First Motorcycle, Need Advice

[Eastspur]

Hey guys, this is my first post and first motorcycle. I am really just looking for some advice. Here's the story. I noticed this really cool looking motorcycle sitting out in front of my apartment when I moved in. I've wanted a motorcycle for a while but never could afford it before now. I asked around because after seeing this bike just sitting there, never being ridden, I needed to find the owner. Well, turns out, it's been sitting there abandoned for several years. After talking to the local DMV and the owners of the apartment the bike is mine ...for free. Hey, can't beat that deal!

So the only experience I have with motorcycles is the 80cc Suzuki dirt bike I had when I was a kid. I'm sure I might some pretty dumb questions but here we go...

I called Yamaha and ran the VIN. It's a 79 XS1100 SF

First problem: No keys. How hard is this to get around? Can I just buy a new ignition and gas tank cap?

The steering is locked too so it's going to be hard to move, I'm not sure if it locks the transmission up as well but I can't seem to shift the bike. It's in gear and I can't figure out how to get it into neutral. But is this maybe something that I need a key for? The clutch is really hard to pull as well.

What else might be some things to check first?

I have been talking to a local motorcycle guy who is coming out to look at it tonight. I just want to educate myself as much as I can before I take his word for everything. I like working on things too so if I can do it myself I would rather go that route.

Here is a picture.

I guess my number 1 question is what would you guys look at in trying to decide if this bike is worth putting money into to fix up and get running?

[joceiphus]

Try shifting down a bunch then halfway up.

[cywelchjr]

If you get the number off the ignition, and take that down to the dealer with proof of ownership, they should be able to make/order a new key for you. That would really be a best way to go, it's a lot simpler that way. Otherwise you might be able to find a locksmith who can do the same thing, but they may cost more.

[DGXSER]

OK a few things, First of all "Arrest that man for grand theft!!!!" You got a he!! of a steal on that. It looks to be in better condition than alot of other bikes folks have paid good hard cash for!!

As to the keys issue, you have a few options. You can but the gas cap and the ignition switch from here, or you can take the ignition off and the gas cap off and take them to a lock smith who can make you a key for them. IF you find member "Catatonic Bug"'s member page or any of his post you can find his home page where he host the manuals to the bike which your going to need, not might need, WILL need.

As to the shifting part, nothing to do with the keys is affecting that. However, the brakes could well be locked up as well as the cables like the clutch cable and the throttle cable. So you could have a good piece of work to do to rebuild the brakes and loosen or replace the cables. If the rear wheel will not move or budge on inch due to locked up brakes, it may not shift up or down.

Now also have a look at this thread. IT will tell you alot of things to check out on the bike. IT is very common for these bikes to develop a shifting problem in 1st and or 2nd gear. And it is very common for people to consider the bike beyond repair when it happens. So that may be the issue with yours.

Now, since this is your first bike, do us all a favor, but mostly you a favor, go take the MSF safety course!! It is well worth the time, effort, and cost.

Beyond that, hope you get alot of years of joy and fun riding and working on this awesome machine!!

And BTW Cy, I'd like to find the Stealership...errr...Dealership that would be cheaper than a locksmith.

[trbig]

Maybe shifting and transmission problems is why it was parked. It doesn't matter for either though since both are a fairly cheap fix.


You might out where you live.. there may be people in your area that may be willing to come help. Normal fee is a meal and "Drink" of choice.

This bike is going to probably take a considerable amount of time. There will be some cost involved for new tires (Even if they LOOK good.. they're probably too old. You can look for the numbers stamped in them later) and a few other things. With all the time and money you'll have in the bike, the most you'll reasonably see out of that 32 year old bike is maybe $2500 if it's running well. If you're getting it for an investment.. being free, you'll probably get your money back you spend.. but consider your time a donation. Once you ride it.. you'll figure out why we all ride a bike that we'd lose money on selling.

In it's day, that and the '78 models were the baddest boys that had ever been made up to that point. Even today, they will outrun 90% of what's out there. They are a blast to ride, and people will walk past $30,000 bikes and walk over and look at yours. You'll hear from many people, "I remember those 11's and they were FAST". We also have many rallies around the country where you can meet up and ride with other XS11 owners.. and you'll find out this is one big family most of the time.

Catatonic Bug has manuals for downloading if you look his name up. DO NOT bother taking this bike to someone else to fix. You can do anything there is to do on it, and if you run into problems, you can pop on here at nearly any time of day and get your questions answered. Taking them to someone else generally just means you spend a lot of money and end up doing it RIGHT yourself anyway.

Congratulations on your find, and welcome to the XS11 forum.


Tod

P.S. And I apparently type slower than others..

[CatatonicBug]

Wow!! Cool deal!! That is definitley a nice looking bike! First, get a manual. Download one for free from the link in my signature. My XS was also my first bike, and in understand the excitement!

The ignition switch can, if done the right way, lock the steering column. However, it does not lock anything else. There are no other lockouts on this bike. You can start it with the sidestand down, and without it being in neutral.

There should be a helmet lock on the left side of the bike, just below the seat, to the rear of the left side cover. That lock is held on with a couple of bolts. If you remove that, there should be a number on it somewhere. Take that number to a motorcycle shop (or a locksmith) and they can usually use that number to make a new key. The ignition switch is the same, but it's harder to remove (still only 2 bolts though). Take the lock with you, to be sure the new key works before you pay for it.

