new to XS 1100's

[lti]

Hi I am up here in Spokane,WA.
Going to look a 78 XS 1100
other than the normal things any person looking at a vehicle would check out and from what i see the fuse box is a problem with them are their any common things i need to look for.
I am trading this guy ( if it works out ) a 77 Honda 550 Super Sport
for 2 XS 1100 one runs no problem needs tires he tells me
the other mostly complete parts bike.
I have right now a 84 FJ-1100 love that bike and a 74 Suzuki t-500. been mostly a yamaha person I hope to contribute a little here
IF it works out I will post up a few pics and what ever
ALso anyone here from spokane wa

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there LTI,

If you'll follow This Link you'll find a tech tip that'll tell you what to look for in a neglected XS11!

The XS11 isn't as fast as the FJ1100, ask John from Texas, his Swmbo rides one!

But it is a very nice, powerful, reliable and yet fun ride, and you'll probably enjoy it considerably!

The carbs are a common problem, but a good cleaning and synching will usually tame them. The pickup coils(specifically the wires to the coils) are prone to wear and breaking due to constant flexing under the timing cover. The TCI is easily repaired, and even replaced either with NOS or other alternatives.

The tranny is pretty tough, but wear on 2nd gear can cause it to want to slip out of engagement under throttle stress, and also 1st gear can suffer a similar fate, but this too, is fixable relatively cheaply!

The cam chain can stretch to beyond adjustment range of the tensioner, but this can also be fixed WITHOUT having to split the cases.

The charging system isn't very strong, the REG/RECT is known to fail, this too can be replaced with either OEM/NOS or a NEWLY redesigned and more robust one from one of our own, GEEZER!

The 78 is a Standard model, has the larger tank for longer cruising ranges before fillups, the petcocks can develop leaks due to wear of the rubber inner valve.

So...as you can see, IF you get it, there is plenty of info and help here to keep you on the road and running at peak performance!

[TopCatGr58]

PS,

You've got quite a few folks with lots of knowledge and skills up there in the PNW with you.

Follow this link in the Member's Forum to see who and where folks are closest to you, and you can add yourself as well!
T.C.

[yamarider]

I ALWAYS check for rust in the tank. I had one leak on the bottom seams from rust damage and never could get it to stop leaking even after four treatments with tank sealer.