XS1100E sitting since 1983!

[usmcsatcom]

I recently got an XS1100E from a friend that has let it sit since 1983! my question is what do I need to do in order to get it running again and is there anything in particular I need to be aware of new grease or gear oil perhaps?

It only has 8,700 miles and has cleaned up nicely. I found the rubber between the carbs and the cylinders cracked. Other than that the damage seems mostly cosmedic. Could I just get some gas, change the oil, and crank her up?

Any help is appreciated!!

[John]

Here ya go

Read this: http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...=&threadid=792

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Don,

If you'll go to the MISC forum by scrolling down from the MAIN FORUM PAGE, not just the left hand column links, you'll find a thread about what to look for in a neglected XS11, and it will tell you all sorts of things to check, clean, replace, etc. to get it road worthy. It's not going to be a TURNKEY procedure, it's 30 years old and will need plenty of attention to specific areas!!!

Also, if you haven't tried to start it yet, then it's recommended to put an ounce or so of MMO into each cylinder thru the spark plug holes and let it sit a day. Then put a wrench onto the square nut type fitting on the crank under the left timing cover...engine rotates clockwise when looking at the left side, and see if you can rotate the engine.

You've got a lot of cleaning to do first, not cosmetic but functional, there are 3 different oil chambers, main, middle drive, and final drive that should be drained, and refilled.

Also, the brakes, they may also need to be disassembled, cleaned and then refilled and bled.

NEXT, due to the inherent and inevitable corrosion that will occur, you should PULL APART EVERY electrical connector, inspect, clean with contact cleaner, and apply dielectric grease and reconnect, this includes the ones behind the FUSE PANEL, inside the headlight bucket. The fuse panel is another area of concern.

The carbs will be the next big issue, and WILL NEED TO BE removed, disassembled, cleaned, and reinstalled. Carb and electrical gremlins are the 2 main ones that plague most new acquisitions!

PLEASE take the time to read thru ALL of the tech tips, damage can be done to the bike IF you try to perform something without doing it the proper way...ie. cam chain tensioner adjustment!!
Congrats on a rare find. Welcome, and please post photos!

[MaximPhil]

You are in good hands now. After you have read the tech tips and start to bring her back to life be sure to twell the gurus what you have done and with what result. New Battery and tires for sure.
Welcome to XS11.com we look forward to hearing how you are getting along. Fill in where you are located help may be closer than you think.
Maxim phil

[CarolynS]

Profile

Definitely!!
Where are you, how old are you, etc.
You are in the right place. There is so much here and it helps if everyone at least knows the general area you're in, etc.

[usmcsatcom]

I havent figured out how to edit the profile but, I am 24 (it has been sitting my whole life) and live in San Diego California. Also, I'm trying to figure out how to post the pics I took. Thanks for all the prompt and detailed responses.

[GARTHXS]

hello from pacific beach

If you need some extra parts let me know
im in the (858)

[MotoMartin]

Hi, from your user name it sounds like you may be at Camp Pendleton, or Mira Mar. I'm in Oceanside. It sounds like we have the same bike. I may be of some assistance if you get stuck. The carb holders being cracked is typical and mainly cosmetic, they are double walled.