Raising the Dead

[GoodoleBoy]

I have a 1979 XS 1100 Special with a Vetter Faring, Samsanite luggage, etc. The bike was parked 18 years ag0 (coincidently in line with when I started having kids) and has sat ever since. It only has 11000 miles on it and in a effort to get it running again, I took it to a local shop that was recommended by the Yamaha dealer in town. There is nothing wrong with the bike outside of the usual problems that occur when a bike sits for 18 years. Rotten rubber, gummed carbs, surface rust, etc. Turns out the shop recommended is having financial problems and wanted money up front to work on such an old bike. They have had the bike for nearly two months now, wont return my phone calls, had to move suddenly without a forwarding address (luckly I found them again) and they have my bike in pieces. They tell me now that they were having trouble finding parts (yet they told my dad they had all the parts) and I think I am getting jerked around in general.

In looking around, it seems difficult to find a shop that will work on my bike. No one wants to touch such an old model. How difficult would it be for me to work it over myself? I am somewhat mechanically inclined, but I have no experience with motocycles. I love this old bike and I would really like to get it up and running again. It would seem the $600 I put into it through the shop I mentioned above is probably gone, and if I get it back from them now, it will be in pieces (not the best when you are trying to learn bikes) Does anyone have any suggestions for me as to what to do and how?

[beechfront]

if it were me i would be getting that thing back from them asap.

as for the work - you sound about how i was/am. i had never worked on a bike before but thanks go this forum - i was able to tear my 79 special down to the bare frame. i worked through the carbs, reworked the transmission, and various other projects.

the knowledge i gained from this site is priceless.

if you have any mechanical ability i would say you should have no problems getting it up and running again.

[GoodoleBoy]

Thanks for the feedback Beechfront. Yeah I came to the same conclusion that I need to get the bike back from them (and let Yamaha know who they are directing their customers to). My fear at this point is if I get the bike back in pieces, I may be missing parts and not even know it. How difficult is it to find parts for these bikes?

[Geezer]

Originally posted by GoodoleBoy
Thanks for the feedback Beechfront. Yeah I came to the same conclusion that I need to get the bike back from them (and let Yamaha know who they are directing their customers to). My fear at this point is if I get the bike back in pieces, I may be missing parts and not even know it. How difficult is it to find parts for these bikes?

Were are you in Washington? Maybe we could work out something.

Geezer

[Materi]

Dude, go get the bike. I think I am about as motorcycle savyy as you say you are , and I was able to bring a neglected 79SF yard queen up from the ashes, though it is a work in progress. I, as Beech said, come to this site every chance I get and read, do a search, check some drawings, diagrams and pictures, read some more, consult the manual (also a must-have) and then come to this site and read some more. There will be some heartbreak and confusion ahead, but the first time you crack the throttle, and know you are responsible for what goes on in the war-room below you, it is immensely satisfying. If you stay with it, you can prevail.

Good luck,

[GoodoleBoy]

Originally posted by Geezer


Were are you in Washington? Maybe we could work out something.

Geezer

I am in SW Washington, living just outside of the Battle Ground area. How about you?

[GoodoleBoy]

Originally posted by Materi
Dude, go get the bike. I think I am about as motorcycle savyy as you say you are , and I was able to bring a neglected 79SF yard queen up from the ashes, though it is a work in progress. I, as Beech said, come to this site every chance I get and read, do a search, check some drawings, diagrams and pictures, read some more, consult the manual (also a must-have) and then come to this site and read some more. There will be some heartbreak and confusion ahead, but the first time you crack the throttle, and know you are responsible for what goes on in the war-room below you, it is immensely satisfying. If you stay with it, you can prevail.

Good luck,

Seems like trying to wade through it may be my best option under the circumstances. I like the idea of what you said about "knowing you are responsible for what goes on in the war-room below you". It would certainly make me feel a bit better about being on a road trip somewhere if I knew the mechanics of the bike and had a problem. So how do I get my hands on this "manual" you spoke of?

