hello

[eric11]

well here it goes i purchased a xs1100 special last summer my first bike it got me through the summer now i need to replace the rings ang gaskets if anyone may have a suggestion or secrets let me know thanks alot

[The Lorax]

Welcome! First, Get a service manual, a truly invaluable source of information. Second, read everything you can find here on the site as it also is a truly invaluable source of information. Third, don't hesitate to ask the "dumb" questions as more likely than not they aren't. and last, enjoy the beast, they are a boatload of fun. have a nice day and ride safe

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Eric,

Welcome and congrats on your find! Now why do you think you need to replace the RINGS?? Have you done a compression test, properly, all plugs removed after engine warmed up, strong battery...possibly even a car battery jumpered to it, gas off but throttle WIDE OPEN, test left to right, 1-4 and write down values, then add a teaspoon of oil to each cylinder, rotate engine a few times SLOWLY to spead oil around, then repeat test and record values again.

IF values are way low, like below 100, but come up some with the oil, then yep, the rings are possibly shot. But if values don't rise with the oil, then possibly could be valves. Stock Comps are 142 +/- 14psi at sea level.

Which gaskets? IF you needed to do the rings/valves, then of course a head gasket, and there is a COMPLETE kit you can get from Partsnmore.com for ~$80.00....the OEM Head Gasket costs that much from Yamaha!!

But if you're just talking the side cover gaskets, you can get roll material and make your own. The valve cover gasket is a bit more tricky, it alone is about $10.00 at PNM, might as well replace the Half Moon rubber gaskets on the right side while you have the valve cover off!

Tell us more about your bike, how many miles, symptoms that lead you to think you need new rings, etc.! These machines are quite durable, and can often go 100K miles. Could be IF you think it lacks power that you need to do some tweeking and tuning to get the most out of it!
T.C.