Purchased 1979 XS1100...????

[foreda]

79f

Looks like you have yourself a nice project there. I saw in your first post that it has been sitting for 25 years? How many miles are showing on the clock? The best advice I can give you is to take your time and go thru everything, especially the braking system! If you are wanting to do a full restore, detail is the key thing to focus on.. One ugly part will make a huge difference!
There are many posts on this site dealing with tank cleaning. I used the electrolysis method on one of my tanks that needed cleaning and it worked very well.
Good luck!

[SthrnSqrl]

Nice project, and yep, I'd say the clamps are leftovers from a previously installed fairing bracket. At least, that's about where they are on mine.

[dpotter58]

My friend just emailed me about a product at Harbor Freight that is $30.00 a gallon, and that is at the store!!! I will let you know how it works. It is called Evapo-Rust.

search for gas tank electrolysis. here's one of them
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...t=electrolysis


there are a couple good threads about cleaning the inside of the tank first then treating it with phosphoric acid. Some folks like the POR some don't.

[clcorbin]

search for gas tank electrolysis. here's one of them
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...t=electrolysis


there are a couple good threads about cleaning the inside of the tank first then treating it with phosphoric acid. Some folks like the POR some don't.

I will DEFINITELY second electrolysis! I couldn't BELIEVE how well the inside of my tank came out after doing the procedure for about 24 hours. I just wish I had found out about this 20 years ago as I would have done it BEFORE the assorted pin holes formed in my tank! Thankfully, I have access to a good TIG, so I was able to open each of them up, then weld them closed again to get good, solid steel in the bottom of my tank.

[jmacsuga]

Front Wheel and Brakes on....more photos

Hi, All: I have put the front wheel and brakes on (temporarily) and the brakes work and I changed the fluid in the back brakes. I ran the bike yesterday (on the center stand) and there seems to be some noises coming from near the advance mech on the lower left side. I read some of the postings on the site about noises, and there is some good information. It is kind of a clattering sound, and does not sound like a rod. There is a exhaust leak on #3, but I think that will take care of itself when I get there. I noticed that when I took the valve cover off when I was first starting to lube it up, there was no spring on the mechanism that guides/tensions the cam chain. Is there supposed to be some kind of spring action there??? Doesn't look like it in the exploded view, but I might have missed it. I have went back to posting on my original thread to avoid any confusion. My photos are still at http://jimphoto.freeprohost.com/Yamaha if you want to see my progress from when I first brought it home, till now.

[cywelchjr]

Make sure the vacuum advance is hooked to the vacuum fitting ON the #2 carb, not to the carb boot. That is a common error and will cause the clatter you describe. And there SHOULD be a spring in the cam chain adjuster, but it should only come into play while doing the adjustment, as it's locked into place at all other times.

[jmacsuga]

Checked that OK....now more troubles.....

Hi! All: Yes, and thank you, I did have the vacuum advance hose hooked to the right place. I did some more investigating, and pulled the oil filter into a clean pan and found some copper looking small shavings. Looks like the motor is coming out!!! More later....Thanks for the interest. Jim

Make sure the vacuum advance is hooked to the vacuum fitting ON the #2 carb, not to the carb boot. That is a common error and will cause the clatter you describe. And there SHOULD be a spring in the cam chain adjuster, but it should only come into play while doing the adjustment, as it's locked into place at all other times.

[BA80]

Those small copper/brass shavings are probably just little pieces of clutch lining material. I wouldn't condemn the engine just yet.

[jmacsuga]

Well, now I've gone and done it!!!

I hold all of you personally responsible for my new obsession!!! I was looking in the local Craig's List for a parts bike, and I found this!!! All it needs is a key (hopefully I will get a Locksmith to do one) and I tested it with my ignition from my project bike, and it runs, drives, and seems to be in overall good condition. Now I have a bike that I can use to trouble shoot the original '79, and get it restored too!!! No, I am NOT going to use this for parts. You can see photos of the new machine at http://jimphoto.freeprohost.com/Yamaha78 if you want to see what $300.00 buys here in Spokane!!! Have a great day, and I really enjoy looking and reading of YOUR adventures!!! Jim

[GLoweVA]

I hold all of you personally responsible for my new obsession!!!

+1 on that. It's like a fever that you can't get rid of and don't want to.

$300 !!! That's a steal !!!
Nice pics. I like the 4 into 1 Kerker pipes, but the headlight configuration looks a little modified. But hey, as long as it works.

