checking compression

[Laraoke67]

Hi I need some help with trying to figure this bike out. 1st- I would like to know what kind of Yamaha I have. I dont believe I have what the seller claims that it is(1973 XS1100??)but I could be wrong, It has a 9 digit vin # on the frame could someone help decifer it for me? 2nd could someone tell me how to run a compression test on this bike (manual wont be here for about a week) It will not start and has been setting for some time. I poured tranny fluid in the cylinders and let set for a while before spinning it over.Is it the same as running a comp check on a car? I have a compression tester and have tried getting a compression reading on all 4 clyinders(like you would a car), the needle jumps from 0- 150(+-) (all 4 cyl) everytime compression stroke comes around but it does not hold on the pressure guage. Is this right? Help is greatly appreciated!!!!

[sksxs1100]

First, what is the vin number, the first xs1100 came out was the 1978E
Second, If the compression guage is not holding, there is a problem with the gauge. a actual compression gauge should holp the pressure until you release it.
Third,
WELCOME to the group. there is a large knowledge base of information with all the people that are here. be sure to check out all the tech tips.

[Laraoke67]

Thanks for the welcome, the vin #341006291 and yes I was thinking that it might be the guage.I was really thinking what is the odds of having NO compression in all 4 cylinders. The owner told me that it was running great when it was parked 2 years ago but he also has to,d me that it is a 1973 so go figure.

[sksxs1100]

ist that vin on the sticker on the neck or is it stamped into the neck and motor on the right side of the motor?

[Laraoke67]

stamped into the neck

[sksxs1100]

you have got me stumped with that vin
here is the link to the vin #http://www.xs11.com/specifications/serialno.shtml

[Laraoke67]

Yeah me too.. I could send you a picture of it and maybe you could verify that it is an 1100 that would be a start. I went to the info page that you sent already and like you didnt find nothing that looked like the vin that I had. Is there some other place that I can look on the bike to find out.. It has the same numbers on the title also..

[sksxs1100]

feel free to send me pictures .. sksxs1100@hotmail.com
I'll see if i can help

[sksxs1100]

I know this bike is modified... but does any part of it look like this?

[Laraoke67]

no not really but cool looking bike.I'm sure finding out what kind I have is going to be difficult..

[sksxs1100]

if you want to send me a picture of the bike.. i will see what i can do about finding out what it is

[sksxs1100]

341 is the first 3 numbers for a 73 tx750.. so i really would like to see a picture

[Laraoke67]

did you not get the pictures that I sent you?

[sksxs1100]

no i didnt get them yet. please try again

[ratbyk]

Picture

Laraoke67, why don't you post the picture of the bike in question on the picture section of this site. Then you will have an unbielivable number of experts to advise you. Be sure to tell us when it is up and in what section.
Ken/Sooke
78E Ratbyk
82 FT500 'lilRat