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Hi, all. I saw a 1978 XS11 and brought it home much to the consternation of my children. The last time I rode was when I was 6-months pregnant with my eldest child, who is now a lovely 26 years old. But, the last bike I owned was a 78 XS, so when I saw this one for sale, I went and got it. PO said the carbs had been cleaned and synced and when he started it, it sounded fine. He did mention that it would "only run" in the prime mode, dying out if petcock was put "on." I brought it home, put on my courage (as well as my boots, gloves and brain bucket), told my kids to shut up, and took it down the drive out onto the road, and off I went for 52 miles, round trip.
Yeh, I know, this was stupid and I have to admit to more than a modicum of anxiety when I first put it into gear and slipped the clutch, especially since my center of gravity has lowered significantly since I last rode. I am signed up for a MSF refresher course starting tomorrow. The guy was nice enough to put me at the top of the "wait" list when he discovered that I was stupid enough to be riding. But, back in the day, when I rode, I REALLY rode and was one of the first women certified to teach motorcycle safety by MSF and Honda.
But, being a female and, in those days, not too hard to look at, there were always GUYS who would wrench my bike for me. Now that I am old, I have to do my own or pay some tattooed guy to do it. Sigh.
So, here is the problem and yes I think I had searched and read just about everything on this forum: the number 2 exhaust is cold. I did the "spit" thing and it just sat there while the other three sizzled away. The gas milage was about what I get in my cocoon, so it is clearly not running right. There is no gas in the oil, and no odor of gas. There is a small pin-hole in this same exhaust leaking what appears to be an oily residue, slight, but there. The PO did modify the pipes into a 4-to-1 (ugly and needs replaced). I have not pulled the spark plugs, although I do know what a spark plug is. I have no fear of getting out my wrenches, just not enough certainty about what to do first. I did buy the manual, and have read it through.
If there is someone out there that lives reasonably close to me that would be willing to "talk" me through this, and who has the patience to try to figure out what I mean when I say the "thingy," kinda like "that big shiny aluminum thingy on the side," please PM me! I spoke with several "yamaha repair" guys who had no idea what the oil gauge tool that checks the shaft drives oil was (I was trying to order one), so I have little confidence in them.
I do appreciate any help, suggestions and idea's and look forward to hearing from anyone!
Cam
Yeh, I know, this was stupid and I have to admit to more than a modicum of anxiety when I first put it into gear and slipped the clutch, especially since my center of gravity has lowered significantly since I last rode. I am signed up for a MSF refresher course starting tomorrow. The guy was nice enough to put me at the top of the "wait" list when he discovered that I was stupid enough to be riding. But, back in the day, when I rode, I REALLY rode and was one of the first women certified to teach motorcycle safety by MSF and Honda.
But, being a female and, in those days, not too hard to look at, there were always GUYS who would wrench my bike for me. Now that I am old, I have to do my own or pay some tattooed guy to do it. Sigh.
So, here is the problem and yes I think I had searched and read just about everything on this forum: the number 2 exhaust is cold. I did the "spit" thing and it just sat there while the other three sizzled away. The gas milage was about what I get in my cocoon, so it is clearly not running right. There is no gas in the oil, and no odor of gas. There is a small pin-hole in this same exhaust leaking what appears to be an oily residue, slight, but there. The PO did modify the pipes into a 4-to-1 (ugly and needs replaced). I have not pulled the spark plugs, although I do know what a spark plug is. I have no fear of getting out my wrenches, just not enough certainty about what to do first. I did buy the manual, and have read it through.
If there is someone out there that lives reasonably close to me that would be willing to "talk" me through this, and who has the patience to try to figure out what I mean when I say the "thingy," kinda like "that big shiny aluminum thingy on the side," please PM me! I spoke with several "yamaha repair" guys who had no idea what the oil gauge tool that checks the shaft drives oil was (I was trying to order one), so I have little confidence in them.
I do appreciate any help, suggestions and idea's and look forward to hearing from anyone!
Cam
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