First Motorcycle, Need Advice

[DGXSER]

Every XS11 I have ever come across has the fork lock built into the ignition switch. Turn the key right from off to run, push down and turn it left to lcok the forks, go a little further left and you get to push start it when you return cause the rear brake light turns on to drain your battery.

NEver seen one with a seperate fork lock on the side like Pete shows.

[SFerinTEXAS]

My xj has the side lock.

[Eastspur]

The fork unlocked when I took the ignition off. I don't see a code anywhere on it though. There is no helmet lock. I just have the gas tank cap and ignition. Any ideas about finding the code for the keys?

I have plans to be in town next weekend. I am not near as good as some of the guys and gals on here but can answer some of your questions. Want me to stop by just hollar. I will show you how to fix that cover also but you can find the fix on here. If you are mechanically minded you will find this bike is mostly easy to work on. PM me.

Thanks for the offer. You are more than welcome to stop by and help me out. Not sure how much I will be trying to do next weekend though. I am going to take the advice of trying to get the title first before I do anything serious. That's first thing Monday. Having someone with more experience take a look at the bike would definitely be worth a few beers.

[Mr.Bill]

The fork unlocked when I took the ignition off. I don't see a code anywhere on it though. There is no helmet lock. I just have the gas tank cap and ignition. Any ideas about finding the code for the keys?
.

There should be a 4 digit code right on the face of the switch were the key is inserted.

[trbig]

I've seen some with that number on the face, on some with it on the bottom of the switch... and some with no numbers. What you could do is what C-Bug suggested. Take that helmet lock on the left side off and see if it has the numbers on it. If so, take it and your ignition switch and have him make a key for the helmet lock... and see if it fits the ignition. HOPEFULLY it will fit the tank also.

Worst case scenario... you can buy another switch with the key for @ $25.. but you'd still need to get a key made for the tank. UNLESS.. you had the locksmith just change the tumblers in the tank lock to work with your new key.


Tod

[Eastspur]

Since there is no helmet lock on the bike, I am guessing I will need to buy the new ignition and gas cap. Not a big deal. Good insurance for when the original owner sees how nice his old bike is after I fix it up

[trbig]

Well.. just take the ignition in and see if they can make a key just by looking at the tumblers. I bet he could.. then take that key and see if it will open the tank.

I've never heard of anyone checking a registration for keying an ignition?? I guess it makes sense.. just never had to do that or heard of it


Tod

[DGXSER]

BTW, the key for the tank lock is somewhat extranious. Reality is, if you push down on the gas cap slightly and push in on the locking plate, it will unlock the cap.

Does your sidecover on the left side stil have its lock? That is one more place the same key usually fits.

[crazy steve]

Does your sidecover on the left side still have its lock? That is one more place the same key usually fits.

That lock is useless for cutting a key (at least mine would be) as the key doesn't go all the way in. From what I've seen, any Yamaha key that fits the slot will work...

'78E original owner

[DiverRay]

Most Specials have a number on the fuel cap lock. It's a 4 digit number, so no big deal finding it. The same number SHOULD be on the side cover lock, and STAMPED ( in ink) on the BOTTOM of the ignition switch. Once you fnd the number, take it AND the ignition to a locksmith, and $35 later you have about 3 new keys.
Welcome to the XS11 board of insanity!!

[Eastspur]

Thought I would post an update. I took the advice of getting the title and sent off the paperwork yesterday. I ordered a new ignition along with some new levers to meet the 35 dollar min (they were bent anyways). The handlebars were bent pretty good also so I went ahead and ordered some new ones as well. Bikemaster European style Chrome for $21.00 . I think it will look pretty sexy.

I pulled the plugs and they look really good. No rust or corrosion. I also ordered a new fusebox and connectors from TC here on the forums.

Anyone know what kind of wire I should buy to do some re-wiring?

I got the gas cap open with a screwdriver. It smells like gas inside which I take is a good sign? There is some rust in there and I will probably buy the kit to clean that up and coat it. I think the seal on the cap is useless due to rot. Maybe I can find a large O-ring or seal that will work as a replacement.

If all goes well, I am going to take a look at the carbs and change all the oils this weekend. I will get a new battery after I put the new fusebox and ignition on. Maybe try to crank her within the next month .

[CatatonicBug]

The gas cap seals are still available. If you took the existing ignition switch to the locksmith, they could make a key for you. It costs more that way, but it is entirely possible. Of course, since you bought one already, you'll now have a nice, new switch with no corrosion in it.

New wire should be stranded, 12-16 guage (IIRC), depending on what you're re-wiring. You might want to get a few different colors so you can visually separate circuits.

[CatatonicBug]

The gas cap seals are still available.

Boats.net has 'em for $15.20. Part number 2M0-24641-00-00

[Eastspur]

Boats.net has 'em for $15.20. Part number 2M0-24641-00-00

I think would be more inclined to buy a new cap than spend 15 bucks on a seal. That way I could have a key, new seal, and nice new chrome.

[DGXSER]

Here is a thread on gas cap seal replacement. Much cheaper than $15. Not proven as to fuel proof seal though, but mine has seen gas in the tank and other stuff like acetone and held up to it.