cam chain on prospective 80' xs 11...

[new model army]

I am seriously looking at this 1980 xs 1100 with 40k mi.s on it.

http://sanantonio.craigslist.org/mcy/3315517116.html

The owner states that carb work was done four years ago but didn't really need it. Tires pretty much new. Fork seals 6 years old. Brakes done 10 years ago. Supposedly original seat in great condition.

Tank painted 6 years ago. Inside of tank cleaned 6 years ago.

Person selling it is the second owner. Garage kept whole time supposedly.

The bike looks great if you check out the Craig's list link above.

I asked if the cam chain needed to be adjusted and he said that it didn't.

The cam chain is probably my biggest concern. This would be soberingly serious work for someone like me to perform. I can handle cleaning and tuning four carbs but CAM CHAINS!? ...not really!

Should I feel any more comfortable knowing that the xs 1100 were designed and built for touring and that the motors have a history of sustaining many, many miles on them(easily MORE than 40k)?

Is there a way for me to realistically evaluate a cam chain's health 'on the spot'?

More realistically does the 1980 have an automatic cam chain adjuster? A manual cam chain adjuster?

FWW the individual selling the bike comes across as a perfectly legitimate person who was more than willing to answer any questions that I had. Says he's not really in need of selling this 1100 in the first place....may or may not buy a gold wing as a replacement bike.

Any response is greatly appreciated!

thank you,

Mark

[new model army]

Any additional questions I should ask concerning this bike?

again thank you,

Mark

[motoman]

If taken care of, 100K+ is easily expected. Decent lookin scoot in the pic. As for the cam chain adjustment or swapping it out for an auto adjuster, follow the adjustment instructions to a 'T'. Same procedure if swapping out for an auto adjuster. Number one thing in either case is be sure and have bike on centerstand before proceeding. The adjustment takes bout five minutes........replacement with auto adjuster, 10-15min. job. If not too mechanically inclined, havin' one of these or any older bike for that matter, you WILL become mechanically inclined. Many here have no mechanical knowledge, but with the help here, have become very handy fixin' bout any issue that may arise and the satisfaction knowing they were able to solve the issue. Again, a decent lookin reasonably low mileage bike! These are NOT bikes you take to the shop for repairs, if you want the job done right.

[natemoen]

All the XS11's had manual-ish cam chain tensioners. Most all here STRONGLY suggest changing to an automatic tensioner because the stock one SUCKS!

40,000 miles, maybe around half way through the chain....maybe. No easy way really to check the life of the chain on the spot.

JWHuges (i think that's how his name is spelled) is in the San Antonio area, he might be able to help you.

[crazy steve]

Like has been said, 40K on one of these is really nothing if the bike has had reasonably decent care. It's a pretty complete example with all the hard-to-find bits still present and accounted for so that's a big plus. You might ask about when the last valve adjustment was done, or even if one has been done, but if it runs good don't let that be a deal-breaker. I might dicker on the price a bit, but that's me....

If the bike has sat for any considerable time, you may be looking at going through the carbs/brakes, but again not a huge deal. Good luck!

[new model army]

I was able to get the price down to $1800. No lower though. I'm starting to feel pretty comfortable with the idea of buying this thing.

I am still waiting to find out whether there was any cam chain adjustments ever done for this thing. I will be sure to share this info. as soon as I get it.

I will be test driving this thing come this sat., assuming it is not sold by then. The owner emphatically states this thing rides and operates great. I shall see.

I want to thank folks on this forum much for sharing their hard earned knowledge of these choice bikes.

Anything else I need to know?

Anyone from the San Antonio area want to take a look at this thing with me.


Mark

[jwhughes3]

Mark,

PM me and I will try and get together.

I doubt it will be sold. Its been for sale awhile at 2k.

You should look at this one in Austin for comparison. You might decide to go local.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38422

John

[natemoen]

Keep in mind that the valve train on these bikes is pretty loud when things are correctly adjusted.

And the guy the posted right above me here is the one I was talking about. Talk to him. Greg says he bites though so be careful.....