XS1100 Should I Buy It?

[Da-Bubble]

Hello All,

I am new to this forum. I am even new to the XS1100! I got a call from my Brother in law last night about a bike his buddy is selling. It's a '79 XS1100 Special. It's supposed to run good. I haven't seen or ridden it yet. He's only asking $600. Does this look like a decent bike?

[DiverRay]

With 35K miles, it should be good. Is it running now? and how does it shift! There are "Tech Tips" on the left about what to look for in a used XS.
The transmission is suspect, unless proven otherwise. That is the big weak spot with these bikes. The good news is it's fairly easy to fix. The trans can be worked on with the engine in the bike.
For $600, I'd buy it, or try to bring it down a little if the trans has problems with 2nd gear.
remember, it's used, so expect to spend a little on it just to make it "right" for you.
Ray

[trbig]

So you're in Oklahoma City huh? I think that would be way to much for you to pay for this bike. Your brother in law seems like a nice guy and I feel sorry for him. Just let me know where the bike is and I will go look at it on my way past the ATM machine! lol.
There are several people that come on here asking "Is this a good deal?" It looks decent from the pictures, and if it ran good, I would pay that for it. I see a sideplate over the fuse box gone, and the footpegs (And one highway peg?) on the left side need to be replaced. Do YOU think it's worth it?
This bike is 27 years old. The question is, are you going to be willing to turn a wrench on this bike to fix things, since very few mechanics will work on it (And none I would trust). Some people like to ride a classic bike, while others will turn their noses up at you since it's not a Harley. For 600 plus maybe 300 more for parts and tires (If it's running well) you will have a long-running classic that will blow by 80 or 90% of the bikes on the road today, and will still be running (With a little help and care) when those Harleys have vibrated themselves apart before the payments stopped.
Just my opinion, but this time of year, $600 for a running bike would be worth it. Honestly, if you decide not to do this, get in touch with me and let me know. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Tod

[50gary]

I paid $750.00 for mine and it didn't run. But it is a low milage bike at only 13,442 miles. You'll save that in gas in a couple of years and gain many smiles along the way.
Cheers, 50gary

[Da-Bubble]

Thanks for all the advice. I am still waiting to talk to the owner on the phone. I want to ask how long he's had it, if it burns oil, any repairs he's made, and thanks to you guys if it shifts into 2nd gear properly! So I've been into bikes my whole life (dad's a biker) but I've never exactly sought out a 1979 Yamaha XS1100. Why is there such a following? Is it a fast bike? Is it like the precurser to the V-Maxx or what?

[red bandit]

Yes, you should buy it and give it to me. I will remember you always.
First gear can slip also. Like they say, first/second gear fix is easy.
Yes they are fast. They SMOKE harley's. And a lot of others.

[yamarider]

Da-Bubble, I think six is too much for this bike. Here's why -- it is obvious this machine has been neglected by the amount of rust on it, more than likely from sitting outside. When this happens, the inside of the gas tank develops rust also and the only way to stop it is to treat the inside with a special process which requires removing the tank and a couple of days work. Be sure to inspect the tank inside and along the bottom rim. When the rust gets really bad, the bottom seal will start to leak fuel. I can also bet you will need front fork seals. Inspect the front forks for oil on the outsides, if there is any, the seals are gone and that will be at least a hundred-dollar job to fix. Most neglected bikes also need new brakes and spark plugs. And if this thing has been sitting for an extended period of time, all sorts of little things could be/go wrong. On a more positive note -- all years that the XS1100 was made, they were the fastest production bikes on the planet, and will still smoke a lot of machines when they are tuned correctly. And the engineers made these things with a very reliable ignition system. You may want to check your area for any cycle bone yards to see if they have any XS's in case you need any parts, like that missing side cover!!

