Restoration

[valhallan]

I read the post under misc. tips for what to look for in a used bike, and what to work on before starting it up the first time, but i have some questions still. Background: the bike was left at a shop for an estimate on restoration, it was running when it was dropped off. that was 3 years ago. it has not been started since then. its a '79 XS1100SF. it LOOKS good other then rust. surprisingly all the fuel lines and cables are flexible, not dry rotted, although the brake, throttle and clutch cables are seized up.
looking over that listing on the post, i see everything i need to do (or at least start with) but, is there a BEST order to start with? obviously change/replace all fluids, but after that, then what? should i try starting it at that point or what? i want to be as economical as possible, but i'm willing to pay what i have to for this neglected beauty. i'm also stuck with a great desire to get her on the road ASAP, and at the same time wanting to get everything perfect first. With winter coming i'm resigned to not riding her until spring if neccasary, but it would really boost the incentive to work on it if i could just here her run once!

[randy]

valhallan,

I subscribe to that old adage:

"You can have it fast & cheap, but it won't be good."
"You can have it good & fast, but it won't be cheap."
"You can have it good & cheap, but it won't be fast."

Take your time and you'll save time in the end by not having to do things twice. And you won't have to fix things every time you ride. If you're really looking to restore it, do it all at once over the winter. Mine took 7 months. Take a look at what's possible:

Randy's XS page

I doubt that yours is in this sorry condition! So maybe it'll take you 4 or 5 months, but it will be worth it. Good luck and don't stop asking questions!

[81xsproject]

As far as STARTING the bike you should probably at least drain the carb bowls and blast everything with some carb cleaner. I would also install some inline fuel filters. If you have already drained and changed all the fluids, I would let'er rip. I feel your pain, I had mine for like 6 months before I got to hear/ride Roketto. You will be thoroughly impressed, and instantly addicted!

[valhallan]

already addicted!

thats the problem! lol. i have an '81 400 special now, and while its a great small bike and fun to ride, all it did was through fuel on the need for more!

[Pat Kelly]

My E sat outside, unused, for 20 years. I was prepared to bail on the project if any significant snags popped-up during the following checks.

-I used the kick start lever to be sure the engine turned(after removing sparkplugs and oiling cylinders). It did
-I changed the oil.
-Then I bought a battery (no need is engine seized)
-Cranked starter.
-Checked for spark.
-Used ether (starting fluid) to see if engine would attempt to start (it did).
-Then moved on to fuel system. Replaced petcocks and rebuilt carbs, all new hoses.
-Started bike.

When I found it would run and go through all gears (on centerstand). I then rebuilt the brakes. That done I started riding it. No need to waste money on brakes if the bike wouldn't even run.
Much more work has come since but that was my priority list in the beginning.
Yours was kept in better conditions and for a shorter time so your list should be shorter.