My First Xs1100

[VMAX]

I just got my first XS1100 this past weekend and have a few (rookie) questions please:

Where does the kick start lever get stored?

I have seen some Xs's with the plastic tail piece behind the seat and some without --- mine has the tail piece. Is this stock?

My bike only has 8,200 miles on it, but wonder if there is anything I should look for as far as maintenance goes?

I plan to get a shop manual ASAP. Thanks for the help.

Doug

[randy]

Doug,

Welcome to the show.

Kickstart lever is stored under the battery compartment. look just above the oil fill cap, should be a wingnut there. loosen it and you'll find the lever (if it's still there).

Tail piece - is stock on the standard models, special models didn't have them.

Maintenance - do a search here for specific items, or go to the MAINTENANCE tab in the FORUMS page.

[osmosis4b]

Welcome Doug, As a newbie myself, this site will become a frequent browser in your near future. (and your bible from time to time) Thet are really fun bikes. Has it been sitting a while or recently revived? Tell us more...

[VMAX]

My bike had sat for quite some time, but was revived by the 2nd owner, then I bought it. It seems to run goodl/strong, but I may need to sync the carbs.

My other rides:

2005 Yamaha VMax
1999 Honda Valkyrie Interstate
1959 BMW R26
1958 Parilla 98cc Phantom (still in restoration)

Doug

[edgo]

So if it your first, that means you'll be getting more?

Ed

[VMAX]

If I come across another XS1100, I'd probably get it, but it seems that whenever I find an interesting bike, it's located a 1,000+ miles away. I live in between Atlanta and Birmingham and one would think with the warm weather down here that there would be plenty of old bikes. I think that there are more good deals on vintage bikes in Michigan, Ohio, and New York than down here.

But, as I am soon to retire and as a hobby, I'll always have some older bike to work on.

Doug

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Vmax,

Well, you've got about 4.5 months to get it into shape, before the VJMC rally hosted by Rob Reil of motorcyclecarbs.com. It's held in Suches, Ga. around the 2nd weekend of Oct. IF you can't get your 11 running by then, just bring the Vmax! Lots of Xsives show up for this even though it's for ALL vintage Jap Bikes, like Yamaha 650 twins, triples and such! YOu can check out the RALLIES section Southeast to find info on it!
T.C.