bought a second xs1100. Am I nuts?

[Redshirt]

I just got a 78 xs1100 standard (F?). So my insanity is growing. YAY!
Here is what I know:
previous-previous owner took good care of bike. made some nice subtle changes and engine blacked.
Immediate previous owner was a teenager.... and abused the bike as only kids can.
Clutch will not disengage.
Podded.
both petcocks leak and the petcocks apparently have no OFF position, so leaks out of left pod.
Octi is long gone.
10.9k original miles.
Left fork is wet up tube.
Missing left cover.
Kid wanted a moped and practically threw the bike at me for $500.
Some "work" was performed but no details. I dealt with a third party (his dad who thought the 1100 was too much bike for a first bike).
Body is in nice shape. Custom bright red paint and stickers replaced emblems.
Sat for "4 months" but I reckon it was longer.
I will get pics up tonight and bug everyone.

[SFerinTEXAS]

bought a second xs1100. Am I nuts?

YES but you have a lot of company here.

[jwhughes3]

no octy on 78

Red,

The 78s were only Standards so there was no octy like the Specials in 79+

The vacuum shutoff is built into those petcocks which sound like need rebuilding. If leaking into pod then you prob already know its possibly in oil crankcase so try not to run until oil changed and leak fixed.

You might look to replace the pods since the early carbs are more sensitive and easy to block off the internal passages if pods cover port.

Welcome to the insanity, you will enjoy the different feel to the different bikes.

John

[DGXSER]

First of course, welcome to the TRUE insanity of XS11 ownership, nobody can own just one!!

BTW, a 78 is an E model.

The E model only came as a standard, and the standard petcocks do not have an off position. The standard petcocks each have a vacuum valve and therefore there is no Octi.

I would strongly suggest going through the Neglected XS thread. Also go over the bike from front to back and perform every maintenance item listed in the manual.

Sounds like you will get to replace fork seals as well as rebuild petcocks, replace a clutch cable, and then the normal fun of cleanign carbs and brakes thoroughly!!

Yep, it is a sickness, you have to enjoy the work almost as much as the riding to bite into one like that.

[crazy steve]

Nuts? With only two?

No, that comes with the third, fourth, and fifth XS...

[WMarshy]

Congrats on your new bike. IIRC the earlier petcocks have no rebuild kits any more. Not much you can do as far as rebuilding. Do a search and you will find a few different mods for creating an off position. My favorite is removing the small tab on the chrome plate that has the positions stamped into it. Just a few strokes with a file and they are gone and you can rotate the lever far enough to miss align the internals and stop gas flow. Really simple solution and no money involved, and no one can tell its not stock!

[lee_dutcher]

hurry up and gets some pics up of that 11

[Toolmaker Tim]

Nuts

Hey Red, I don't think the HAVING an XS11 makes you nuts, I think its the wanting,scheming, planning and actually working on them that makes you nuts. Having only 2 counts only as temporary insanity. At one time I had 3, but the frame tubes were split, so I stripped it and now I only have 2 and a parts kit!

[greatnw]

Probably, if I wasn't married I would have more than one for sure! If that makes you crazy, count me in!

[Redshirt]

I do indeed feel the urge to work on these bikes. I got my first one running REALLY smooth and Im incredibly proud of it, being its my "first" bike I ever attempted to work on. Now this one is already in my workspace and I have the clutch half disassembled (basket isnt off, but I wanted to look-see).
The Clutch cable wasnt adjusted at all (at the lever) and I toyed with that but still not disengaging properly.
Anyhow, here is the pics. Anyone ID the exhaust for me? Im curious.

[natemoen]

I think that is a MAC exhaus. It has special handlebars ok it. The deals aren't too bad. Interesting tail light.

Very nice though!

[Redshirt]

bikebandit has petcock rebuild kits from K&L for the 78E. So hopefully I can get that taken care of.
I am looking into clutch cables now.
After cracking open the clutch housing I dont think its been opened in a long time.
Are clutch disengage problems a sign of abuse? I unscrewed the cable adjustment at the lever all the way out and its not disengaging correctly. I watched the lever and it pulls all the way up at max adjustment, but still not letting go correctly I can move the throwout arm manually with a bit of grunting.

[DGXSER]

Looks liek a Standard issued Special, or is it a very special Standard??

Some after market stuff, some frankenbike stuff, but overall a nice looking machine!

As to the clutch, first thign to try is adjusting the screw at the clutch itself. If you have the clutch cover off already, I would pull the clutch off, clean the friction disc, scuff them a little, and then use a 0000 steel wool or emery cloth to take the haze off the metal plates. If it sat a long time it is very possible the oil has turned to goo between the plate and friction pads and making them stick together.

[cywelchjr]

bikebandit has petcock rebuild kits from K&L for the 78E. So hopefully I can get that taken care of.
I am looking into clutch cables now.
After cracking open the clutch housing I dont think its been opened in a long time.
Are clutch disengage problems a sign of abuse? I unscrewed the cable adjustment at the lever all the way out and its not disengaging correctly. I watched the lever and it pulls all the way up at max adjustment, but still not letting go correctly I can move the throwout arm manually with a bit of grunting.

Looks like a standard. I would suggest getting petcock kits from georgefix on ebay. He has the best kits for them. You will probably have to stretch the spring just a bit to get the thing to seal when off, but other than that they should work fine after that. But if the there is leakage, the carbs are leaking too, and need work.

[natemoen]

that kinda looks like it might be 81 gas tank. look at the knee indents on the side of the gas tank. If they are round it is gonna be a regular standard gas tank,if the front edge of the indent is flat and it's taller then its gonna be 81 gas tank which is a special larger gas tank.