New Guy: Should probably say hi....

[Lucien Harpress]

I've been wandering around these forums for a day or two now, and even posted a question or two, but I figure it's only polite to introduce myself proper.

Hi- my (real) name is Mike Glinski, I'm 21, and I'm just getting into motorcycling. Literally- up until a week or two ago, nobody in my family had any real experience with motorcycles at all- until I brought this guy home.









She's a 1980 XS1100 Standard. Got her for a (hopefully) pretty good deal at $600. It runs (although there might be issues- more about that later) and looks to be in pretty good condition.

I figure this summer is a great time get my license and get a bit of riding in. I've already signed up for a motorcycle safety course this July, and I figure I can use the time until then to get my bike up to road-worthy standards.

As you can see, I still need a headlight and blinkers for it, along with some new gas and oil. Work has stalled for a bit due to a frozen, stripped oil filter plug, but I'm hoping that no major problems rear their ugly heads, and my work consists mainly of getting her out of the mothballed-state she's been in the last couple years.

I figure if problems DO pop up, either my dad, my brothers, or you guys can help me out. Just be warned- I know next to nothing about bikes right now, so I may occasionally need you to clarify some specifics. Thanks in advance!

[dbeardslee]

I know next to nothing about bikes right now

Mike - Welcome to the XSive world. Nobody else knew anything about them either, till they learned. This is the place for that. Good luck with it - I'm sure we'll be hearing from you.

[DGXSER]

Welcome!!

Welcome to XS11 Mike!! I'd say you got a good deal on the bike for that price. The fairing and bags would fetch a good piece fo that price themselves. And it runs!!

I have found no other place on the net that has the level of knowledge you will find here or the level of friendliness and willingness to share and educate the ignorant. There are some true gurus here (I am not one of them really, despite that heading on my name). There are very few things that can go wrong with one fo these machines that someone here has not seen or experienced themselves and will walk you through the fix step by step if necessary. Speaking of that, do not overlook the tech tips!! ALOT of the typical issues that come up are covered there with incredible picture guided procedures!!

If we have not already pointed you to it, review the FAQ article on "what to look for in a neglected XS". It will give you alot of things to check over and maintenance items to perform to make sure your bike is ready for the road.

Great to here you are taking the MSF course. This is quite the haus of a bike for a first time rider!! They have ALOT of power and can very easily get away from you. So please take it very easy until you get more time in the saddle and learn how she behaves. I'd hate to find out you learned how to splat on your XS11!!

[cywelchjr]

Since you have the fairing mount still on there I would consider picking up a new fairing for it (ok, new to you, it would be used). You should be able to get one for a good price and then mounting it should be super easy. Any Vetter Windjammer model would probably drop right on it.

[CatatonicBug]

Since you have the fairing mount still on there I would consider picking up a new fairing for it (ok, new to you, it would be used). You should be able to get one for a good price and then mounting it should be super easy. Any Vetter Windjammer model would probably drop right on it.

That pic is what he ended up with AFTER he removed the fairing (see his other thread). He mentioned that he wanted to replace the fairing with a real headlight. I do kinda like te floorboards though!

[tw1980]

Hey Mike, looks like you did well on your purchase and welcome to channel 11.If this is your first bike I'd like to give you the same advise I gave my nephew.These are very powerful,fast and heavy bikes,and MUST be treated with a lot of respect.Please use caution and take a riding coarse.Ride safe. Terry

[fredintoon]

Hi Mike & welcome,
$600 and it runs? You did good, congratulations.
From the photos; about the bike:- heel'n'toe shifter, footboards & seat are aftermarket. Should you care? Only if you hate the footboards & shifter and if that double bucket don't fit your arse. Andreas Weiss is the list's in-house first stop to replace the missing square headlight and signals. Or, as has been posted, you could look for a used fairing instead.
About the rider's course, good thinking. Be aware that the bikes the course will use are little poppers suitable for newbies. The XS11 ain't one of those.

[CatatonicBug]

About the rider's course, good thinking. Be aware that the bikes the course will use are little poppers suitable for newbies. The XS11 ain't one of those.

I agree. I took the course after about 800 miles of XS riding (my first bike experience too). The tiny honda 250s at the class were like riding kiddie toys. I am glad I took the course though. Learining the true meaning of countersteering as well as manuevering in tight spaces has helped in real-life situations several times in just a few weeks after taking the course.

[oseaghdha]

I saw that one on Craigslist and was tempted.
Good luck and read everything.

[Lucien Harpress]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. When I was looking for bike, I'll admit I was looking more at price than any particular size of bike. I saw this one for the price that it was offered at, and it was honestly the best deal I'd seen. So, I went for it!

When I saw the thing in person, though, I was really surprised. This thing is a tank! (And I haven't even ridden it yet... ) I'm very comfortable not riding it until after the safety course. Not only do I not want to kill myself, it would also be a shame dumping my "new" bike early!

As for the overall "look" I would like- sorta on the bottom list of priorities right now. I like the touring aspect of several features- the floorboards, the side bags, a rack (that's not installed now, but could be should I take any longer trips), even the larger seat. However, I loathe the way front fairings make a bike look, so that was lost early.

Of course, having never ridden the bike with this stuff on (or off) it, my feelings might change!

[XJOK2PLAY]

"Of course, having never ridden the bike with this stuff on (or off) it, my feelings might change!"
First, welcome to the forum!!
Probably what you'll discover is just build it up a step at a time, and make it suit your needs, depending on how you'll use it. Around town, or only short trips, especially in warm weather, a full fairing can be a drag. Naked bikes are great for those situations. However, on long trips, in northern climates, or torrential rain or wind, fairings can be a real lifesaver!!!
Fairings w/ lowers are wonderful for the cold or heavy rain to keep your legs dry and warm. Once you've ridden a while with a fairing, you can begin to appreciate one enough ya just don't mind what it looks like. It just works!! LOL! For what it's worth, my initial price for my '82 XJ1100 was $1800, and even though it had some problems in the beginning, it was still worth every penny and a good deal. So yeah... pricewise, ya did good!
Looks like the PO may have pulled a trailer? And the turndown tailpipes remind me of a Goldwing. These bikes can be modified all sorts of ways to fit your personal taste. Just make it yours, and be XSessive! Ride safe!
Regards,
Bob

[BlackD1114]

Hi Mike,
I see you're in Adrian Mi. I'm not far from you here in Toledo, Oh. When I bought my XS it needed just about every typical fix to get it on the road. I still have a short list of things to do to my XS before it's road ready, but if you need a hand with anything shoot me a PM and I'll give you my number. I have access to lifts and a wealth of tools besides having been through every nook and cranny of my own XS11.

Good find by the way. I picked up '81 MNS for $600 but it wasn't running at all.

[Fix]

I'll tell you what, the PO had a plexifairing 3 for my '78 standard. Wasn't on the bike when I picked it up due to being cracked and repaired on the lower right, but I tried it out today. I won't ride without one now. I get plenty of air across the top of my brain bucket, and the highway ride is so much nicer.

[ZombieRob]

nice bike i wish i woulda got mine for that price. i picked up mine for 1600 the only issues i've had have been that i need to synch the carbs i wish mine woulda come with the bags though. good find. i've ridden mine about a hundred miles since i got it two weeks ago and being a new rider myself. '79xs1100 "lucy" being my first bike also, everything these guys have said has been wonderful and very very true and helpful. good luck and safe riding.