[50gary]

The up side of re-doing many areas of an old bike is that when done to your satisfaction, then you are truely road ready. In other words you know it's right and don't have to take the dreaded PO's word for any of it.
Cheers, 50gary

[trbig]

it is obvious this machine has been neglected by the amount of rust on it

Yamarider, besides the headers, where is all the rust you are seeing? In the very first picture though, if you look close, it does look like there is some oil residue on the back side of that left fork. Still a pretty good looking bike if you ask me.
DA-Bubble, you may get some that say yes.. good price. Others will say too high. It all comes down to if YOU think it's worth it. To me... again, like I said... dang near any bike that is running this time of year, could get that price. Of course, we are kind of partial to this particular type!

Tod

[mro]

And the #1 answer is............ "this site"

Da-Bubble said

Why is there such a following? Is it a fast bike? Is it like the precurser to the V-Maxx or what?

IMHO
1) this site (Good people, good info)
2) relatively inexpensive for the style/power
3) reasonablely reliable
4) easy to service/repair
5) parts not to hard to come by
6) still running after I've been riding it



mro

[Da-Bubble]

I don't think it's that Rusty. Aside from the headers and a few screws. The headers need to be sanded and painted with some high temp black and I would probably take the tank off and flush it out anyway. I don't think it's been sitting. The guy rides it and says it runs good. We'll see....here I am defending it and I haven't even seen it yet!

OK so by searching this site I already know about the wimpy rear tire limitations. What's the deal with the giant seat? Is there a way to do a solo seat? Does the fender extend up under the seat or is it just that stubby thing out the back?

[LoserShoes]

Thats an aftermaket seat. To see what the stock seat looks like, take a look to the left and click on Pictures.

Being a '79 special, the seat can be found on Ebay, but the tubular grab rails are very hard to find.

Steve

[81XS1100-2006]

Da-Bubble
FYI here's a list of things I've had to do (and still have to do) to bring my XS back to life, it's all standard stuff, but it adds up: Time $$ & busted knuckles
(I wouldnt have it any other way)

Done
-removed original fiberglass saddlebags (sold on e-bay)
-disassembled/cleaned/rebuilt entire head stock
-inspected all wiring front to rear
-changed spark plugs
-changed ignition switch
-changed handlebars
-inspected/cleaned all h-bar controls
-new battery
-all over spit & polish
-bled front brakes
-changed front brake pads
-installed new speedo-cable
-installed new clutch cable
-new air filter
-checked TCI/Coils (replacements on hand)
-cleaned/rebuilt air-box
-removed/cleaned carbs
-Rebuild/tune/synch carbs
-Replaced Speedometer
-oil/filter change
-seafoamed carb-bowls & tank
-replace hoses


TO DO
-replace tires
-change rear brake pads
-paint tank
-install new fuse box
-install in line fuel filters
-pull/inspect/clean petcocks (while painting)
-install oil breather filter
-final really awesome clean & polish

[Da-Bubble]

Well I bought it! It starts right up first time every time, but it's got a back fire at low speed. Runs like a striped ape though when you rev it! The guy told me it was the low speed jet in carb #3. The blinkers don't work but the headlight and gauge lights do. When I hit the blinker button it makes a hissssss noise from the fuse box. Needs a good cleaning and a paint job. No problems with the gears! I haven't even begun to get into fixing it, just thought I'd give you guys the run down since you helped with my decision. You'll be hearing more from me I'm sure.

[dewibp]

The hissing noise sounds like a bad connection between the glass fuse and spring loaded contacts. The fuse box can and usually is a problem on these old bikes. I also forgot to mention make sure you have the right size fuse too so you don't toast any wiring. Memory getting bad but think it is a 10 or 15 amp? I believe Randy makes a fuse block assembly that you can install on your own. If/when you get the fuse block issue resolved and the blinkers don't work start cleaning up all the wire connectors and use a die electric grease on them to stop any corrosion. I would also check all ground connections on the blinkers. It is not uncommon for the connection to be rusty on them as well. I am refering to the electrical wire with the round grommet (washer) on the end. It must make good contact through the metal washers on the blinker mounting hardware. There are some postings or do a search on "blinkers" for help. Just keep posting your questions and these guys will get you the answers. I would also suggest buying a Clymers repair manual for reference. You can buy them all day on ebay for about $25. Good luck.