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I've been really busy between my 40 hr job and my Dad's farm so I haven't had much time to explore this site. First off, let me tell you how about how I got my '79 Eleven Special and ended up here if I may. 
My very first bike was a Yamaha DT50 my Dad bought for me when I was 14. I wore out 4 sprockets riding all over the farm and countryside. It was a good bike...just a tad underpowered for the big frame but a helluva lotta fun for a young farmkid! My second was a '99 Ninja 500R which I bought after graduating from Ft. Leonardwood with the intention of taking it to Germany with me. (Unfortunately I only had a learner's and couldn't get one in Germany-so scratch that idea.) The Ninja was a good learner and I think one of the best deals there is for the money-I wouldn't mind getting another. After coming home I traded it for a Yamaha Blaster and cash.
The next bike was a brand new '04 Suzuki SV650-nice fuel injection and ride, but had to sell it when my car cracked an engine block. Next was my favorite-a beautiful '94 Honda Magna 750. She was by far the most comfortable bike I've had. I still regret selling her for money when I was going to college.
After nearly 4 years of bike withdrawal I got my tax refund last April and began an earnest search for another bike. Late one night on craigslist I saw her-a '79 Eleven Special for...$950?! I called immediately and said I'll buy it if he'd hold on to it for me. The next day the wife and I drove to St. Joseph and met the owner-a very nice recently retired trucker who said 2nd gear slips, but only when you really hammer it. I test rode it and fell in love-the power and most importantly, my very first shaft driven bike I've always wanted! Wanting some tips on replacing the shaft seal I came across this site.
Since then I've replaced the fork seals, fixed a RF caliper leak, and replaced the shaft seal. I've recently installed Progressive fork springs. The 2nd gear slip is going to be a winter project, and not really a problem since I'm a pretty tame driver. I have the typical tach wobble-I've repeatedly sprayed contact cleaner inside and blew it out with high pressure air but to no avail. I'm currently looking for the luggage rack/sissy bar, but may just make one since I work in a machine shop.
I think finding this bike was a blessing, because as soon as I saw it I KNEW-kinda hard to explain. I'm very impressed with the design and engineering-they did a good job keeping things simple.
Anyhow I live in North KCMO and am wondering if there's anyone close to me. Sorry for the enormous post-I'm currently drinking lots of black coffee and enjoying some well earned time for myself. If it doesn't rain I'm definitely planning on going for a long ride today. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you! Have a good day and ride safe!
My very first bike was a Yamaha DT50 my Dad bought for me when I was 14. I wore out 4 sprockets riding all over the farm and countryside. It was a good bike...just a tad underpowered for the big frame but a helluva lotta fun for a young farmkid! My second was a '99 Ninja 500R which I bought after graduating from Ft. Leonardwood with the intention of taking it to Germany with me. (Unfortunately I only had a learner's and couldn't get one in Germany-so scratch that idea.) The Ninja was a good learner and I think one of the best deals there is for the money-I wouldn't mind getting another. After coming home I traded it for a Yamaha Blaster and cash.
The next bike was a brand new '04 Suzuki SV650-nice fuel injection and ride, but had to sell it when my car cracked an engine block. Next was my favorite-a beautiful '94 Honda Magna 750. She was by far the most comfortable bike I've had. I still regret selling her for money when I was going to college.
After nearly 4 years of bike withdrawal I got my tax refund last April and began an earnest search for another bike. Late one night on craigslist I saw her-a '79 Eleven Special for...$950?! I called immediately and said I'll buy it if he'd hold on to it for me. The next day the wife and I drove to St. Joseph and met the owner-a very nice recently retired trucker who said 2nd gear slips, but only when you really hammer it. I test rode it and fell in love-the power and most importantly, my very first shaft driven bike I've always wanted! Wanting some tips on replacing the shaft seal I came across this site.
Since then I've replaced the fork seals, fixed a RF caliper leak, and replaced the shaft seal. I've recently installed Progressive fork springs. The 2nd gear slip is going to be a winter project, and not really a problem since I'm a pretty tame driver. I have the typical tach wobble-I've repeatedly sprayed contact cleaner inside and blew it out with high pressure air but to no avail. I'm currently looking for the luggage rack/sissy bar, but may just make one since I work in a machine shop.
I think finding this bike was a blessing, because as soon as I saw it I KNEW-kinda hard to explain. I'm very impressed with the design and engineering-they did a good job keeping things simple.
Anyhow I live in North KCMO and am wondering if there's anyone close to me. Sorry for the enormous post-I'm currently drinking lots of black coffee and enjoying some well earned time for myself. If it doesn't rain I'm definitely planning on going for a long ride today. I'm looking forward to meeting all of you! Have a good day and ride safe!
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