What to do, what to do...

[crazy steve]

Well, I picked up yet another XS today (now up to five! ) from TacomaJeepJeff (THANKS JEFF! ). A '78E this time, which solves my problem with 'converting' the titled SG frame I have to E/F specs. Jeff said it was running, but there's an issue with the shifting (will go into first/second, but no higher gears). Not too bad, showing it age like most of 'em.

So, what to do with the '80? I now have enough good parts to reassemble this one (can't quite go back to stock, but I've got enough to make it fully legal). Will need the carbs gone through, new paint and seatcover, and I'll have to come up with a headlight (had a Vetter fairing on it). So what say you? Should I:

Just finish parting it out?

Or put it back on road for another owner? With or without a fairing? (now have three fairings!!).

[planedick]

Shifting

The shifting problem can probably be fixed just under the cover where the shifting shaft goes in. (Left side, bottom) I don't remember exactly what it was, but I've fixed the same problem before. Take that cover off taking care to not let the shift shaft come off with it and check the operation by putting the shift lever on with the cover off and trying it. You can lean the bike on something over to the right enough so the oil doesn't run out while you do this, but it's better to drain the oil and put it on the centerstand so you can move the rear wheel to help with the engagement of the gears while shifting.

[natemoen]

I say if ya got the parts put it together with a fairing, to get rid of one, and sell it!

[DGXSER]

The shifting issue is most likely either the shift pawls got out of alignment, or a pin went missing form the shift drum.

If you have the parts and patience, I'd put it together and give some one else the chance to tame the beast.

[motoman]

I agree with putting it together as a whole running scoot. You'll like knowing someone else enjoying a fun bike. Also agree with DGXSER on the shifting malfunction.

[natemoen]

Plus, the only way to get ride of a fairing is if its on a bike. No one wants to pay to ship those things!

[planedick]

Shipping fairings..

Again I repeat, shipping fairings is cheap and fast. I shipped one from Southern Cantafordya to Omaha, NE for $28.50 and it was there in two days. GREYHOUND

[crazy steve]

I don't know about the fairing... But then again, I've never been a fan of them anyway. Maybe that'll be a 'extra' that can go with the bike.

The big hassle will be exhaust; I've got the original Special exhaust off the SG, but it's far less than pristine. Rusty, a few dents, one muffler broken off the head pipe, and a few rust holes appearing in the mufflers. Might be a good time to see how repairing will work out, then paint the whole exhaust with high-heat black. The 'new' '78 has a decent exhaust (Jardine mufflers on the stock head pipes), but these just don't fit the specials very well.

I've got enough 'Hot Rod Flat Black' paint left over from Cheepo Chopper to paint the SG, so it would have a rather evil look

[xs11lover]

I'd say you own it now...it's time to put it back on the road, any way you can get it done As I get older I love the stock 78s more and more. When I finish all my projects I hope to just own one nice clean, stock 78......then put a short rear fender under the seat..