need opinions on 79 xs11

[jimmal]

hello... I am new to this forum and was interested in anyones opinion/advice on an xs 11 that I will be looking at. I have heard that its an excellent bike. But, the one that I am looking at next week has 68k miles and needs a new starter switch too. They are asking 650 dollars for it. It has run and has been sitting for the last 5 months. Just curious to here anything about what to look for in terms of typical problems with the bike.

thanks in advance!!

Jim

[Rasputin]

Check out this page..http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=792

[dbeardslee]

There are two types of XS's - standards and specials. In general, standards are not for the vertically challenged - it's a long way from the seat to the ground. Specials seat you lower, and also have a more upright riding position. A 79 F is a standard, and SF is a special. The SF is one of the more rare configurations, and the first year the special was offered. I paid $650 for my F model, and it hadn't run in 3 years. I put another $2000-2500 and many hours of work into it, and finally got it where I want it. If you're looking at one that's running, complete, and doesn't have rust all over it, $650 sounds like a reasonable price.

And before I forget my manners, welcome to Ch11 .

[CatatonicBug]

Welcome aboard! The starter button is an easy fix. If the bike is in decent shape, see if you can haggle down a bit, but if you can't, $650 isn't a bad deal. Be prepared for some extra work before you actually ride, but it shouldn't take you long. I guarantee that the more time you spend on the bike, the more you'll love it!

Oh, and you can get a manual from the link in my signature, and be sure to real ALL the tech tips on this site before attempting ANY work on it.

[fredintoon]

hello... I am new to this forum and was interested in anyones opinion/advice on an xs 11 that I will be looking at. I have heard that its an excellent bike. But, the one that I am looking at next week has 68k miles and needs a new starter switch too. They are asking 650 dollars for it. It has run and has been sitting for the last 5 months. Just curious to here anything about what to look for in terms of typical problems with the bike.
thanks in advance!!
Jim

Hi Jim,
the XS11 is a top heavy beast of a machine that shifts like a Russian tractor. It will run forever, goes like smoke and you are going to love it.
BTW, $650 is more than fair. Some lucky bastards will boast they paid far less but I reckon I got a fair deal when I paid a grand for mine in pretty sorry cosmetic shape.

[brcree]

good price

Hey Jim, I agree with all, 650 is fine, I paid 300.00 for mine and it hasn't seen the road for 24 years! I need alot, and have been at it for a couples months now. I can't wait to fire it up for the first time! As I understand it, its a great ride!....so go for it man!

[jimmal]

Great feedback .. thanks!!

I am suppose to go next weekend with my mechanic/brother to check it out. It is definitely bigger and stronger than any bike that I have ridden before. So, I need to see how it feels. Currently, I ride a Honda cm 450 automatic and its very easy to ride. The xs 1100 ,which I believe is the standard model, has 95 horsepower and 68k miles. So, it will be a big change...



Thanks again,

There are lots of cool things on this site to read.

Jim

[dbeardslee]

If you take a test ride be careful with it - they love to go, but stopping - not so much. It would be wise to allow a little extra room up front until you get used to it. And be careful with that right wrist too. Aggressive throttle twisting on XS11's has been known to open space/time vortexes - at least that's what it feels like .

[benxs1100]

Mine sat for 8 years and all I did was change ALL the fluids and stick some new plugs/battery in it and it purred like a kitten. I love these bikes. So much fun to ride. Just hold on tight