oil leaking and some other problems

[Howell4706]

i picked up a 1980 xs11 a couple of weeks ago.

don't know a whole lot about bikes, was looking for some help.

oil leaking around the top of what i think is the head of the motor. about a quart every 500-600 miles

gas gauge doesn't work, (might need another instrument panel?)

exhaust pipes are harley take offs, and one is cracked now. so i'll need to get some new exhaust pipes.

petcocks do not close off, i was wondering if i can buy a couple of new ones and how hard they are to change out.

[DGXSER]

First off, welcome to the site and madness of XS11 ownership. IT is a disease, but typically you only become a carrier, its those around you that can suffer from it.

First thing you want to do before you start tearing into the beast, is get the manual on it. Member here goes by Catatonic Bug has a link to his personal website in his signature, you can go there and download the Factory service Manual for the bike.

oil leaking around the top of what i think is the head of the motor. about a quart every 500-600 miles

The most likely source fo your leak will be the cma chain tensioner on the front of the bike. They leak often and will blow all over the engine making it look like alot of other things may be leaking.

gas gauge doesn't work, (might need another instrument panel?)

Most likely the sending unit that is mounted to the tank, or a dirty connection in the wiring. dirty connection being the most likely.

exhaust pipes are harley take offs, and one is cracked now. so i'll need to get some new exhaust pipes.

This is the single most difficult thing to find for these bikes, a decent good condition good exhaust system. Mac is still making some aftermarket, but they are not the best performance or quality. Ebay is your best bet.

petcocks do not close off, i was wondering if i can buy a couple of new ones and how hard they are to change out.

You can get rebuild kits for the ones you have. Or there is a trick on the site for how to make an off position on the petcocks you have, sounds like you have the Standard model, gas gage instead of a light. Those petcocks have a vacuum diaphram that is supposed to shut them off. At least some of the rebuild kits have a diaphram valve that is just a little shorter than stock and may not seal well.

[Howell4706]

got the FSM

i'll check the other stuff when i get home.

glad to hear i'm just a carrier