There is a section on this site call the "Tech tips" (all the way at the top of the screen, under "XS11 Info"), and one of them outlines things to look for in a neglected bike. Read ALL the tech tips before you start to do anything to your new bike. You will thank me later if you do.

You'll need to clean the carbs, and most likely replace the tires and battery. Change the oils (engine, middle and final drive), lube the splines on the rear wheel while you have the rear tire off, and check ont he air filter and spark plugs. Also give it fresh gas before trying to start it.

Try rocking the bike forward and back to put pressure on the gears, then pull in on the clutch lever and try to shift. These things shift like a Russian tractor (to quote Fred ), so don't be aftraid to put some muscle into the shift lever. Neutral is a half-click up from 1st (all the way down).

Good luck, and keep us informed of your progress. We are here to help with any questions you have. Welcome to the forum!

[b.walker5]

Welcome aboard Eastspur. Good find. Listen to the guys, they know. The collective knowledge and wisdom on this site will outstrip anything any shop or general bike mechanic is likely to tell you.

These are a seriously powerful and Heavy bike so if you've only ridden an 80 before be very careful when you get it going. Take it for granted and it will bite you. Once it goes, you'll love it and immediately understand why this site exists. It's not just a collection of owners and enthusiasts, it's homage to one of the truly great Japanese motorcycles.

Is that side cover broken or just dislodged? and is the other side intact. The left one opens with a key, so dont try and force it off, you will break it and they are made of unobtainium. If it's already broken see this post for an idea on how to fix it.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showpost.p...43&postcount=9

[Eastspur]

Ok good news. I just went out and messed with it some more. I rocked it back and forth and tried shifting and after a few minutes everything loosened up and it shifts fine. I got in neutral and tested the brakes. They seem to be working fine as well. I pulled the ignition off, I will probably try to get a key made but all I have for "proof of ownership" right now is a signed paper saying the property that it was abandoned on has given it to me. I might just order a new ignition.

I'm definitely not trying to make any money off of it. I kind of just want a project and would love to have a motorcycle. Once I get it running and get the title I plan on taking the Motorcycle Safety Course and buying a decent helmet.

Just downloaded the service manuals and will be taking a look at those in the near future. I will keep you guys updated and read the threads you suggested.

I'm getting really excited about this

[fabricgator]

So that's where my other bike ended up...... I've been looking for her!

[Eastspur]

Welcome aboard Eastspur. Good find. Listen to the guys, they know. The collective knowledge and wisdom on this site will outstrip anything any shop or general bike mechanic is likely to tell you.

These are a seriously powerful and Heavy bike so if you've only ridden an 80 before be very careful when you get it going. Take it for granted and it will bite you. Once it goes, you'll love it and immediately understand why this site exists. It's not just a collection of owners and enthusiasts, it's homage to one of the truly great Japanese motorcycles.

Is that side cover broken or just dislodged? and is the other side intact. The left one opens with a key, so dont try and force it off, you will break it and they are made of unobtainium. If it's already broken see this post for an idea on how to fix it.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showpost.p...43&postcount=9

Both sides are being held on with bungee cord lol. I think the helmet lock is long gone as well. I will take some closer pictures for you guys to look at, give me 5 minutes.

[latexeses]

Welcome,
Looks like you have a pretty fair start on a good looking bike.

I'll bet everyone here who started with a "free" bike wished it looked that good!

Whatever side the country you live on there will be plenty of people around for help. I would make my first step downloading CatatonicBug's manuals.

I don't think there is anything that has happened to one of these bikes that someone on this forum hasn't fixed. Except maybe Ivans' frame.....

Rodger

[CatatonicBug]

Ok good news. I just went out and messed with it some more. I rocked it back and forth and tried shifting and after a few minutes everything loosened up and it shifts fine. I got in neutral and tested the brakes. They seem to be working fine as well. I pulled the ignition off, I will probably try to get a key made but all I have for "proof of ownership" right now is a signed paper saying the property that it was abandoned on has given it to me. I might just order a new ignition.

I'm definitely not trying to make any money off of it. I kind of just want a project and would love to have a motorcycle. Once I get it running and get the title I plan on taking the Motorcycle Safety Course and buying a decent helmet.

Just downloaded the service manuals and will be taking a look at those in the near future. I will keep you guys updated and read the threads you suggested.

I'm getting really excited about this

Don't worry about the proof of ownership. As long as you have the ignition switch in your hand, they won't question you (at least they didn't question me). I had to do the same thing for mine.

You won't be MAKING any money, but you'll sure find plenty of things to SPEND money on! I'm sure we can all attest to that. The MSF course is definitely the way to go. A good helmet can be bought for under $100 if you take your time and shop around. You don't need to spend a fortune to get decent protection.

[trbig]

OK.. Asking again... Where are you at?

I realize hesitancy to say these days, but nobody (Besides me of course ) wants to come try to take the bike. Like I said, there may be someone close that can stop by and take a look and help out. Not wanting your address.. just city/state.


Tod

[latexeses]

trbig,

Looks like wherever he is it is raining instead of snowing. My guess is he is on the west coast.

[Eastspur]

I'm in San Marcos TX, sorry I didn't see the question before.

I would definitely be down for buying drinks and dinner for anyone who wanted to come help me out with the bike.

Here are a few more pictures of the bike so you guys can get a better idea.

Thanks for all the advice btw, I did NOT expect this many replies, this makes me feel a lot better about trying this myself.












Here is someone's handy work with fiberglass and a metal strip on the back of one of the panels. The wiring also looks like a mess. I think I'll definitely need to go through and clean everything up after I get it running.