Just got my first bike and I have a question

[chrizjen]

I was told when I bought this that I would need to clean the carbs, regular tune up, empty and clean the gas tank and do an oil change. With the help of the manual I think I can probably do that. Only problem is that there is one more thing that I must do..... trouble shoot the starting circuitry. How will I know if the other things that I do are right if that doesnt work to begin with?

Oh, BTW its a 79 xs1100 special... I am also wanting to know where to get a good seat. The one mine has is all ripped but does not appear to be the kind that I see in pictures.... Are some of these seats interchangeable? I know that these are probably stupid questions but I really want to learn.
Jennifer

[DavesXS]

Welcome Jennifer,

There is an abundance of helpful gurus in here. There will be plenty of responses with a wealth of information. But since its Friday night it might be slow.
Not only are you a new bike owner, but a new female bike owner willing to dive into cleaning a set of carbs. Bravo Get a clymers manual first thing.
There are different seats available, stock, and custom made. Google and ebay will be your best friend. While waiting for more responses here look in ebay under xs1100 and see if theres any thing you need. Theres mikesxs too for some new parts. His site is for 650's but he has a lot that is compatible.
You can goto tech tips and read through them too to get familiar with things.

Dave

[Bigfoot]

No, no stupid questions here, only stupid answers. Lol. just joking. Welcome to the forum and the XS world.

You are on the right path. Once you have spark on all four cylinders and clean the tank then do the carbs.

If you post a pic of the bike I imagine someone would be able to identify the seat for you. You can always have your seat re-covered as well.

[thewiz]

An 'SF' ...

which also shows it's a 79 Special, unfortunately, has a seat all by itself. Only thing close is an 80G, which is wider at the tank side and doesn't match the side cover profile, IIRC.

Again, Andreas is the man, but post the request on the 'Parts Wanted' section of this site. I have also seen successful requests for spares in the Member's Lounge. Good luck and welcome.

[BobE]

Hi Jennifer,

I am also new to the XS way of life, but not to motorcycling, having had many liter-plus bikes over my 35 years of riding. I cannot give you much advice mechanically as I am just learning my 80G, but, when you get your rig up and running, beeee careful! Above 3000 rpm it goes like a bat outta hell! These are very fast motorcycles and can be deceiving! They are great bikes and very forgiving, but they have a LOT of power on tap that can get you in trouble in a hurry!

You stated this is your first bike, so that's why I am advising this. I'd hate to hear that you hurt yourself!

[SteveK]

Didja think about re-upholstering the seat?

As far as the seat goes. I took mine to Dr Vinyl. $150 later and it looks FANTASTIC. They did a helluva job.

[edavi394]

Hi, welcome to the forums congrats on the bike. I am sure you wont have any probs getting answers on here.

[chrizjen]

Thank you all very much for being so positive. As I said I don't know much about repairing it yet but I plan to go balls to the wall with it as soon as my manual gets here!

[edavi394]

lol "balls to the wall " sorry had a Joe Dirt flash back for a sec I love that movie (hope i am not the only one) Joe dirt was a exact duplicate of a guy I know

[newc4]

Seat cover

If you seat is in good shape aside from a ripped cover, Travelcade skins can be had on ebay for about $30. Strip off the old seat cover and install the new one, its pretty easy. If you go this route be sure you get the skin for a 79SF.

Darrell

[mro]

Seat covers...
These guys seem to have pleased several people on the forum here with quality/appearance for the XSes.

http://www.motorcycleseatcovers.com/

clean the carbs
trouble shoot the starting circuitry

While there be tech tips on the left side of the screen there be newer ones one the main page which you will see as you scroll down. Reading thru these will enable you to pose questions here in a way you may get better answers to problems not clearly defined in the tech tips

79 xs1100 special....
Nice bike, my daily ride is one


mro
BTW
Welcome to XS Land
Have any pics of your special???

[olebiker]

I have an 80 special and I find the seat to hard on my ole butt. It is like new (must be a recover) so I have not yet replaced it. But if it fits a 79 and I don't know if it does I would sell it fairly cheap and buy a new Saddlemen seat. Do not spend 150.00 recovering it as a new Saddleman is only 123.00. If you want this seat send me a PM and I can send you some pics. It is also helpful if you add a general location so we can know who you are close to. And welcome to the forum.

Carl

[Tusler]

The Seat Answer

Check JC Whitney, they have a seat kit if your pan is ok and I think they sell an entire king/queen setup. Otherwise there are a lot of seats on ebay always.

[thewiz]

Carl ...

'SG' seat is way different .... would need to change the grab rail, fender and tail light config .... don't believe it'll match the side cover profile either. I bet someone here will have an SF seat if hers can't be re-upholstered ....

If there is enough foam left on the seat to re cover it, MRO's link to B&H is excellent. Mine went on easily and looks pretty damn good.

[olebiker]

Thanks wiz I had no idea that the seat changed that much from year to year.