Just bought it

[figman]

New member here. Just picked up a 1978 XS 1100 bagger. 25k on her with new tires, has windjammer fairing and new battery. PO had carbs cleaned 6 months ago and ran very little. He thought the carbs were gummed up and negotiated a price of $1300.00 down from $1800.00 He started it and it ran only on 2 cylinders (1&2). It did start but would not idle or run without choke. I unloaded it at home started her up and I noticed the petcocks were turned to the on position. I turned them to reserve and all four immediately kicked in and bike idled great. Put some gas in her and ran her about 5 miles and she runs and shifts great. I am going to clean her up and post some pictures later and then started going through the bike and check everything out. I always liked the XS 11's but really liked the 1978 since that was the year I graduated. I will be on here from time to time bother you guys for advice.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Figman,

Congrats on your new acquisition and great find!! Perfect timing, check out this thread for some memoribilia you might want to acquire to go with your new machine! http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19133&page=6

Next, check out the vacuum lines going to the petcocks, they crack and such, and IF they are not sucking, then they won't open the petcock valves, and no gas will flow. Prime is the other position to get fuel flowing without the need for vacuum action from the intake ports, the hoses go to the synch ports on the intake boots of 1 and 4. The vacuum advance hose from the left engine cover goes to the #2 carb body metal port. SeaFoam is great to run in the gastank to help keep the carbs clean and gum free!!

[figman]

Hey Figman,

Congrats on your new acquisition and great find!! Perfect timing, check out this thread for some memoribilia you might want to acquire to go with your new machine! http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19133&page=6

Next, check out the vacuum lines going to the petcocks, they crack and such, and IF they are not sucking, then they won't open the petcock valves, and no gas will flow. Prime is the other position to get fuel flowing without the need for vacuum action from the intake ports, the hoses go to the synch ports on the intake boots of 1 and 4. The vacuum advance hose from the left engine cover goes to the #2 carb body metal port. SeaFoam is great to run in the gastank to help keep the carbs clean and gum free!!

All new gas lines and vacuum lines with 2 in line fuel filters. Believe it or not the bike was almost empty and just needed to be turned to reserve. I use seafoam regularly and agree it is a good product. The tank shows some rust inside so it looks like a will take it to a radiator shop or seal it myself. Carb boots are cracked but I do not think they are cracked completely through but will have them replaced soon. Thanks for your advice.

[thewiz]

Right on, F'man, good score !!

Can't wait to see the pics ...

I'm planning to relocate to Wilksboro in about a month .... good to know some other XSers in the area. NC is the heart of Harley country though ... beautiful state ... I'll be glad to get there.

[tarzan]

Welcome to the forum Figman.
Sounds like you got a great deal.Its funny ,youd think as old as these bikes are that there wouldnt be many left,but it seems like theres a few new owners every month.You came to the right place for info and to meet some great people.
Good luck with your new bike.
Rick

[TopCatGr58]

Sealing the tank may be more hassle and $$ than worth it. Just a small amount can be cleaned with some loose nuts/bolts and cleaner sloshed around...don't use CHAIN, it'll get caught around the overflow drain tube that runs thru the tank....just ask Fredintoon! Also, there's a float/fuel sender unit, again chain could damage it or get caught. Once you get it cleaned, and keep fuel in it, it won't rust much anymore, and you are running inline fuel filters to catch small pieces before they get to the carbs. Radiator shop could cause damage to the external paint job!!

Depending on your wallet status, you also probably don't need to replace the intake boots. There are threads about reconditioning them with several techniques, like plastidip rubber coating, takes many layers to fill in. OR black RTV generously applied to outside. Or superlarge heat shrink wrap. Or rubber repair tape from Lowes. You can get a new set for $100 on Ebay, Partsnmore.com, usually come with gaskets which were not used until the XJ1100.
T.C.

[figman]

Can't wait to see the pics ...

I'm planning to relocate to Wilksboro in about a month .... good to know some other XSers in the area. NC is the heart of Harley country though ... beautiful state ... I'll be glad to get there.

Welcome to NC. I am about 1.5 hrs from Wilkesboro. I have been here since 1993 and have met many nice folks.

[figman]

Sealing the tank may be more hassle and $$ than worth it. Just a small amount can be cleaned with some loose nuts/bolts and cleaner sloshed around...don't use CHAIN, it'll get caught around the overflow drain tube that runs thru the tank....just ask Fredintoon! Also, there's a float/fuel sender unit, again chain could damage it or get caught. Once you get it cleaned, and keep fuel in it, it won't rust much anymore, and you are running inline fuel filters to catch small pieces before they get to the carbs. Radiator shop could cause damage to the external paint job!!

Depending on your wallet status, you also probably don't need to replace the intake boots. There are threads about reconditioning them with several techniques, like plastidip rubber coating, takes many layers to fill in. OR black RTV generously applied to outside. Or superlarge heat shrink wrap. Or rubber repair tape from Lowes. You can get a new set for $100 on Ebay, Partsnmore.com, usually come with gaskets which were not used until the XJ1100.
T.C.

Thanks for the tips TC. A $ saved is a $ earned.

[figman]

Welcome to the forum Figman.
Sounds like you got a great deal.Its funny ,youd think as old as these bikes are that there wouldnt be many left,but it seems like theres a few new owners every month.You came to the right place for info and to meet some great people.
Good luck with your new bike.
Rick

Thanks tarzan. I have been trying to get this bike for 3 months and finally my timing was right.

[fredintoon]

- - - ..don't use CHAIN, it'll get caught around the overflow drain tube that runs thru the tank....just ask Fredintoon! Also, there's a float/fuel sender unit, again chain could damage it or get caught. - - -

Hi Figman & welcome,
yeah, on sober second thought, I could have left the chain in there rather than wrecking that tank getting it out and then having to find yet another Standard tank. A lesson there in not doing things when you are angry. And even if you are using a fistful of nuts & bolts to knock the rust out of your tank, still take the fuel gauge sender out and use a blanking plate on the hole before making like a maracca player. Nuts and bolts large enough and shaken vigorously enough to knock the rust out could also damage the sender's float and float arm.