As far as the key thing, There should be a 4 digit code stamped on the lock (same for the tank too) The locksmith should be able to look up that code (it tells them how many humps and where) and cut you a new key.
I did this once a few years back when I lost mine. Cost me about $5.
I suggest you bring the ignition with you to test the newly cut key.

Congrats on the nice find. It's always good to know that another one got saved.

[crazy steve]

Hopefully it's titled (it's getting to be impossible to re-title anything in Washington if you don't have the paper...), but even if it's not, that was still a great deal!

[jmacsuga]

Yep, Clear Title!!!!

I thought I was getting a good deal, and you have definitely made my day. I will restore BOTH of them to operation, and that is a good thing. These bikes are BEAUTIFUL, and classic styling. I will probably sell one, but who knows....ride on alternate days when the weather gets better!!!! Jim

[jmacsuga]

More Adventures....NOT!!!!

Well, yesterday, I started the tear down of the bike to get the engine out, and of course, the first think I did was go to the exhaust system, and get it off. Well, after spraying the bolts that hold the exhaust to the engine with penetrating oil for a couple of days before the attempt, the first two bolts came out just fine. Hit the third ( I started from #4 cylinder and worked inwards) and guess what.....Oh, you know!!! Broke in half. So far, I have four broken bolts and I am not sure how to proceed. I plan on taking the engine out and going through it. I have NOT had any luck with easy outs...they just seem to break off and cause more trouble!!! Any advice???

Jim
P.S The 78 XS1100 is doing OK. I am in the process of cleaning the tank now, and will do a few other things, but it runs GREAT and am looking forward to riding it. Haven't been on a bike in 20 years!!!

Hello All: My name is Jim and I have just purchased an XS1100F, 1979. I have started the rebuilding effort to see if will even start after 25 years of sitting. So far I have put in oil (there was NONE when I got it), lubed the upper valves, cleaned the carbs (not bad really) and just trying to see if it will start. If it does start, I plan a complete tear down and frame out restore. It is a beautiful bike (in my opinion), and worth my time. I am retired now, and have the time and patience to do the work. If you would like to follow my progress, you can go to http://jimphoto.freeprohost.com/Yamaha and look at the photos. I am in the process now of cleaning the tank. The photos of the manifolds is interesting. I didn't want to buy new unless it starts, and well, I used a product I got from ACE Hardware called Plasti Dip. An aerosol rubber and it did a pretty good job after I removed the electrical tape from the previous owner. Your site has been a great help for me, and I plan to visit often. There is one question.....There is a rubber hose from a fitting on the top of what looks to be the transmission. Anyone know where this goes...it is NOT covered in the manual I have. Thanks to all for your contributions!!!

[jmacsuga]

Bolts....NOT studs...From Previous Owner

I just read some threads about extracting stud bolt. Well, what I have is NOT studs. Just regular bolts. I suspect that the exhaust is an aftermarket and when installed, they used regular bolts...I got some out....and they are NOT marked with any letters. Here is a photo....http://jimphoto.freeprohost.com/Yamaha/yam039.JPG. I guess I have my work cut out for me!!!

Well, yesterday, I started the tear down of the bike to get the engine out, and of course, the first think I did was go to the exhaust system, and get it off. Well, after spraying the bolts that hold the exhaust to the engine with penetrating oil for a couple of days before the attempt, the first two bolts came out just fine. Hit the third ( I started from #4 cylinder and worked inwards) and guess what.....Oh, you know!!! Broke in half. So far, I have four broken bolts and I am not sure how to proceed. I plan on taking the engine out and going through it. I have NOT had any luck with easy outs...they just seem to break off and cause more trouble!!! Any advice???

Jim
P.S The 78 XS1100 is doing OK. I am in the process of cleaning the tank now, and will do a few other things, but it runs GREAT and am looking forward to riding it. Haven't been on a bike in 20 years!!!

[crazy steve]

...So far, I have four broken bolts and I am not sure how to proceed. I plan on taking the engine out and going through it. I have NOT had any luck with easy outs...they just seem to break off and cause more trouble!!! Any advice???

Some Kroil, apply heat, and work gently. If you're lucky, the threaded studs won't have broken off flush to the head and once you have the exhaust off you can repeat this on what's left and get the remainder out.

They did break off flush? Well, then it's easy-outs, and the same process. Or as an alternative, you can drill the studs out and helicoil the holes....

At least with the motor out you can get to them easily.