Newbie time

[CaptonZap]

You mean the Enter key ...

How clever! I'll have to remember that trick next time I want to double space.

CZ

[Bart]

Thanks guys, for the additional info.

Bart

[donebysunday]

So I have been riding my little TW around for the last 2 years, and I really enjoy it. I am more of a casual rider. I ride when I feel like it, and I am very conservative and defensive. I'm 38 years old now, and all my "dumb ass" years are behind me, for the most part. (Quote)

I love your work on hat bike ! Let's see what you do with a bigger bike whether it be an XS11 or not ! Please keep us posted !!!!!

[Bart]

I love your work on hat bike ! Let's see what you do with a bigger bike whether it be an XS11 or not ! Please keep us posted !!!!!

Thanks, yeah. If I found one that needed some cosmetic help, I would likely do a cool custom. But if I found one in great original shape, I would be tempted to keep it original and classic.

Bart

[clashpistol]

A cautiomary tale

HI folks,

Just joined. I am in the market for a bigger bike. Currently I have a modded TW200. I love riding the little bike, but I would like something bigger so I can take to the freeway and ride 2 up with my wife.

I am looking at a few bikes that I like, and the XS11 is one of them. I definitely appeal more to the older classically styled Japanese bikes.

Anyway, what should I watch out for when looking for a XS11? Specifically mechanical stuff that I should be aware of. It looks like these bikes can sell from anywhere around $700-$3000 depending on condition, etc. I am sad that I just missed one sell here locally for $750. I would have likely bought it.

Anyway, please direct me to any threads that already cover this, or any other info you can provide is much appreciated!

Thanks - Bart

Hi Bart,

Welcome here Buddy,
Its cool you jumped on board here!

I will offer you a cautionary tale. I am not going to spend a lot of time tonight. I am watching The World Wars and its commercial time.
I have had bikes all my life. This is my first 4 cylinder. It is a broad step for you to embark in purchasing a 35 y/o machine from aw TW 200. A quick bottom line and not to discourage you if this is what you are set to. Hopefully you have a pretty good deal of mechanical ability. Specialized and lots of tools and liquid assets, a place to work on it and time on your hands. If you have these things or someone who know these bikes, have at it. There are other easier bikes out there. Getting electrical issues out and tuning the bike is a real challenge. Someone quoted here "The dealer does not want to see you of your bike". Parts are readily available on the internet and help is here anytime. This is an awesome community.
You might get a $800-$3000 nice looking bike but there is a lot more to it you may know.
I purchased my 1979 XS1100F last spring with a 79' Standard parts bike with a title as well. The Standard had the fairing and hard bag touring package. I ran the bike for a day or two and had the gas leaking out of air box float issue. No over a year later I basically have a new bike. I have main jets coming again tommarow. Three tries up on jets as I put individual filters on. It is almost there. A balanced, purring sleek, scary looking bullet train. (I can't wait to get jets in!)( it is real close) I had a bike I could have just rode after cleaning carbs/rebuilding. But I wanted it safe, reliable and great looking. With rubber(I mount tires)paint(I paint)parts (all bearings,seals, brake master cylinders and caliper rebuild kits and pads, brake lines) specialty tools (sync gauge timing light, compression gauge and $100 of dollars of others) garbage cans of aerosol products and fluids. I went through entire wiring harness I rewired everything else, put in a fuse box. Took apart speedo and tach and rebulbed cleaned. Rebuilt front shocks, swing arm bearings, rebuilt u joint. I took apart all switches, Solenoid and every serviceable electrical component. Rewired all bags and fairing and installed 12 led markers, All new fuel lines, carb rebuild kits, pods made velocity stacks. To summarize cost $1000 for bikes, over 300 hrs. and over $2500 in parts and materials.(What do you get for $3500)
I pissed my girlfriend off big time last year as I totally devoted myself to the restoration. And this year tearing into the tranny for the 2nd time, making upgrades and staying at my barn. I am living in it now but we are seeing each other. Its not a barn, barn. Workshop, office, kitchen, bathroom so actually I love it and don't miss her bratty kids .
So if this is what you want to get into? It is a commitment . You may get a decent bike but of this age things brake down and things need attention.
My friends kid was all happy and bought an 80' 550 Suzuki for a grand. He should have asked me to go with him. It was terrible to look at. Carb issues, old rubber, beat shocks, poor brakes etc. I told him you better learn to work on it before he rides it. Well, he decided to go with us and dad yesterday on a beautiful day for about an 80 mile run. Twenty miles down the road he looses rear brakes. There was nothing left on each pad but metal. It ruined my day for sure. You do not want to end up in the middle of nowhere saying to yourself what an ididot I am. Good Luck If this is what you chose. Any used bike can bite you in the ass, but you will see here it is a journey to get to a well performing machine. Many have left or moved and parked their bike in the garage or let it go to next guy.
I screwed up and done good knowing now that I bought one of the world's pedigreed first superbike and maybe you have the chops to get one? Take this into consideration and be careful what you wish for. I hope you get that whatever it is.
Take a look at my project on my photobucket link in my signature if you want to see where I am at with "MEDUSA" She has kicked my ass like a schoolyard bully.

All the best,

Jeff

[Bonz]

I realize what I am commenting on is a bit old, but the Special or any naked XS1100 ain't nowhere near 675lb dry weight! 605 lb curb weight (i.e wet weight with a half tank) on my 80SG as measured on scales. Right in line with every published weight from any period test.

[Bart]

Thanks, guys for the additional info.

Jeff: I know what you mean. Currently I have 4 cars and a bike, and all of them except my bike are over 10 years old. I have done a complete restoration on some of them and I am currently involved with restoring another, so I am well versed in time consuming, expensive garage projects...and thankfully, so is my wife!

Bart