more XSiveness

[Pat Kelly]

Looks like I'll be aquiring another XS1100LG (Midnite Special).
42,xxx miles. Looks to be in XSellent shape with a few XSeptions.
-I was told it has a new(ish) battery but won't start, but did last month.
-Needs a tune-up, I'm guessing Seafoam for the carbs and some new plugs.
-Seat needs recovered.
Paint loks good as does most of the gold plating.
Seller is asking $500 for it, too good to pass up.

[Pat Kelly]

Rode the bike home after a bit of finessing to get it started. It definitely needs a new battery.
Mfgr date is 11/79 so I guess it's an LG?
Rear brake dosen't work. Front is probably ok but I'm spoiled with SS lines.
Tach dosen't work, stuck on 2,000 RPM running or not.
Has original fuse block and all the clips are tight. Found 2 black widows under the side cover (which has ½ the emblem missing).
Overall the bike looks really good. 45,xxx miles and looks to have been well maintained. It's just been sitting for a year or two.
Are the front turn signals supposed to be running lights too (like my standard)?
PO had some homemade cruising pegs and installed another set of turnsignals down there as running lites, looks a little strange but strange attracts attention.
I'll have to get it in good order and ride over the hill and visit Tkat and get a fork brace (hmmm, paint it black or gold?).
I may replace the buckhorn bars for a set of (black) dragbars.
Some spit and polish and elbow grease (and some $'s) and another XS will be saved.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Pat,

Congrats on the find and acquisition!!! I'm not sure, but I thought the MN's were still mainly Specials, and if so, their front turn signals were NOT running lights, and just checked Yamaha Online Parts Catalog, the LG only had the single filament flasher bulb, 27 watts!

Looks like you're going to have a "BLACK-n-Gold" Xmas.

Get TKAT to Gold Anodize that FB for ya!!!
T.C.

[Pat Kelly]

Since I've always converted my rear signals to running lamps too, this bike will get the trearment front and rear. I'll probably use LED's.

I rode it for the 1st time today:
-Tach does work, just reads from 1,800 - 2,100 RPM.
-It has the 85 MPH speedo. Looking around the house I found a 140 MPH speedo from an XS750 that will have it's innards transplanted to the MNS housing.
-The buckhorns will have to go.
-Handleing isn't as nice as my E. Progressive springs and a borkbrace (and new tires) are definitely in order.
-Lights are working intermittently. Fuse/holder are in good shape (even being original). I'll still go with the spade fuse conversion.

I'll have to ask Wed if the bike already has a name. If not it will be "The Black Widow", I've found 14 of them on the bike so far.
Looked in the gas tank, not a speck of rust. Right petcock leaked yesterday but not today (running out to turn them 'off').

[Dennyz]

If the Buck Horns are chrome, I am looking for a set for my SG.

[Pat Kelly]

The handlebars are black. This bike is in 99.9% original condition.
I'm going to change the bars for my use. The bike will be going to my son (now 13) when he turns 16 (grades and attitude permitting but so far that's not a problem but alot can happen in 3 years to a teen).
He likes the bars so they will be set aside untill then. I'm leaning toward drag bars (painted black) or something similar.
Any special advise for polishing the black parts on the bike, like the exhaust, bars, engine covers? I'm used to paint and chrome/polished aluminum. I don't want to rub through the powder coat/anodizing or whatever they used.

[dpotter58]

I have 1980 MS and love it. It gets lots of looks from folks where ever I go. That black and gold look is sweet. Of course, I am partial to Black and Gold since I am a STEELERS fan.

[rneal55555]

Don't mean to stick my nose in where it doesn't belong, BUT I'm not sure I'd put a 16 year old on an XS1100 by himself. My sons 19 and I told him last year 2 years on the XS650 and then maybe he can ride the Big One. I may let him ride it if we go on a ride together. I know he can get in plenty of trouble on the 650 but not nearly so much so quick. I bought the 650 for myself for the same reason after a 20+ years of no riding. Rode it a year and a half before I got XS1100 going. It was the right choice for me. Anyway that's just MHO.

[Pat Kelly]

Duely noted and appreciated.
I never said both coils would be hooked-up .
Seriously, I know an XS is an XSive bike for a new rider and I remember the shi.... stuff I did at 16 (and 17, 18, 19,....). He may start out on a Buell Blast or (hopefully) I'll get another enduro for him to use (me too).
3 years is a long time that will go by in the blink of an eye

[Robert Haller]

Originally posted by Pat Kelly
Progressive springs and a borkbrace (and new tires) are definitely in order.

Ah yes... the infamous borkbrace.

[John]

Originally posted by Pat Kelly
Duely noted and appreciated.
I never said both coils would be hooked-up .
Seriously, I know an XS is an XSive bike for a new rider and I remember the shi.... stuff I did at 16 (and 17, 18, 19,....). He may start out on a Buell Blast or (hopefully) I'll get another enduro for him to use (me too).
3 years is a long time that will go by in the blink of an eye

You can remember that far back? Hell, I can't remember what I had for breakfast this morning.

[Hobbit]

Memory

If it wasn't for flashbacks, I wouldn't have any memory at all!

[Pat Kelly]

I checked with the PO (a co-worker) about any previous names for the bike. He looked at me like he'd never heard of naming a vehicle before. He said there is no name for the bike.

Now there is. My 1980 XS1100LG is now "The Black Widow".
I'm sure there are others out there with that name and I'm not intending to step on any toes. This name just fits.

Considering the % that this bike is original, I am reticent to paint a red hourglass on the tank. I may go with a magnetic vinyl decal or an applique' on a tankbag.

[Pat Kelly]

I'm still cleaning the bike up (around all the "honey-do's") and I'm wanting to strip off the 25 years of wax off the bike.
I inquired with a auto detailer and they said to use 50/50 amonia and water but don't remove 'all' the wax.
I washed the tank, 1 side cover, and the front fender with the solution. I then used polishing compound and the result looks like a piano finish.
The detailer suggested NOT to polish in a circular motion but to follow the flow of the bike. This avoids the swirl pattern.
I'll next use a 'polish/cleaner' per the detailers advise followed by a good coat of quality wax.
From then on it'll be the amonia/water wash and fresh wax coat.

Looking at this bike is inspiring me to strip it down (remove engine, front end, and wiring) and really restore it. It's not in bad shape at all to begin with so this will be VERY detailed touch-up. I'm striving for a nearly show-bike quality (emphasis on nearly).

[bkr]

Memory

You can always count on hobbit to bring a smile to your day-week - month. Thanks hobbit . bkr