New XS 1100 Owner, Should I or Shouldn't I

[SlimJim]

I recently aguired a 1980 XS 1100 G that needs work. It runs great and is mostly a cosmetic fix. However I'm gettting alot a advice against restoring this bike. I feel that it is worth it. I'm looking for honest opinions. I plan on doing as much of the work myself as I can. I have never done anything like this, but look forward to the process. I'm hoping to have alot of fun and also learn alot. Tell me what you think.

[Smash]

Advised against a restoration why? Because it's high mileage? Because it has extensive cosmetic damage? What are your concerns and hopes for the bike? Congratulations on the purchase!

[jetmechmarty]

I was given a XS650 with 6K miles on it. It had been stored in a basement for 15 years. My daughter and I are restoring it together. I'll have less than $2500 when it's done. I'm sure that's more than the bike is worth, but I'm not doing it to sell. The time spent with my daughter is priceless! It's going to be a nice bike.

You can buy a new Sportster for less than $8K, or maybe a new Moto Guzzi V7 for about the same. Once you ride them, their value is gone. Your restoration can easily cost more than your bike is worth, but is that really a problem? If you have a standard, your brakes can be upgraded. Your suspension can be upgraded. You'll spend some money, but you can have a pretty nice bike to ride when you're done, and you shouldn't be making payments, so long as you don't buy parts with a credit card.

[11Rider]

I say go for it - that's what I'm doing and it's a load of fun!

[crazy steve]

I recently aguired a 1980 XS 1100 G that needs work. It runs great and is mostly a cosmetic fix. However I'm gettting a lot a advice against restoring this bike...

If you're doing this as an 'investment', forget it; as Marty said, you'll have more in it than it will likely ever be worth. As far as 'restoring' it, define 'restore'; if your talking about 'like-new, as-it-came-off-the-showroom-floor', yeah, that can get very expensive what with new chrome, paint, and those NOS goodies you need for a 100% restore.

But if you have a reasonably complete and decent running bike, improving it's cosmetic appearance needn't break the bank as long as you don't expect perfection. It would probably be cheaper to just buy a nicer example, but the satisfaction of 'doing it yourself' (and learning in the process) is something you can't buy...

[DGXSER]

Here is a thread on a recent rebuild I did, I hesitate to call it a restoration because I did not go all out to factory new or go completely stock.

Project Banshee

I enjoyed most of the work and honestly would do it again for the right starting price.

[GAXS1100SH]

Just say Yes!!

Bring another one of these beast back from the dead and enjoy the Hell out of it.
Parts are always available on Fleabay and on this site so that would not be an issue.
These bike are very easy to work on, and with Alot of Elbow greese, you can have a bike to be proud of.
Pictures would also be appreciated.

[ManagerMike]

Restore it and make it your own. I wish I had some pics of my bike when I first acquired it, the transformation is something I will be proud of forever. Of course in my case 'restore' meant taking a free 'barn troll' and making a daily rider out of it, and making it look good. If any of us here xs11 owners had large bank accounts and/or deep pockets, we would more likely be riding bikes that are somewhat less than three decades old, (no offense to the wealthy pure hobbyists)

[CatatonicBug]

Whoever told you not to restore it has never ridden one! As mentioned, it's no investment, except for the smiles and pride you'll gain from doing it yourself. I guarantee that you will fall in love with your new XS more with every hour you spend working on it. If you run into snags, ask here, and there will be someone with an answer.

[bikerphil]

Fix her up, ride her and have a blast.

[mro]

Hi SlimJim,
welcome to channel 11
A few pics of your G would be cool what ever condition it's in.
My first XS was a G

mro

[SlimJim]

Here are some pics

http://s590.photobucket.com/home/96sporty

Thanks for all the responses and here are some pics.

[CatatonicBug]

http://s590.photobucket.com/home/96sporty

Thanks for all the responses and here are some pics.

Here they are:







Very nice! At least it's complete, and you have all the parts! A little cleaning and tuning is all it really needs!

[foreda]

Restore

You have a lot to work with there. If it were mine, I'd restore. You will not be sorry.

[dpotter58]

Slim, you are starting with a whole lot more than plenty of guys on here did. Restore it and ride it like you stole it