New Member in SoCal

[Dadswheels]

Hello All,

I am a new member located in SoCal. Born and raised here but it's not the same state anymore as when I was a kid... many, many changes over 60 years...

I inherited a 1979 XS1100 Special from my dad. I actually rode this bike when it was new, back when I was in my twenties. It has about 5000 original miles on it.

My dad had it in his garage and it has not been run in about 18 years but is in pristine condition, at least on the outside.

I imagine the carburetors, tank, and fuel lines are completely gummed up and need to be removed, cleaned and reassembled. I have no experience with this, but I know engines and have all the tools, etc.

If anyone can offer any guidance as to how to start diving into this project, I would greatly appreciate it. If there is anyone in SoCal that might be a willing sounding board, that would also be welcome!

Thanks very much in advance...

PS - will post photos soon...

[bikerphil]

Welcome aboard, check this link "What to look for on a neglected XS"

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=792

[Radioguylogs]

When I revive a bike that has been sitting a long time, I prefer to take it apart, and go over everything to make it reliable and looking good again. That way I don't have disassemble things again and risk more cosmetic damage.

I like to start at the back.
I remove the rear wheel and the swingarm.
I usually just clean and reuse the swingarm bearings.
I replace the bearings in the rear wheel and mount and balance a fresh tire. Note: the left wheel bearings takes some effort to find. I search for P/N NA-5904
I disassemble the rear brake caliper and rear master cylinder....clean and reuse the parts. I usually buy new brake pads.

I remove the front wheel and and replace the bearings and and mount/balance a new tire.
I replace the steering bearings.
I rebuild the front forks and replace the seals.
I disassemble the brake calipers and the master cylinder. I reuse the caliper parts, but most times I need a master cylinder rebuild kit. I buy new brake pads.

I always pull the valve cover check/adjust the valve clearances if you don't know when it was done last.

Of course the carbs should be disassembled and cleaned.

I make sure the gas tank is clean and de-rusted. Petcocks should be disassembled and cleaned. Rebuild kits are usually necessary.

Many folks upgrade the brake lines while reviving the bike. I haven't done it yet, but it's certainly advisable.

I always clean every connector with Deoxit and a brush made to clean paint guns. The kill switch on the handle bar usually needs to be cleaned.

The fusebox usually needs attention, perhaps an upgrade.

I usually remove and polish all the aluminum covers and front forks while I am performing the service in the relates areas.

I don't mess with the clutch unless it has a problem- sometime it does have a problem and it needs new friction plates and springs.

I usually have the exhaust off while going over everything. I'm not sure if all the maintenance could be done with the exhaust on.
__________________

Anyway, I hope this post provides some idea how to approach whatever level of service you decide to perform.

[Socer4m]

hi dadswheels,,,if you are anywhere around north county san diego, I am here and can be a local help, I have had a bunch of xs11's,,,,since its such low miles, hope the gas tank was empty upon storage,,,,if so, do a quick checkout
1. hook up a good battery, or buy one
2. put in a inline fuel filter in each gas line,,,cheap ones are fine, the visible ones are good
3, look inside gas tank, see if its rusty,,,if not fill it up with fresh gas
4. turn petcock to prime, if its not leaking that is a good sign
5. spray some instant start in the carb intake,,,,need to remove the seat
6. pray to the motorcycle gods and try to start it, if it fires up, let it warm up and see how it runs,,,,if decent then you are good to go for the journey of getting the bike back to glory. Check back after doing this, dont ride yet until its safe, and then we can give you the best plan to get dads bike back to glory....

the carbs are the biggest problem with these bikes but you could be lucky and they wouldnt gum up if no gas was left in them..keep us informed........Mike in San Diego

[DiverRay]

With only 5K miles, I would plan on replacing the clutch springs, using Barnett springs ONLY. I would NOT try starting if it has been sitting for 18 years!! Follow what Radioguylogs has posted. Yeah, it will take longer, but in the end you will be riding for quite a while without any problems. I did some work on a 1978 that looked like it just came out of a crate, and it did need carb work to run properly. The owner at the time was just going to flip it, as it had about 1500 miles on it.

[Dadswheels]

Wow, thanks all very much for your detailed and thoughtful answers!! Really, very much appreciated, and a great introduction to a great group.

I will digest all of this and make a plan.

Mike in San Diego, I will send you a PM. I think we may be near the same location.

Thanks again All for this very welcome introduction to the forum...

[LAB3]

There's a lot here to consider but Socer4m has the best advice, see if you have a viable bike first then go from there. There's a couple of different directions you can go from there depending on how the bike is going to be used.

If you're just gonna play around locally and have access to a pickup or trailer to get you home "just in case" then the minimum is all you really need to do.

If on the other hand you're on the road full time like I am then going through a comprehensive list of checking EVERYTHING is a good plan! Remember, 40+ yr old rubber isn't going to be as flexible as it was when new. Taking things apart to inspect and grease things up isn't expensive and you'll know your bike inside and out should you run into trouble down the line.

[Schming]

When I revive a bike that has been sitting a long time, I prefer to take it apart, and go over everything to make it reliable and looking good again. That way I don't have disassemble things again and risk more cosmetic damage.

I like to start at the back.
I remove the rear wheel and the swingarm.
I usually just clean and reuse the swingarm bearings.
I replace the bearings in the rear wheel and mount and balance a fresh tire. Note: the left wheel bearings takes some effort to find. I search for P/N NA-5904
I disassemble the rear brake caliper and rear master cylinder....clean and reuse the parts. I usually buy new brake pads.

I remove the front wheel and and replace the bearings and and mount/balance a new tire.
I replace the steering bearings.
I rebuild the front forks and replace the seals.
I disassemble the brake calipers and the master cylinder. I reuse the caliper parts, but most times I need a master cylinder rebuild kit. I buy new brake pads.

I always pull the valve cover check/adjust the valve clearances if you don't know when it was done last.

Of course the carbs should be disassembled and cleaned.

I make sure the gas tank is clean and de-rusted. Petcocks should be disassembled and cleaned. Rebuild kits are usually necessary.

Many folks upgrade the brake lines while reviving the bike. I haven't done it yet, but it's certainly advisable.

I always clean every connector with Deoxit and a brush made to clean paint guns. The kill switch on the handle bar usually needs to be cleaned.

The fusebox usually needs attention, perhaps an upgrade.

I usually remove and polish all the aluminum covers and front forks while I am performing the service in the relates areas.

I don't mess with the clutch unless it has a problem- sometime it does have a problem and it needs new friction plates and springs.

I usually have the exhaust off while going over everything. I'm not sure if all the maintenance could be done with the exhaust on.
__________________

Anyway, I hope this post provides some idea how to approach whatever level of service you decide to perform.

EXACTLY !!! Just one thing to add to Mike's great advice is to post a pic or three and welcome to the sickness