Howdy. New member.

[Soupguy]

Hello!

I just purchased my first bike for a tear down/rebuild with my son this winter. I came across the forums while googling the bike I purchased. I was able to pick up 1980 XS1100 for $500 bucks. The exterior isnt in too bad of shape but it looks like the engine is going to need some work.

Ive never rebuilt a bike before and am looking to have some fun with it. Ill definitely be posting on the forums for some advice. The guy who sold me the bike said he got it as his own project but felt there was too much involved for him to continue. Currently the bike smokes pretty bad from one of the left cylinders (blue/white smoke) and the previous owner told me he ran some tests and found 60 PSI from the left cylinders and 120 PSI from the right. I have no clue what that would mean in the engine.

Thanks for having me. I look forward to reading as much advice and posting as possible over the next few months.

[MaximPhil]

Hi Soupguy,
Low compression and smoking from the left side are not unusual symptoms of bike that has sat un-used for a long time. Do the brakes work and is it registered yet ? The engine might just need an oil change and some good long runs to get everything working correctly. 2 to 3 hundred miles of use will likely give much better compression numbers.
good luck with your project.
Phil

[Soupguy]

Thanks Phil.

The previous owner got it from another guy who also wanted a project. I dont think that guy rode more than 100 miles before selling it to my seller (who didnt ride at all).

The guy I bought it from filled it with oil right before I got there. I think he overfilled it because oil was leaking from the exhaust and from a tube near where the seat should be (I dont know what was supposed to be there, a diffuser?). Also the previous guy did something funky with the battery terminals and added a length of wire to the positive to hook up a non stock battery. Strange.

No registration yet. I need to put everything back together and see if the fluids are full before taking it out. Ill see what I can do with a long ride.

Thanks again.

[Eastcoaster]

Welcome

Welcome aboard we are neighbors. I run the Ben Franklin a few times a week if you want me to stop by and give you a run down on the bike let me know. I have brought a few back to life for myself and others.
Gordon

[Ranger_xs1100]

too much oil

Too much oil will definitely cause a lot of white smoke. I just experienced that exact problem on my last XS project. After draining the oil I measured aprox 7 quarts...twice as much as normal! Refilled with the correct amount and the smoking continued for awhile but gradually went away as the excess in the pipes burned off.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey SoupGuy,

Welcome to the madness. Okay, as others have eluded to, a strong possibility that it is overfilled with oil. The oil level window on the right lower side is supposed to be viewed with the bike on the centerstand, not the side stand!

Next, the carbs are a common problem and won't behave if not properly cleaned and set. They often can get dirty to where they will cause a float valve leak, but that then causes excess fuel to flow upward and forward into the engine thru an open valve, into the cylinder and then down past the rings into the oil! The contamination is bad and can damage the bearings very quickly! So...it's best to drain, and inspect the oil for presence of fuel! IF so...then also remove the oil filter, replace it and oil with fresh....but fix the carbs leaking first!

Next, get some Marvel Mystery Oil, and put about a 1/2 bottle into the oil, and then run the engine gently for a few hundred miles. Even before that, squirt a few table spoons into each cylinder thru the spark plug holes and let sit a day or so. It can help free/loosen carbon/gum stuck rings. Also, check the valve clearances and reset your shims to get the best chance for the best compression once the rings reseat.

T.C.

[Bikes]

Welcome.....looks like you have a good project......hopefully not too involved....
Dont forget the pictures.......we like pictures....

[Soupguy]

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the help. Ill post pics as soon as I start the process.

[Prisoner6]

WELCOME, SoupGuy!

I'm just wondering if it's a coincidence that you have that screen name, considering the fact that your bike is a 1980 Special.

Hmmm ...

Anyway ... enjoy the Forums, and we look forward to seeing the progress of your build!

[motoman]

Hello!

I just purchased my first bike for a tear down/rebuild with my son this winter. I came across the forums while googling the bike I purchased. I was able to pick up 1980 XS1100 for $500 bucks. The exterior isnt in too bad of shape but it looks like the engine is going to need some work.

Ive never rebuilt a bike before and am looking to have some fun with it. Ill definitely be posting on the forums for some advice. The guy who sold me the bike said he got it as his own project but felt there was too much involved for him to continue. Currently the bike smokes pretty bad from one of the left cylinders (blue/white smoke) and the previous owner told me he ran some tests and found 60 PSI from the left cylinders and 120 PSI from the right. I have no clue what that would mean in the engine.

Thanks for having me. I look forward to reading as much advice and posting as possible over the next few months.

Never trust a PO(previous owner) no matter who it is is your best bet. If I'd grab a new engine oil filter from NAPA, change it out and drop the oil out. Put four quarts of 20-50w back in with filter change. Also, PO never even got close to doing some maintenace work on the scoot. I'd advise you start from scratch and ask here as you go for needed info. Only dumb question was the one never asked. From what you've stated, I'd put the PO in that catagory.

[TADracer]

Welcome to the forum !! Have fun with your machine because these are really great bikes.

Word of advice....GET A MANUAL. It will save you a bunch of hassle in the future.