Fried my bike last night

[Special Ed]

I am devastated. My '79 Special, with only200 miles on a rebuilt engine caught fire and was pretty much destroyed.. The frame, engine and drive train are OK, but everything else is fried. I hadn't even gotten around to taking a picture of it. I can probably sell the engine and a few other parts and use the money to buy another bike, or maybe put the engine in another XS. I feel like I just lost a cherished pet, or an old friend.
Special Ed

[natemoen]

THat really sucks! Sorry!

What happened?

[haywardguy929]

Sorry to see that. Hope you can get another one soon, You have a lot to save off your old one so that gives you some options at least. Best of luck.

[CatatonicBug]

Wow... Sorry to hear that. Did it catch anything else, or just the bike?

[dpotter58]

$hit man. Sorry to hear that

[Bellerophon]

Sorry Ed, it really is like losing a friend.

[Laptop_geek]

Wow, That really sucks. How'd it happen?

[jwhughes3]

Man Ed I just read this whole thing...that sucks, I know y'all had worked hard on getting it going again.

What caused the fire? Leaky carb floats?

John

[Special Ed]

The rest of the story...

I was riding my skoot out of the parking garage when I felt a cool trickle on my left leg. I frequently start up the bike and ride off, forgetting to turn the gas petcock on. This time I remembered just when I got to the garage door. Realizing it was gasoline on my leg, I turned off the gas, parked and proceeded to reattach the gas line which had come loose. When I started the bike the gas that was setting on top of the engine caught fire. A couple of young guys that were passing by had a large towel and commenced to try beating out the flames. They actually succeeded except for a little flicker right under the tank Before this could be extinguished the engine reignited. A neighbor had called 911, but before the fire truck arrived it was pretty much to late. I had just topped off the gas tank, too. Everyone tells me that I should be thankful that I am unscathed. Considering my pants leg was wet with gasoline I guess I am lucky that I didn't catch fire myself. I am trying very hard to find some blessings to count out of this...

[GARTHXS]

Jeez Ed what a bummer . If the drive train is still good you can rebuild .

[DGXSER]

Granted I have not seen the pics, but there is plenty on the bike that should just need some paint. I would think with the exception of the tires the wheels, and suspension front and rear would be fine. The seat is probably gone, the tank might just need paint, rebuild petcocks...ect. If you go through it piece by piece you might find there is more there good than you think. I have an 81 SH wiring harness I would send you if you want it, not pristine condition but works.

[soccer4m]

Ouch

HI ED,,,,really sad to hear of the ol girl biting some dust. Anyway,,,your body is a lot more important than some metal.....burnt skin is ugly,,,,your bike can be reborn. How about a couple of pics and some info on what you need to rebuild the bike. I am driving through your area labor day, and have an extra parts bike, so between us s.cal. guys, we can scrounge up what you might need.....to have it Rise from the Ashes.......keep smiling, you are a great guy.
Mike in Sun Diego

[soccer4m]

Hope

Hey Ed, just checked your area,,there is a complete bike and a parts bike on craigslist that just popped up today. Here is the ad heading,,,,1980 Yamaha XS 1100 project bike ($500 or best offer) (scotts valley)

You could probably get it cheap,,,,or just buy the parts bike real cheap if it has what you want. Tell him the fire story, I know I would sell it cheap to a needy guy. Anyway, check out craigslist, this ad is right around your corner and hope it works. Keep us informed, Mike in Sun Diego

[lee_dutcher]

Sorry about your bad luck...but i Got a complete wiring harness for yea 40 bux shipped

[Special Ed]

Thanks guys

Thanks to all for your kind sympathies and moral support. I hope to take some pictures and post them later today. I'll check on that parts bike in Scots Valley, but Ray has several pars bikes and has offered his assistance. Unfortunately we aren't talking about a simple electrical fire here. I had just topped off the gas tank, so there was plenty of fuel for the fire. The wind shield melted all over the front of the bike, as well as the plastic side covers melted over the battery and fuse box. My options seem to be:
1- install the engine in another XS11 with a missing engine;
2- rebuild with other parts;
3- part out my bike and try to get enough bucks to buy a smaller bike.

Option three is tempting, since I do most of my riding around town and in the local mountains. A 650, say an XS 650, would be just right. The 1100 (which is actually a 1200 now,) is a freeway burning monster, but is a bit much for me to handle in parking lots and traffic. It also violates the basic biker rule that you shouldn't ride a bike that is too heave for the rider to pick up by himself. But right now this is just a thought.
Stay tuned: I'll post some pics later.