High Mileage xj1100

[cdawson]

I have a chance to buy a fixer-upper Xj11 Maxim (1982) with 58k miles. I rode it and it runs/shifts great but I am concerned with the mileage. The price is right ($500) but I dont want to buy/license it if its going to be a bust in a couple of months.

Any suggestions? Anyone got horror or success stories with high mileage 1100s? I appreciate all the help!

[trbig]

You may be comparing these bikes to others made in the early '80's. Most bikes made in this era were effectively wore out at 50k miles. There are many members with WELL over 100k on their bikes and still running strong. There are even some with over 200k! So the 58k should not deter you at all.

As with anything, if this bike has 50K+ miles and was run regularly at the race track... different story. Even with that said, you can rebuild these motors with a new bore and pistons for less than $1000 including head work. Where else are you going to get a good strong running bike that will go over 100k miles for $1500?? I think you will get many years of use out of it as-is though. There are a few things to look for since these bikes are the age they are... many have sat for extended periods. These can be found in the tech tips. Good luck, and I don't think you'll be sorry if you buy it.

There are several members in the K.C area.


Tod

[mro]

Have two 79SF's
Daily ride has 18,528 now and is a joy to ride.
Other has over 50,000 and runs just as good.


mro
BTW, if the current owner is not a member here...
would try to get it for a little less

[Bigfoot]

As Tod said, there are several of us here in the KC area. I am no GURU by any means but have managed to bring one XJ back from the grave and am now working on an XS. Be warned though, I have found that these bikes are an addiction. If it runs well I don't think $500 is a bad price to pay. If you do get it, let me know and I would gladly meet up with you, stare at bikes, go for a ride, whatever.

Oh, and welcome to the forum.

[Axel]

50k - just beginning

I was happy to pay $1000 for a ignored XJ last year . It had 36K kms on it . It now has 47k kms and going strong . It feels just broken in . Excellent ride

[Paintman]

How many Miles

My SF has 41000 now and my project that i drug out of teh mud has 19k but it will be torn down to nothing. like the otehr Guys have stated these engine are tough with proper care will outlast anything out thgere so good luck and just remember one is never enough
John