my first bike!

[FatCat12]

Hello all,
I am Rob and am new to both motorcycling and XS11.com.

I recently (5/17/15) purchased my first motorcycle, a 1981 (serial 4R0 000xxxx) XS100SH. An impulse buy, though dreams of a motorcycle had long since taken hold. A$500 final price and assurance the bike would make the 8 highway mile ride home was enough to seal the deal. (I did come across this site while reasearching the xs11 and did what I thought was a basic inspection)
Although maintenance needs are apparent, it starts and runs seemingly well. My tech problems and questions will be saved for the appropriate forum threads.
Initially bought as a starter bike to make it through this season, I have found I like my XS quite a bit. With all I have read, I beleive I will be doing my best to return to its former glory (or my version of its current glory) this wonderful motorcycle that made its way into my life, and likely plan to keep it a bit longer than just this riding season.
Anyway, thanks for having me, and my excitement is more than you c a n imagine for this oppurtunity to join in the ranks of owners of such a motorcycle.

Rob
(I would post a picture, but havent looked into how yet)

[jwhughes3]

Welcome! There is nothing you will find quite like an XS11 and this community makes it even better.

I passed up a wicked deal on a buddy's practically new Harley because I was afraid going to a newer bike I'd lose touch with the XS11 family I'd grown so fond of, but don't regret it a bit.

John

[MarkD]

Welcome, Rob. This forum is a real treasure trove of knowledge, and the guys are always very patient with all questions. Ask any question you need answered. Ride safely, and enjoy the sweetest scoot ( IMHO) around.

[DiverRay]

Welcome to the madness, Rob!
Last things posted first, for posting pictures, you need a photobucket or other online account. Once you put up a photo, you can then link that photo via the "img" tab, and post it via the photo option you will see above the box you type in to post.
Number two, and MOST IMPORTANT is that you have taken, or will take the motorcycle safety class!! These bike will outrun the brake and handling very quickly when they are running well. You need to learn the basics, and learn that YOU ARE A TARGET ON THE ROAD. Every car is out to kill you, and no I am NOT kidding!! You NEED to ride that way to be able to ride the miles I and a LOT of the owners on this site have.
That said, enjoy the ride and freedom, and DO try and make a few of the local rides, be it with a local group or the XS rally near you.

[Prisoner6]

... MOST IMPORTANT is that you have taken, or will take the motorcycle safety class!! These bike will outrun the brake and handling very quickly when they are running well. You need to learn the basics ...

+1 on this advice, Rob!

You have picked a large, heavy, and powerful motorcycle as your first bike, and since you are new to motorcycling ...

I would strongly recommend that you find a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course in your area and, at the very least, take the Basic Skills Rider Course.

WELCOME to the Forums ... we are glad to have you with us!

[TopCatGr58]

Hey FatCat,

My question is if you are new to motorcycling, WHO drove/rode the bike the 8 miles home?? Does Wisconsin require a special test or such for a MC certification, or do they anybody with a valid CAR license operate a MC?

Yep, we're invisible, I can't recall if I told you about the informational piece I made a few years ago, but if you go to the MISC forum, you'll find the thread with that similar title, it's a real EYE Opener....PUN intended!!

Again, welcome and enjoy.

T.C.

[IanDMacDonald]

Hey FatCat,

My question is if you are new to motorcycling, WHO drove/rode the bike the 8 miles home?? Does Wisconsin require a special test or such for a MC certification, or do they anybody with a valid CAR license operate a MC?

Yep, we're invisible, I can't recall if I told you about the informational piece I made a few years ago, but if you go to the MISC forum, you'll find the thread with that similar title, it's a real EYE Opener....PUN intended!!

Again, welcome and enjoy.

T.C.

Wisconsin would be our sister state with regard to many laws, etc. Same requirements as Michigan for a CY endorsement. So, if TC's question is hinting at the legality of riding a bike without an endorsement, then his presumptions are correct.

[haywardguy929]

Welcome Cheesehead. Congrats on the bike . Good words of wisdom when riding. They are fast and heavy for sure. Check out the Lost Rally down below. If your comfortable with the bike and have time you will be in for a great get together/ride and meet some of the folks here.

[FatCat12]

I'm at work currently... But wanted to get to this when I saw it, just won't be a long reply.
First, I have long since wanted a motorcycle and have read wisconsins motorcycle handbook nearly through every yearly revision for years, and have limited experience with dirtbikes when younger.
Anyway, I did pass and have a temp MC endorsement for Wisconsin, and am on a wait list for a safety course. I don't know how soon an available spot will open as I have been passed over twice already. But in the meantime, I am legally able to ride.

Thanks again for the welcome.
Rob

[alaskey2]

I believe you can legally ride while under supervision of a licensed rider.

But.. I've been wrong before.

[haywardguy929]

In Wisc. he can ride alone during daylight hours with a helmet. with that current permit. After the class you get full riding endorsment.

[FatCat12]

Welcome Cheesehead. Congrats on the bike . Good words of wisdom when riding. They are fast and heavy for sure. Check out the Lost Rally down below. If your comfortable with the bike and have time you will be in for a great get together/ride and meet some of the folks here.

Was curious about the Lost Rally... Do you have more info on it?
I would say I'm still getting comfortable ( currently only had it on relatively low traffic areas and open highways) and the bike needs some going over (non functioning tach, occasional high idle/over revving while not in gear, burnt headlight, some cold starting issues thAt I think is battery related- starts fine on a booster and when warm, and maybe clutch and throttle adjustment)

[Rasputin]

You could always haul it in a truck or trailer it to a meeting like this and get a hand on many things. If it is not safe then do not ride it! Then if you get to a rally the guys will help you out with so much you will be hooked.

[haywardguy929]

Mine always seem's a little cold blooded too, but always starts choked. the choke has 2 settings and the mid one will result in a high rev. Not saying thats it but worth double checking. All the Lost Rally info is down below in the regional section. looking like it will have a good turn out.

[jimbyjimb]

The 11 is easily the best bike in its price range. Any model XS is famous for simplicity, durability and reliability. Good pick for a starter bike. When I have a house and a garage I'm sure someday an E will end up in it.

If you get the motorcycle jitters the 650 is a sweet machine too.