Thinking of buying an 1981 XS1100 h model.

[NolanTA]

The pics look like the bike is in good shape, and the person reports it's rideable, although the middle two cylinders are not getting compression for some reason or the other.

Does $250 sound like a fair deal for that bike? The seat looks good, the bike is complete as far as I can tell... but if the block is cracked, or the head gasket is blown, are repairs too costly to make this a good bike?

Thanks.

Nolan

[Jerry]

Much depends on your mechanical skill or ability to learn. Entire engines can be swapped in for less than the cost of rebuilding a damaged engine if you are willing to do the work.

As many of us have found, looks can be deceptive. If a bike has been out of service for a while, other items will need attention, such as carb clean/rebuilds, battery, tires, fuse block, air filters, and general fluid changing/routine maintenance (adjust head bearings for example). Things that can't be seen include inside condition of the gas tank; evidence of rust is not good. Does the bike have a clear title? Paperwork can also be a problem if there are title questions.

If the problem is only in the engine, $250.00 may not be a bad price, although others have found free or low cost parts bikes, these deals are not very common. You would have to inspect the bike rather than just look at pictures to really know. Have not checked recently, but a few days ago there was a complete XJ engine on eBay for around $200.00 plus shipping.....and an XS for $500 - $600 total investment is a very good deal!

[Ken Talbot]

I'm guessing the middle two cylinders are actually just not firing, and that points to a fairly simple pick-up coil wire repair. It would be pretty unusual for there to be no compression on two cylinders, assuming it has sparkplugs. Worst case scenario is you pick it up for $250, part it out and get $50 for the seat, $35 for each sidecover, $80 for the blackbox, and $50 for the tank and you have your money back. Then I'll take the rest off your hands for nothing if you can deliver it to Canada...

[NolanTA]

Here's all the inforamtion she's given me, and the pics, maybe you cans can push me further in the right direction:

I have a Yamaha XS1100. It has 54,000 miles on it. I bought it 6 mos. ago for $500 put on a new clutch cable, throttle cable, headlight, blinkers, brakes, and air filter. Also, I changed the fork oil, motor oil, and the middle and final gear oils. Cleaned the carbs. Needless to say my efforts were not enough. The 1st and 2nd cylinders are not getting compression. It needs a head seal. If you know how to fix it and are interested. I am selling it for $250 with title.

The bike is an 1981, a tall one. The bike is clean-few typical rock dings in paint on tank. When I bought it I removed the ferring and bags, which lightened the load and looks much better. It is a great bike but I have to move and am no bike mech. I do not have any pics right now but by the weekend I should have some. You can see what the bike looks like at the Yamaha website if you look under parts. The only difference the two nonfunctioning cyl. makes is an inconsistant jerk in accelleration. You can tell which ones do not have compression because the pipes on that side do not heat up as quickly as they should. The wires are carring spark and plugs are getting spark, I hooked a timing light up to it. Let me know if you are interested. If you would like to come see, hear, and ride it you are welcomed.
Model H-sorry we all have our days. Not inspected but am 5 min from Yamaha Central location. My phone is 972-671-8793.

No, the bike is not inspected. Did you read the new reply. Anyhow, it is an H model-sorry I was not thinking on the first reply. Yes, the bike is rideable but I would like for you to go around the block for your own comfort. Let me know

[mitch]

Looks good!

But looks can be decieving, I would still bet it needs the wires on the pick ups fixed , from what i read! Wish it was closer i would buy it for parts for that kind of money ..........MITCH

[xssiveone]

If cyl. 1 & 2 aren't fireing, it's quite possible that they are not getting fuel. They don't mention doing a compresson test on it, and the odds of BOTH cyl's losing compression at the same time is pretty slim. I would jump on it, chances are good it's a fairly simple fuel supply problem.

[scoobes]

very cheap xs?

stop scratching your head and buy the damn thing,for $250 or£156,you would pay at least £500 for the same bike over here in the UK,what ever that would be in $ i wonder how much it would cost to get it to the uk ?

[NolanTA]

I did buy it. It is rideable, but a little rough, but seems to be in good shape. I'm going to have a mechanic give the cylinder problem a look, and we'll see how it goes from there.