Finally Home

[Slimbob]

Hi All,

Picked up a free 81 XS11 Special today. 94xx miles on the clock. Woo Hoo! Fun getting home but another story for another time. Been sitting for about 15 yrs. Th shiny stuff needs some attention but not terrible. This is gonna be my project for this next winter. Needs some TLC.













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[MarkD]

Nice find! I'd love to get one of those Specials. Looking good!

[Eastcoaster]

Very Nice find best of luck!!!

[haywardguy929]

Wow congrats on a sweet find . Good luck with the project.

[Slimbob]

What Modifications for 81 XS11 Special

Hello,
I performed some of the Minton Mods for my XS650-D and was very pleased with the results. I'm wondering if there is a list of mods for the XS11.

Roller Steering bearings
Front Fork Progressive springs and drilled dampers
Swing Arm Brass bushings

Installed Pamco SS Ignition. XS11 already electronic I think.

I'm looking forward to getting started on the XS11 but not enough time right now. Time to ride. Bot if the Carbs clean up and there's not too much mechanical stuff to do, I may have to get her street legal this year.

The 650 is a great back road 35-45 mph bike. Not a Hiway cruiser.
The XS11 on the other hand should cruise just fine.

Thank you,
Slimbob

[GLoweVA]

The first thing I'd do is upgrade the fuse block to a spade type. Those glass fuse holders are 30+ years old and will just hamper you trying to get it running right. TC (TopCatGr58) here sells an inexpensive one (with connectors), but you could find one local at the auto parts store too.

From something like this:


To something like this:

[Slimbob]

GLoweVA,
Thanks for the input. That looks easy enough.

The steering head bearings? Did they come with ball or roller bearings?

Slimbob

[jjz28]

Nice find man! Mine had sat many years and it was running in about 4 hours. Then came the brakes! I think that was the worst on mine.

[jetmechmarty]

Slimbob,

Your bike already has roller steering bearings. The top one is probably dry, so grease them both.

Your stock springs are progressive wound.

Your swingarm moves on needle bearings. They most likely need some grease.

If you just service whats there, it's going to be a big help. Minton mods are now ancient history. There are new modifications now.