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Probably A Stupid Question, But I'm Gonna Ask It Anyway
Is there any way to estimate the miles on an engine? If so, I imagine it would have to be disassembled to make an accurate assesment. Mine had just over 26,000 on the odometer when I bought it, but I have a hard time believing that it hasn't turned over at least once. If they are original miles, then the previous owners have not taken very good care of her.
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XS1100SG - Obsession
Like I told my last wife, I says, "Honey, I never drive faster than I can see. Besides that, it's all in the reflexes."
-- Jack Burton -
Do a compression check after a valve adjustment and it should give you an idea of the engine condition. My MNS had 21K when I bought it 2.5 years ago. It had been parked for many years, then someone tried to make it look good, and got it running well.
If you have less than 5% difference between readings, you should have a good engine. Just remember you need the throttle wide open to do a proper compression check.Ray Matteis
KE6NHG
XS1100 E '78 (winter project)
XS1100 SF Bob Jones worked on it! -
This won't directly relate to the motor, but checking other places on the bike can give you an idea of total mileage. Look at pivot points; clutch/brake levers, side stand, rear brake pedal, throttle sleeve. If these are worn to where there's significant play, yeah, you may want to put a 1 in front of that mileage. Not sure-fire, but can sometimes give a decent indication.Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two
'78E original owner - resto project
'78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
'82 XJ rebuild project
'80SG restified, red SOLD
'79F parts...
'81H more parts...
Other current bikes:
'93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
'86 XL883/1200 Chopper
'82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...Comment
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Thanks guys, I'll check those.XS1100SG - Obsession
Like I told my last wife, I says, "Honey, I never drive faster than I can see. Besides that, it's all in the reflexes."
-- Jack BurtonComment
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When I got my 78E I had no idea of the milage.
Clock said 66000 km.
The condition... could be abused for 66k, 166k or 266k. No idea.
I did replace a bunch of stuff and decided, it didnt even matter. Its just one of those engines that cannot be broken if properly serviced (except the gearbox) and if it is, it is almost always fixable. Same as a guzzi
If it doesn't have an engine, it's not a sport, it's only a game.
(stole that one from I-dont-know-who)Comment
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Footpegs are a good thing to look at too.'79 XS11 Special, fork gaiters, Uni pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, ditched the octy, solo seat, T kat fork brace
Purrs like a kitten, runs like a scalded cat
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If the PO wasn't an aggressive rider though they may not scrape the pegs, but could have high miles though.Originally posted by 11Rider View PostNathan
KD9ARL
μολὼν λαβέ
1978 XS1100E
K&N Filter
#45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
OEM Exhaust
ATK Fork Brace
LED Dash lights
Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters
Green Monster Coils
SS Brake Lines
Vision 550 Auto Tensioner
In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Theodore RooseveltComment
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You're right, Strom. It really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. It's just something I'm curious about, is all.
Also, it would be interesting to me to find out some of the history of my bike. I've Googled my VIN just for the hell of it, but nothing comes up. Didn't really expect it to, though.XS1100SG - Obsession
Like I told my last wife, I says, "Honey, I never drive faster than I can see. Besides that, it's all in the reflexes."
-- Jack BurtonComment
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Plus, this bike has been laid down on both sides, so there's no way of knowing if the damage is from that, or from the twisties.Originally posted by natemoen View PostXS1100SG - Obsession
Like I told my last wife, I says, "Honey, I never drive faster than I can see. Besides that, it's all in the reflexes."
-- Jack BurtonComment
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High mileage
I know for sure mine has over 100,000 miles on it with no rebuild and now has 150 lbs compression straight accross. I think with these jewels, it would be really hard to find out without knowing all the po's and the complete history. You won't find many of the old HD's that hold up as well for sure, or even Hondas for that matter.You can't stay young forever, but you can be immature for the rest of your life...
'78E "Pathfinder" Show bike...
Lovingly restored by Dave Delzell
Drilled airbox
Tkat fork brace
Hardly mufflers
late model carbs
Newer style fuses
Oil pressure guage
Custom security system
Stainless braid brake linesComment
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I was thinking of the rubber part on top. You're constantly shifting and using the rear brake which means movement of your boots. I've noticed that on higher mileage bikes the rubber (expecially the outer part) has noticeable wear on it, kinda like the edge of the brake pedal on a car. Just onother piece of evidence to look consider
If the rubber parts of the footpegs look anything close to new, I highly doubt the odo has gone around once, let alone twice. Also, check the underside of the frame. How much paint is chipped off is somewhat of an indicator. Mine has 7500 miles on it and the frame rails underneath are almost perfect.
Originally posted by natemoen View Post'79 XS11 Special, fork gaiters, Uni pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, ditched the octy, solo seat, T kat fork brace
Purrs like a kitten, runs like a scalded catComment
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I see what you mean now. Good idea, thanks.
XS1100SG - Obsession
Like I told my last wife, I says, "Honey, I never drive faster than I can see. Besides that, it's all in the reflexes."
-- Jack BurtonComment
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That makes senseNathan
KD9ARL
μολὼν λαβέ
1978 XS1100E
K&N Filter
#45 pilot Jet, #137.5 Main Jet
OEM Exhaust
ATK Fork Brace
LED Dash lights
Ammeter, Oil Pressure, Oil Temp, and Volt Meters
Green Monster Coils
SS Brake Lines
Vision 550 Auto Tensioner
In any moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.
Theodore RooseveltComment
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That does make sense. The rubber on mine was worn almost completely away on one side and was worn and gone on the other. Then I found a set of XJ pegs in very good condition and put them on and that made it look much nicer. That's one of the little things taht make me think mine is at just under 200k miles rather than just under 100k miles. Just lots of little things like that.Cy
1980 XS1100G (Brutus) w/81H Engine
Duplicolor Mirage Paint Job (Purple/Green)
Vetter Windjammer IV
Vetter hard bags & Trunk
OEM Luggage Rack
Jardine Spaghetti 4-2 exhaust system
Spade Fuse Box
Turn Signal Auto Cancel Mod
750 FD Mod
TC Spin on Oil Filter Adapter (temp removed)
XJ1100 Front Footpegs
XJ1100 Shocks
I was always taught to respect my elders, but it keeps getting harder to find one.Comment
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The rubber on the footpegs is a good indicator, but keep in mind they are easily replaced. Mine look mint, and my odometer reads less than 20k. I just can't believe that of a 30 year old bike. My 2008 GSX650F, that I bought brand new in 2009, has almost 30k on it, and the rubber on the footpegs is worn significantly.1981 Special- currently under constructionComment
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