just bought 1980 xs11 standard. looking for wisdom.

[XSTrey11]

Hey, this is my first post. I just got my license and bought my bike. I've been having some problems with it and since I'm mechanically retarded I want to know what I'm getting myself into. First off my bike's not charging the battery, at first i thought it was the battery so i replaced it but it's now killed this one. A friend told me it sounds like the stator so the wisdom im looking for is this. how do i replace this stator and would it be something im capable of doing myself? thanks in advance for your help and I'll be happy to reward with pics of my bike and some serious gratitude.

[b.walker5]

1st Question is 'Is your Rev Counter working ??' If it isnt then you need to check the big white wiring plug behind the right side cover. It's a known trouble spot and will likely be melted and crumbling apart. It's easily located, just follow the stator wiring from the engine to the plug. If the rev counter is working then you need to check things like the regulator/rectifier, and the field coil.

A simple check, once establishing that the rev counter works, is to measure the voltage across the battery with a simple multimeter. You should have battery voltage (13.8 fully charged) at rest and idle, rising to 14.5v as the revs rise above 2000 rpm. If the voltage doesnt rise then it's likely your reg/rect is fried and you will need to talk to Geezer.

Get a manual from CatatonicBug (find any post from him and follow the link in his signature)

Good luck

[XSTrey11]

My bike doesn't even have a tachometer haha. And I've been reading about this white plug of doom and ill have to check that tomorrow in the daylight. My tools and resources are extremely limited I'm doing everything i can to not hate myself for this purchase.

[b.walker5]

My bike doesn't even have a tachometer haha. And I've been reading about this white plug of doom and ill have to check that tomorrow in the daylight. My tools and resources are extremely limited I'm doing everything i can to not hate myself for this purchase.

Hmmm, makes it tricky. Next question is does your headlight come on after the engine starts? The headlight circuit has a relay in that prevents the headlight from coming on until it see's voltage from the alternator, to prevent drawing power away from the ignition circuit. The relay gets its power direct from the alternator so if your not producing power you the relay wont trigger the light.

[XSTrey11]

my headlight turns on as soon as i turn my key on. it works when the bike is running as well. i did notice that the more i try to start the bike the more the headlight fades away. but yes, the headlight works.

[b.walker5]

Shouldnt turn on with the key, only after the engine starts. Sounds like a PO may have rewired the circuit or the relay has welded contacts. Because it comes on with the key then we cant use it as a clue to alternator output, so we're back to checking the plug and doing a voltage test at the battery. If you havent got, or cant afford, a multimeter you can get an idea with a bulb wired across the battery, which should glow a bit brighter as the engine revs up.

[SFerinTEXAS]

My tools and resources are extremely limited I'm doing everything i can to not hate myself for this purchase.

UH OOH!!!! It WILL get worse before it gets better. Maybe take up yoga.

[CatatonicBug]

A multimeter is $4.99 at Harbor Freight. Invest in that and a few metric tools. Sockets, allen wrenches, and combination end wrenches to start.

Take your time, and don't automatically jump to "replace" something that isn't working. These bikes are mostly bulletproof, and most things are more easily fixed than replaced, since a lot of the main components are no longer made.

Take some pictures and show us your new ride! Oh, and take an MSF course. It'll save your hide.

[fredintoon]

My bike doesn't even have a tachometer haha. And I've been reading about this white plug of doom and ill have to check that tomorrow in the daylight. My tools and resources are extremely limited I'm doing everything i can to not hate myself for this purchase.

Hi Trey and welcome,
your best tool and resource is your mighty intellect.
That, a metric wrench set bought at 50% off, a multimeter ditto, a paper copy of Clymers is best but the 'Bug's free download comes for the asking and this list if you can shrug off the sarcasm is all you'll need.
Here's a zero cost low effort charging test.
Point the bike at a wall so you can see the headlight reflection.
Rev up.
If the light gets brighter, it's charging.
If it don't, it ain't.
BTW, if you paid less than $1,000 for a runner, you did OK.
And if this is your first bike, fer Chrissake take a rider's course.

[XSTrey11]

You'll all be glad to know i took the MSF course already....i checked this white plug business and just as i suspected there are nothing but innumerable white plugs behind the fuses haha but they do all seem to be not melted or disintegrating. cant figure out how to insert my crappy cell phone photos let me know and I'll post the picks i have of this mysterious plug and of the bike as a whole.

[XSTrey11]

Oh and bug btw I'm from Granite City illinois. just thought i'd let you know i could probably hear your bike at my house if you started it over the river there haha.

[bikerphil]

cant figure out how to insert my crappy cell phone photos let me know and I'll post the picks i have of this mysterious plug and of the bike as a whole.

Easiest way, JMHO...

Open free photobucket account
Upload photos from your computer to Photobucket (click green upload)
After photo upload is complete, click "my home"
Hover over photo and click on IMG code below photo (it will copy)
Paste into your post in a seperate line
Photo will magically appear

[XSTrey11]

okay finally got a chance to get out there and look at this thing and get some pictures taken. the white plug seems totally fine.

but i also have a few other questions so be gentle if they are noobish...first what is this hose and why is it leading to nothing? my bike HAS been running for about 80 miles with it just dangling down there.

also heres another hose i found just leading to nowhere.

and lastly heres a few pictures of my bike for your trouble. enjoy.

[cywelchjr]

That first hose is the drain for the middle drive. It's supposed to be fastened up just under the gas tank to prevent it from sucking up any water if you get in a bad place. There is a little bracket supposed to be up there that it goes under that holds it. The one off the back of the tank is the drain for the gas cap area, what with it being inset like that, it will fill up with water without that drain, it just needs to hang down where it can drip, preferably where it won't drip on your feet in case it's got gas running out of it.

As for the white plug (the big one), it's recommended that you pull it apart and make sure the contacts are nice and clean, it can look nice on the outside and be all dirty and green inside. Then again it could be just fine.

[XSTrey11]

That first hose is the drain for the middle drive. It's supposed to be fastened up just under the gas tank to prevent it from sucking up any water if you get in a bad place. There is a little bracket supposed to be up there that it goes under that holds it. The one off the back of the tank is the drain for the gas cap area, what with it being inset like that, it will fill up with water without that drain, it just needs to hang down where it can drip, preferably where it won't drip on your feet in case it's got gas running out of it.

As for the white plug (the big one), it's recommended that you pull it apart and make sure the contacts are nice and clean, it can look nice on the outside and be all dirty and green inside. Then again it could be just fine.

thanks for putting my mind at ease there...i went and pulled apart both of the plugs i thought it could be and this one looks okay except that its missing a prong in there

this one looked a tad melty and was a sonofabitch to get apart.