just bought and oldy..

[Duaner]

hey there. I just picked up a 1981 midnight special 1100. it has been sitting for 15 yrs.. any suggestions for what I should do to try to get it running smooth again?

[John]

Yeah, ship it to me. I'll take it off your hands.

[bikerphil]

You could start with reading this link....

http://www.xs11.com/faqs/16-what-to-look-for-on-a-neglected-xs1100.html

[fredintoon]

hey there. I just picked up a 1981 midnight special 1100. it has been sitting for 15 yrs.. any suggestions for what I should do to try to get it running smooth again?

Hi Duaner and welcome,
the resurrection link that Bikerphil posted touches all the bases and it's a very good place to start.
Your bio says this is your very first bike.
So long as you realize that the XS11 is a top-heavy overpowered widow-maker and ride it really carefully you may survive to enjoy it's potential but fer Chrissake take a rider's course before you attempt to take it on the street.

[CatatonicBug]

Fred is right. I did the same thing - with the same bike even! The MSF course is a very helpful thing, especially when dealing with such a heavy bike. Get a manual (download from my signature) and post some pictures! Nice to see another MSN back on the road! Usually, you;ll need to tear the carbs apart and get them all nice and clean. That will usually get things running. After that, it all depends on your particular bike. Take a look at changing out the old glass fuses with a new fuse block (available from TC for $9 shipped) and make sure you change the oils (all 3 locations) and the fuel if there is any in there already. Good luck, and let us know how things progress.

[Duaner]

took the course boys, I have been riding for a while now. just always riding someone else's bike. Thanks for all the input. Can always use more help