Picked up #4 , an 80 XS11 Special

[rpgoerlich]

It had been listed on Craigslist over a year ago and showed up again last week.

"This motorcycle was brand new (only 771 mi. on it) when
the rail car that it was being transported in derailed. Engine is free and runs. Have two sets of Carbs for it (they'll need to be rebuilt)"

He shoulda killed the dog that chewed on the seat, side covers and pegs.
Fairings, bags and trunk didn't make it...
So for $300, a short drive and it's in the garage until fall.
BTW, looking for bars, headlight, signals, special tank and '80 side covers.

[ManagerMike]

Well, it isn't brand new anymore....But for 300 clams it has potential.
As you are probably already aware, you will invest more into it than you can sell it for once you have a ridable result. Parts can be found both here and on the rest of the net and it can be ressurected. All you need is time and money. Good luck, and if you think you've gotten in over your head, I could use another project bike........

[rpgoerlich]

Installed a spare set of rebuilt carbs I had on the shelf on it this week. A battery along with jumping out the main fuse and all the ignition wires the dog chewed up... and it popped right off. Idled fine, a slight pop every now and then on 3 or 4. Gonna change the oil/filter this weekend.

Since it was in a derailed railcar, the rear tail is bent just in front of the crossbar in front of the shock mounts. Must have been from whatever smashing into the bags and trunk that were on it. Any Ideas on how to straighten it?

[jmnjrpa]

Heat

I hate to tell anyone to heat a frame but that is the only way to straighten it without possible cracking.
Bet on that side the muffler support and possibly shock support are bent also.

[rpgoerlich]

Took a few measurements from center line. At the cross-brace its right at 3/8" off which is visible in the pic from the rear just to the left of the TCI.

I totally agree with not using heat. I'm thinking I 'll have to rig it someway to get a good tug on it at that point.

[Rasputin]

Personally I would find a donor bike from somewhere and change out the frame. I just do not trust bent or straightened frames. I have a 78E frame just sitting here from a parts bike. If you were close enough I would just want shipping for it. Of course that is not the fame you need, but it makes my point. I am sure that there are more than a few people like me with parts bikes who have used up the parts they needed or sold them on ebay and have a frame around. I would see what may be available before spending much time fixing that one.
Jmnjrpa knows his stuff about metal working and if he is recommending heat...not just bending it back... I think I would be considering it. Anyway you decide I wish you best of luck with your project.

[brcree]

Project

Hey Lich....I have a special tank here, will need to be repainted. A few very small dings. Name plates, petcocks (that are jam up) no gas cap though. Slight rust inside. Email me if interested. brcree3030@charter.net

[cywelchjr]

I've got an 80 special frame sitting in my garage taking up space. Looks straight and in good condition. I'm keeping the engine out of it, but if you can use the frame I'll let it go for shipping cost.

[planedick]

Fyi

Shipping large parts can be a challenge, but the best is Greyhound for large parts and they are swift too. Got a fairing from Florida in two days.... Cost was $28. and change...