New Member in Colorado Springs, CO

[Sebastian_99]

Hey everyone, I just joined because I know I am going to have a lot of questions of the folks here. Im in the process of paying on a '79 XS1100 Special. Here are a few pictures:

http://cosprings.craigslist.org/mcy/3725263057.html

First thing I am doing is removing the front faring and changing the handlebars. I also need to go through the bike to make sure everything else is running well, it only has 21K miles on it so far.

I've paid half so far (less than they were asking for) and will have the rest when the guy buying my current bike ('86 Rebel 250) finishes paying me.

[DGXSER]

Welcome Aboard!! Sounds like you have ridden before, hopefully you have taken the MSF Basic Riders Course. Very valuable course to have.

Looks like a nice bike, good condition, clean as well.

[crazy steve]

Welcome! Everything you need to know about these bikes can be found here!

[Sebastian_99]

I've been riding since I was a teenager and I took the course many many years ago. I'm very excited to be picking up a much larger bike. The Rebel 250 was a great bike and extremely fuel efficient but I am also 6'2" and 225lbs so I looked like a guy who stole s kids motorcycle, it was time for something with more balls. Can't wait to take some nice trips through the mountains with the wife on the back.

[kflyboy]

New guy in the Springs

I am out here in Lakewood and I think Captain Zap is in the Denver area. Nice to have a couple of XS'ers in the area.

[WMarshy]

Welcome to the forum. If you remove the faring dont throw anything away. Im sure someone on here is interested in taking it off your hands. They are becoming harder and harder to find and some appreciate them still. If your looking to keep it that's cool too.

Making the move from a Rebel to this is a huge step up. Keep in mind these are 600+ lb monsters that have way more go than whoa. It has the heart of a racer and the handling of a tractor. Just allow yourself time to become familiar with its character before to start testing the limits.

Any questions you have about these beasts have already been discussed in lengthy detail on the forum. Try using the search function to find topics and answers to your questions and if you still have questions just ask. Don't forget about browsing the Maintenance and Repair sections of the main forum. There is a new owners check list of things to look for on neglected bikes but is useful for new owners too.

[CaptonZap]

I am out here in Lakewood and I think Captain Zap is in the Denver area. Nice to have a couple of XS'ers in the area.

Yep, and Bonz is even closer at Palmer Lake. Keep us updated on your progress.
CZ

[Sebastian_99]

Question for you guys, I ride year round (for fuel economy reasons) and while I want to pull the faring I would like to make sure my hands don't freeze. Im looking into picking up new handlebars (as stated above) and want them to be straight or near straight (I can't stand the beach cruiser feel to the bars now). Where should I look for bars like that and what should I keep an eye out for as far as heated grips?

[donebysunday]

Question for you guys, I ride year round (for fuel economy reasons) and while I want to pull the faring I would like to make sure my hands don't freeze. Im looking into picking up new handlebars (as stated above) and want them to be straight or near straight (I can't stand the beach cruiser feel to the bars now). Where should I look for bars like that and what should I keep an eye out for as far as heated grips?

I bought a new 79 SF way back when, the mech told me to watch how much throttle I gave it, leaving the drive in rush hour traffic I was sideways in an instant, got it under control and had no problem. Was coming off an XS650 so the increase in HP was, well OH MY GOD. The LTD bars from jc whitney (under $30) work well for me, I'm 5'10" but you can adjust the angle. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the pull of that monster.
P.S. Don't leave the wife sitting on the road, it's hurts her butt real bad !!!!!

Heated grips ? ?

[DiverRay]

For year round riding, heated grips are NOT the way to go, IMHO. Yes, my BMW has them, but my heated GLOVES keep my hands much warmer, and a heated vest takes care of the rest of me. No, I do NOT ride on cold much below 30F most of the time, but there are other options.
Gerbings is the brand I use, and the US Military also uses them... The fairing WILL help a LOT in the winter, so think about riding for a little while BEFORE you remove it. You could remove the windshield if you want more air for the summer, and put it back on easily for the winter to help keep you warm and dry.
Welcome to the site, and watch out for the distracted drivers!

[motoman]

Have heated grips on the ST, but as Ray stated, don't do much for backside of hands when REALLY cold. Actually, your best option is using the ole' Vetter HippoHands or similar. They go over the contol area both sides, extend a short way up forearm, Using the HippoHands, I've ridden extensively in the past with temps bumping -30F and just light riding gloves on......toasty warm. Vetter designed these particular ones and they were readily available in the late 70's early eighties. They are pretty much the ultimate hand protection from the cold and can be occassionally found on e-Bay, at times still new in packaging. There were four different styles of them, and any of them work well and easily removed when not needed. There ARE several knock-offs available out there also.

[Bonz]

Motoman, -30F? That's 30 degreees below zero, as in freezing is 32 deg F and you are talking 62 degrees below freezing... getting closer to absolute zero...

[fredintoon]

Hey everyone, - - -

Hi Sebastian and welcome,
be careful how you ride, an XS11 is twice as heavy as a Honda Rebel and has easily four times the power. Alas the brakes and handling top out at ~85mph while the engine is good for 120.
Bars off a Standard might work for you but bars is like shoes, what fits one may not fit another.

[Bonz]

Sebastian,

Welcome to the forum, help and knowledge is all here at your fingertips.

Will the bike be rideable from the start, or should I say does it run? The Craiglist ad wouldn't pull up, so I can't see any info that was in it. I assume it runs from the way you described it.

Keep us posted when you have the bike, be happy to come help you get started on it, and I'll bring along another forum member or two from the area as well.

fredintoon has a good point, it is very different than the Rebel 250, however the XS is a very easy to ride bike. Clutch is predictable, engine is predictable and able to pull taller gears at lower speeds so you can concentrate on riding and not shifting so much.

Cheers!

[Sebastian_99]

The bike does run but will need a little bit of work. It's being sold by a pawn shop, the guy rode it every day and ended up pawning it and not able to get it out.
As for the riding in low temps and whatnot, I am just exploring options at this point.
I'm also completely aware of the difference between the XS and the Rebel. I've ridden a variety of bikes both large and small and I always ride conservatively at first to make sure I get the feel of the bike and comfortable with everything.
Bonz, I should have the bike in my possession right after the 1st and would love some insight/help.

Thanks!