79 XS for $875

[eddielo]

I already own a 79 XS1100 but the price for one on CL interested me. However, the seller says "2nd gear doesn't work you have to pop from first to third at around 30mph. This is a well known problem with this model and year"
Is this true? This is a "well known problem?" So far my XS is shifting flawlessly to 2nd. Now, this is advertised as a "Special." Is there a difference between my regular XS and a "Special?"
Also, seller says it has 3 K&N racing filters on it. When I google this filter it says "Note: legal in California only for racing vehicles." (where I'm at) What does that mean?
Thanks for any help.
EL

ps, today I bought a 2006 Yamaha Morphous. My first scooter.

[DGXSER]

Ok, first, yes, Second gear is a known issue with the XS bikes. This is the problem of the gear skipping under power, the repair tech tips show the "Dremmel Repair for 1st and 2nd gears" that is a good way to fix this problem. It is a little involved, requires pulling the tranny gears out of the engine and grinding on them. But it is well documented so even a bonehead like me can do it on the first try. Not all bikes develop it, primarily it seems to be more prevalent in bikes where the power capabilities have been more fully utilized.

As to the filters, I would first be concerned it has 3 and not 4. Sounds like POD filters and this is a 4 cylinder bike. As to the legality in California, you will need a resident Californian to respond.

And congrats on the scooter. Will make a nice grocery getter to let the big dog sleep till you need some beastly power.

[fredintoon]

I already own a 79 XS1100 but the price for one on CL interested me. However, the seller says "2nd gear doesn't work you have to pop from first to third at around 30mph. This is a well known problem with this model and year"
Is this true? This is a "well known problem?" So far my XS is shifting flawlessly to 2nd. Now, this is advertised as a "Special." Is there a difference between my regular XS and a "Special?"
Also, seller says it has 3 K&N racing filters on it. When I google this filter it says "Note: legal in California only for racing vehicles." (where I'm at) What does that mean?
Thanks for any help.
EL

ps, today I bought a 2006 Yamaha Morphous. My first scooter.

Hi Eddie,
yeah, it's a known failing. The more a 600lb bike does 2nd gear wheelies the more it happens.
I wouldn't say "easy fix" but certainly doable. Put "dremel fix" in the search box.
Standard has normal front brake calipers, front axle under fork sliders, square gauges, signals & headlight, round mirrors, 5+ gallon gas tank, 17" rear wheel.
Special has swivel mount front brake calipers, front axle ahead of fork sliders, round gauges, signals and headlight, square mirrors, not quite 4 gallon gas tank, 16" rear wheel.
BTW, XS11 parts swap like Lego, you can turn a Standard into a Special, a Special into a Standard or build a bike with what you consider the best parts of both.
Mind you, most "frankenbikes" are the result of rebuilding after a collision using whatever parts can be found at a bike breaker's yard.
3 filters? Where's #4?
Most aftermarket parts are marked "Note: legal in California only for racing vehicles." it's a CYA thing.

[eddielo]

Well, it looks like my second gear will last forever as I certainly don't do 2nd gear wheelies, or "power capabilities that have been more fully utilized"
I treat my XS with gentle kindness. Except when I want to make a little Honda Civic rice rocket eat my dust, lol. I can't believe how FAST this little bike is!

[Far Canal]

You guys don't know how good you have got it over there!
Check out what bikes are going for on ebay Australia.
Anyone want to start up an exporting importing business? not only for xs's check out the old honda fours etc, etc.

[fredintoon]

You guys don't know how good you have got it over there!
Check out what bikes are going for on ebay Australia.
Anyone want to start up an exporting importing business? not only for xs's check out the old honda fours etc, etc.

Hi Brad,
my son was in Australia for a while and bought an elderly 650 Kawi to ride around on so yeah, just about twice the North American price.
Thing is, while you'd be able to bring in one or two now and then no problem, bring them in by the container'sworth on a regular basis and you'd find all manner of interested parties waving documents at you and the bikes facing safety inspections that new bikes wouldn't pass.

[3Phase]

The airbox on all XS1100s and XJ1100s is designed to recover at least some of the crankcase and carburetor float bowl vapors.

Pod filters won't do any of that and installing them without a California Air Resources Board (C.A.R.B.) exemption number is considered 'tampering with an emission-controlled vehicle' so they have to sell them 'for off-road use only' or be gently led into court and fined into oblivion.

.

[spayne83]

They are technically illegal without a CARB number on them, but you will almost never get pulled over for having them and the worst that they will do is give you a fix it ticket, so it is up to you. Just make sure the rest of the bike is legal and don't ride like a douche and you will be fine.

[GLoweVA]

The listing for this bike

I found the CL ad:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/3957825562.html
Here's a pic:

[3Phase]

spayne83,

As the owner it wouldn't be too bad if you got cited for pod filters but you couldn't ride, register, or insure the bike if you didn't put the airbox back on.

OEMs and aftermarket sellers/advertisers have more to worry about:-

www.thekneeslider.com

California Fines Suzuki – Tells Motorcycle Owners Hands Off Your Engine

by Paul Crowe on 3/9/2013 in Motorcycle Technology

California doesn't want motorcycle owners messing with their engines and if the manufacturer makes it possible to do so through the use of an aftermarket tuner, then they'll fine the manufacturer for allowing that to happen.

The California Air Resources Board (ARB) today announced that American Suzuki Motor Corporation and Suzuki Motor Corporation of Japan have agreed to a settlement of $3,020,000 to resolve violations of the California Health and Safety Code related to off-highway motorcycles equipped with dual calibrated emissions systems.

I remember the good old days when the SMOG was so bad I could barely breathe and I couldn't see the end of the block. I'm not a fan of some of the silly, arbitrary and petty decisions made by the C.A.R.B. but even during the worst of the modern-day SMOG Alerts we have now I don't have any trouble breathing and I can see for miles (and miles and miles)!


.