New member, shall I bite?

[radagast]

Hey all. Been looking to get a motorcycle on the cheap to help save my family some money on fuel, or at least thats how I sold the idea to the wife. I came across this on e-bay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Started looking into the bike and found this forum, your passion for these bikes is awesome. Anyway does the bike look good? whats a good price? The seller doesn't have the title, does anyone have any advice concerning that? thanks for any help

[MrOzz]

Never, I mean never buy a bike with out a title!! The current owner should be able to get a title from your local RMV. Do not buy the bike until he has the title in hand. I would keep looking until you find one with a title. There are some title services out there that can supossedly get you one but your going to spend over $300.00 for the title. Not worth it in my oppinon

Other than that take a look at this thread on "What to look for on a neglected XS/XJ 1100" That will give you some ideas.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=792

You must be from CO? Great riding in the Grand Junctio area. I used to live close to there many years a go. Good luck in your search. Try your local craigs list. Thats where I got mine from.
Ozz

[dbeardslee]

Gotta agree with Ozz - let the current owner get the title. Different states have different requirements for lost titles, so let him deal with the headaches. Often times sellers aren't very motivated to go through the trouble of getting a title after they've got your money. That being said, it doesn't look bad for $500, but that's just looking at a picture. If you don't know a lot about bikes it's a good idea to take someone along who does. My $.02

[DiverRay]

Send a PM to motoman!! He LIVES in Grand Junction, and may know the bike! He could also help with any questions about titles, etc. Just don't tell him I sent you, as he may ride out here again and have a talk with me!
The bike looks OK, the tires are probably BAD because of age(3 to 4 years and toss!!). I would NOT bid over $550 IF you can't get a written statement saying a title WILL come with the bike.
If it doesn't happen, check craigs list. There will be more around this time of year.
Welcome to the site!

[madmax-im]

Radagast...Welcome to CH.11 Yes we are a passionate group when it comes to all things XS/XJ1100. IMO no title is a deal breaker and as others have said ,I would look elsewhere...
try this link for a search of ALL of Craigslist.Just type in Yamaha XS1100...good luck...I'm sure you will find what you are looking for
http://www.searchallcraigs.com/

[Larrym]

Winner's Curse

Flag on the play here: No title means that the guy selling the bike does not have the legal document which states that he is the sole legal owner without any Liens. Without that piece of paper he cannot release "interest" in the bike and transfer ownership. Makes me wonder whether or not he can legally even offer it for sale or if the "Bill of Sale" would worth the paper it was written on.

The "owner" put the cart before the horse on this one. He listed it on E-bay before getting his end of the deal taken care of and likely that type of behavior will likely continue after he has deposited the funds in his bank account.

I've been through at least 2 situations where I had to go through the heroics needed at the DOL to get a title for a vehicle/vessel. There will not be a third time.

Sadly, someone will win this bidding and therefore perpetuate the "Yes. You can get a title for a bike after the "seller" deposits the funds." With buyers who keep doing this, these shenanigans will never cease.

[CatatonicBug]

I would never tell someone NOT to get an XS, but the title thing is definitely a problem. Also, the XS1100 is not a beginner's bike. It was MY first bike, so it is doable, but it's definitley a handfull. These are VERY powerful bikes, so be sure to take the MSF course if you want to keep your skin on your body.

Also, these bikes are not known for their incredible fuel economy. Average is 30-40 MPG, compared to some of the other, newer bikes that get 60-80 mpg. However, the trade-off in power and fun is worth it IMHO.

[radagast]

I would never tell someone NOT to get an XS, but the title thing is definitely a problem. Also, the XS1100 is not a beginner's bike. It was MY first bike, so it is doable, but it's definitley a handfull. These are VERY powerful bikes, so be sure to take the MSF course if you want to keep your skin on your body.

Also, these bikes are not known for their incredible fuel economy. Average is 30-40 MPG, compared to some of the other, newer bikes that get 60-80 mpg. However, the trade-off in power and fun is worth it IMHO.

I have been riding for fifteen years off and on, I just have never gained an interest for the mechanical side of things. The MPG does seem a bit low for a bike , but compared to an 11 MPG dodge ram it seems pretty good.

Thank you everyone for your comments, please keep em commin.

[DGXSER]

Title can be a major PITA. The facts as they are laid out seems really wierd to me. Almost like this guy may have five finger discounted the bike.

I will say I walked away from a XS850 special because the guy did not have the title transfered over to his name, even though he had the title. He took the bike in payment of a debt and did not want to spend the money on the title work.

[xs11bobber]

I have been riding for fifteen years off and on, I just have never gained an interest for the mechanical side of things. The MPG does seem a bit low for a bike , but compared to an 11 MPG dodge ram it seems pretty good.

Thank you everyone for your comments, please keep em commin.

Funny... that's the exact same reason I bought my XS11. My dodge is using too many gallons to the mile.

I will say I walked away from a XS850 special because the guy did not have the title transfered over to his name, even though he had the title. He took the bike in payment of a debt and did not want to spend the money on the title work.

I just got my 2nd SF on these sort of terms. Haven't really straightened it out yet because it was last week, but the price was right... $400 and she's pretty.



...carbs were included and looked good to just missing a few pieces.

I'm sure you can find yourself a good/better deal somewheres else and have the paperwork straightened out. Keep shopping... it'll come

[redbone]

no title = possible stolen machine. let this one pass, your lookin at a loosin proposition either way.

[fredintoon]

Hey all. Been looking to get a motorcycle on the cheap to help save my family some money on fuel, or at least thats how I sold the idea to the wife. I came across this on e-bay http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Started looking into the bike and found this forum, your passion for these bikes is awesome. Anyway does the bike look good? whats a good price? The seller doesn't have the title, does anyone have any advice concerning that? thanks for any help

Hi Radagast and welcome,
saving gas? Yeah, right. My bike drinks like a Buick.
XS11SG & sidecar = 3.8 litre Le Sabre = 28mpg highway. (Admittedly the Buick is thirstier than the rig around town.)
However, to buy a bike for the good of your soul? Absolutely!
That one looks to be in good shape even with the odd ding and a round headlight but no title makes it a dodgy proposition.
Easy enough in Saskatchewan, so long as the serial number don't show on SGI's hot list any old bill of sale will do.
Registration may be a harder thing where that bike is at, though.

[foreda]

Stock

I should also say that the bike in the picture has been modified. The most obvious modification is the headlight. Looks like it has the round special headlight where it should have a square headlight. Don't know if you are looking for orginal or not. Also to me, not title, no sale. My $.02

[radagast]

I sent the seller an e-mail today asking for more info on the title situation, I told her that I called the DMV and asked if I could obtain such a title and was told I could not. At any rate she e-mailed back accusing me of lying, needless to say she will get no bid from me. Thank you all for your help.

[MrOzz]

I sent the seller an e-mail today asking for more info on the title situation, I told her that I called the DMV and asked if I could obtain such a title and was told I could not. At any rate she e-mailed back accusing me of lying, needless to say she will get no bid from me. Thank you all for your help.

Sorry that it went that way for you. Keep your eyes open. I am sure you will find a XS that will get for the right price with all the proper paperwork.