10 years in storage

[drj9000]

Hi everybody, I used to be on this forum many yearrs ago and still have my 79 xs11 special stored in a garage for the past 10 years. I did some work to it before I parked it (new exhaust sytem, new tires, rear shocks, braided brake lines, new paint, etc) and was wondering if it's worth bringing it back to life or just part it out.

I wanted to give it to my son as I just recently purchased a new Honda ST1300 for myself. I really don't want to give him something he can't get parts for or is no longer safe.

The bike has about 80k kilometers on it and always ran strong.

Thanks,

Dave Jardine

[trbig]

Bring it back!! Between Ebay and the people here, there's enough parts and knowledge to keep it on the road for many years to come! It will just take some time, elbow grease and a few bucks (For things like new tires... even if they look good, the rubber won't be after 10 years). You might post on your info of where you are located. There may be some members in your area that could help you go through things.

One thing I will caution you on is that I hope this won't be your son's first bike. It's do-able, but these bikes are pretty big and strong for a first timer. They are pretty fast and surprisingly nimble for a 600+ pound bike... but they are NOT a crotch rocket and won't handle like one if he gets in a tight spot.

Also... Just wondering. With a last name like that... could you get us all a good price on some new pipes?? lol. Welcome back.

Tod

[drj9000]

Thanks for the info, I'm in Calgary, Canada. Yes it would be his first bike but he is 31 YO now and a big boy. I remember when I first got it in 84 that it was a little intimidating at first but after a while I could flick it around like it wieghed 200lbs.

Too bad about the tires tho, 400 bucks worth of Metzelers wasted.

[cajun31]

How was it stored

If you could be a little more specific on what all you did before letting it sit up. What I mean is things like did you remove the battery, drain the carbs etc.... If not the chore may be a little more involved but still doable.

[HobbyMan]

definitaly restore it. can't say much more than that.

[drj9000]

Before I parked it I drained all the gas from carbs and tank, removed the battery, and changed the oil and filter. Looking at it a little closer today I noticed a leaking fork seal and some brake fluid leaking on one front caliper.

Can you still get rebuild kits for the brakes?

[79XS11F]

YES .. another Canuck ... Restore her to her former glory. Their a lot rarer up here.
Rob

[Ken Talbot]

Dave, you should be able to bring it back to life fairly easy. If you feel over your head when it comes time for a carb sync and color-tune, throw it in the back of a truck and bring it over to Revelstoke one weekend. We'll put you up in the guest bedroom, introduce you to the local micro-brewery, and send you back with an XS running the way it was meant to.