[Jerry]

Parts availablility is always a concern. Trim, side covers, that sort of thing are hard to find and mostly no longer available from Yamaha. Carb, ignition, suspension stuff is available from Yamaha or aftermarket companies. Some mechanicals, like stock size rings or original mufflers, are no longer available from Yamaha. In some cased other bits can be substituted; several ways to replace stock mufflers, fuse block, and other unobtanium parts are here on this site. It just depends on what you need. Used parts are avilable on eBay and from salvage yards, requires more work and some patience but do-able. Sometimes folks on this list will have a parts bike (some have several!) and will be willing to fix you up with needed items.

I would get the bike home, buy a manual or rockjoc's CD (which has the manual on it) and start putting the bike back together yourself. Ask plenty of questions; the heart of this list is owners helping each other with technical information and techniques developed from first-hand experience. Be sure to go to the main page and read the various Tech Tips.

[srq68]

Hi, I was in your situation, mechanically enclined, changing alternators and water pumps on cars, but never a big project like a bike.
When I got my XS850, it was basically in pieces, top end off the engine, engine off the frame, things like that. Fortunately, the guy who had taken it appart had things in individual boxes and fairly organized, and the bike was complete.
I don't regret it one bit now, and like someone said above, the satisfaction of hearing your engine run, purr and roar is immense. Plus, I tore the bike down to the frame and rebuilt, so I know excatly how everything fits and works together, and I am confident that I can diagnose and fix any problem on the road.
Your biggest challenge is to make sure that you get all the parts back from the shop. Only you can do that.

"1979 XS1100 from your uncle's backyard: $258; replacement side covers and other parts on Ebay: $486, the assistance and knowledge you'll get from this site: priceless."

Good luck.

[Czekus21]

goodolboy,
As soon as the place opens up, I would be there with a pick up truck and insisting that my bike be returned to me now. Preferably in the same condition it was given. If not, get everything that you can see that looks like it goes to a motorcycle,
Whether or not it fits your bike, If it don't you can sell it on Ebay.
If it does, the better. Count your $$$$$ gone. you'll have to do your homework cauz just about everything your going to need to know to put this thing back together is in this forum, If it's not, Ask,and the answers will start commin in. There are ways to get back at dead beats but I really can't list them here, it would be unapropriate.
Your definetly going to need a manual. Clymers on Ebay $20.00 ,
But the Clymers manuals do have some discrepencies.
Lastly... Never pay for a sevice that has not been done. You'll get taken to the bank almost everytime.
Boy i wish that I was near you. That would make my day going in and "ASSISTING" you in recovering this bike.

[Winterhawk]

This is what I'm talking about. Most all other bike shops do not have the knowhow, knowledge and inventory to even work on these things. Not everybody posses the skills needed like Ken Talbot and other Guru's on this site. This is why I like Merriam Cycle . Some say a little pricy but they are located in the 3rd richest county in the USA. Other shops just can't cut the mustard when it comes to the XS1100's. Untill the other bike shop mechanics read and study this site. Learn from the real masters/owners on here they should stick to working on crotch rockets and Harley look alike cruisers.

[Winterhawk]

"1979 XS1100 from your uncle's backyard: $258; replacement side covers and other parts on Ebay: $486, the assistance and knowledge you'll get from this site: priceless."

I second that!!!!!!!! This site is the greatest.

[John]

I got zitz on my butt that are older than most of the punks wrenchin on bikes today.

[Geezer]

Originally posted by GoodoleBoy


I am in SW Washington, living just outside of the Battle Ground area. How about you?

I'm a few miles south of Portland. Let me know when you get it home and I'll schedule a ride up your direction.

Geezer

[graybird78]

i want my bike bike NOW

dud go get the bike back NOW. this happened to me once. shop came highly recommened . went to shop one day to check progress only to find parts missing .went home,went back next day with my truck and took my bike. me and owners had it out.make long story short I was a pain in their you know what. any peices missing i was at their shop looking for my stuff. we finanlly came to agreement.as far as putting your ride back together the people on this site are wonderful. the only dumb question asked here is the one not asked. very many knowledgable people here. lots of help.may take some time for answers, but they will come. we are all here to help each other. not to mention the feel of accomplishment and fullfillment that you did it yourself. so that said GO GET YOUR BIKE BACK!!!!!!!. let us know how it goes.we'll be here waiting to HELP YOU


graybird78
80sg