Most replaced part(s) ?

[GLoweVA]

I had a broken clutch cable this morning and it got me to thinking about the last time I had a broken clutch cable (on my G) then I wondered about other XS11s and what the most failed components may be. (lucky me I had the G right there to steal one from)
I'm not talking about consumables like pads or tires, but hard parts that broke or just plain wore out.
So, any input on to what parts you guys have had to replace most often?
In other words if you have to name just one part that seems to be the worst offender then name that one.
Granted, on a 30+ year old bike, just about anything can break or fall off or be worn out enough to warrant replacement, but has it happened more than once?

For me, I'd have to say the clutch cable.

[FJ111200]

I've had 2 of those star shaped plates, that fit on the end of the shift cam, go on both my XS's, and the rectifier on one.
Not bad considering.

[trbig]

Motors... lol.

[natemoen]

Motors... lol.

Only you Tod, Only you....

[Rasputin]

I think you have posted a really good question.
Number one repair would have to be pick up coil wire repair. Wish we had an alternative to repair where we could simply replace and be done. I have some connectors here that can be heat shrinked on with a lighter and there is solder in them as well. Good thing to carry for a road side repair if one is on a distance trip.
There are a number of repairs that keep coming up...eg Coils, TCI's . Far more often it is the carbs (which normally just need cleaning or synching) but no parts.
It would be interesting to know how many have had which problem so these particular problems could be high lighted as a high wear item. Of course there will be many answers to any question but this one strikes me as a good one.

[BA80]

Motors... lol.

And gas tanks and foot pegs and u-joints and mirrors and turn signals and oil plugs..............

[donebysunday]

fuse holders

Had my 79 for 56K and still all original except fuse holders .

The LH for 15K and nothing except fuse holders.

I use slick 50 1 lube on anything that moves like cables can't say enough good about the lube.

Fuse holders would be my choice .

[jwhughes3]

And gas tanks and foot pegs and u-joints and mirrors and turn signals and oil plugs..............

Yes - windscreens was on my list

John

[DGXSER]

Of course, the gear repair, and fuse block are well documented. Having refurbushed a few of these bikes, I would say the most common thing I find needing replaced is rotors. Warped, cracked etc. A close second is coils.

[GLoweVA]

I think you guys misunderstood my question.
I was looking for items that failed MORE THAN ONCE.
Granted all those listed are much needed fixes and occur at least once in a bike's life, but I'm looking for those items that some have had to replace AGAIN.
I too have had to do the pick up coil wire fix, replace the fuse block and other stuff ONCE, but I don't think that'll I'll have to do any of that stuff again. (well, maybe the pick up coil wire fix on a different section of wire)

These bikes are well built/designed and after 30+ years having a component fail for a 2nd time still seems better than one would expect from a bike this old.
That's why I said the clutch cable being one of these components that may fail more than once in a bike's life. (maybe fuel hose too)(just looking for those things that fail over time and periodically need replacing, but not normal items like tires, light bulbs or brake pads.)

[CaptonZap]

I don't think that the clutch cable is that much of an issue, IF it is properly maintained.
Like any other component, it needs cleaned and lubricated periodically, and routed so that there are no sharp bends in it. The problem most folks have is that they neglect it's needs, either through ignorance, or laziness. If it got as much attention as the chrome, I can guarantee that it will last as long as the chrome.
That said, all of my long distance and boon docking bikes have a spare clutch cable tied alongside the operational one.
Rust, in the low spots, it there are any, and sharp bends, (improper routing) along with a lack of clean lubricant are the two most common causes of cable failure. Check the plastic housing for breaks or cracks, and if you find some, you can be sure that water will find them too. Once rust starts, it progresses, and the oxide acts as an abrasive, so you have two things working against you right there.
Dry lubricants can be used, and have the advantage of not attracting dust and dirt, which oils will do. The OEM cables had rubber boots that were there to keep out the worst of the grime, and if yours do not have the boots, makeshift ones can be fashioned out of some tape or shrink wrap.
Take care of your cable, and when you are in one of those "clutch situations", you won't have to worry.

CZ

[tcoop]

speedometer

I have had to replace the speedometer several times...but always with a thirty year old part.

[TopCatGr58]

Okay, I have one that hasn't been mentioned yet. Clutch Springs!!! Of course that's partly because I used some standard generic ones from Partsnmore the first time, and just a couple of years later they were slipping again, and this was with NEW frictions.

Another item I've replaced twice were my front forks, but only because of an accident the first time, the 2nd time was just poor storage/rusting!

I've also replaced the horns a couple of times. Also handlebar grips.

T.C.

[WMarshy]

I'd say side covers and clutch springs. I consider cables, foot pegs and alike to be consumables.

[GLoweVA]

I suppose with proper maintenance, cables should probalby only need to be replaced once in a bike's life. (thanks CZ for reminding me to lube them once in a while)
Foot pegs and handlegrips I can see as more than once items, Horns too, one of mine went out, but I may be able to pull it apart and get it working again.
Totally agree on the speedo. I'm on my 3rd with the G and my 2nd with the SG. I think with the 80/81's that only go to 85mph, once you hit that peg, forever more that speedo's life is shortened.
As a note to the side covers, I suppose the rubber grommets should be replaced more often, then one wouldn't lose the cover while riding down the interstate. (gone forever)