for the first time. You'll want to check the valve clearances too. Basically, a 'full' tune up, new fluids, and look at the known trouble spots, such as the alternator connectors and pickup wires. A bit of time up front may save you a walk/tow home...

[uatubagod]

Thanks! I have already shot some wd-40 into the cylinders and turned the motor over a few times. The service manual mentions valve adjusting pads and a special tool. Are these still available from Yamaha? As for the missing parts, they are sitting in the garage in the process of being cleaned up. The exaust is a Kerker 4 into 1.

[BA80]

You can get the tool HERE.

There are members here and on .org with shims to trade out for shipping. Check your clearances and figure what shim sizes you need. Let us know and we'll do what we can.

[natemoen]

For sitting for 24 year she looks great! Welcome to the madness!

[XS1100 Newbie]

Change those tires! Unless of course you like to eat pavement.

[fredintoon]

Thanks! I have already shot some wd-40 into the cylinders and turned the motor over a few times. The service manual mentions valve adjusting pads and a special tool. Are these still available from Yamaha? As for the missing parts, they are sitting in the garage in the process of being cleaned up. The exaust is a Kerker 4 into 1.

Hi Shaun and welcome,
note! WD40 works great to disperse water from electrical parts. It does NOT act too well as a lubricant or a penetrating oil although many have used it for those purposes.
With your low mileage find you may not have to do anything to the engine or tranny except change all the fluids. But best you buy it new boots; unless it's tires have been stored in the dark in a nitrogen atmosphere they are hooped for sure.