Newbie time

[Bart]

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

[James England]

Your best bet is to trawl the site for info first. If you buy one of these bikes, the combined knowledge and experience here will be of immense help to you. It'd the best xs1100 forum on the net, without a doubt

[James England]

Thinking about your question, here are a few thoughts which others will no doubt add to.

The valves on these engines are quite 'rustly' and noisy compared to modern bikes. If the valves are very quiet, it's usually a sign that the valve clearances are too tight and that re-shimming is necessary. The valves wear into the valve seats and gradually reduce the clearance.

The camchain tensioner can cause problems and you should read threads on ACCT, automatic camchain tensioner.

The engines are usually bulletproof but read threads on the infamous 'second gear problem'. The dogs which engage second gear can wear and round off, leading to the bike jumping out of second, and sometimes first, gear. I've personally never experienced this in 5 bikes but many people have. There are two fixes...the 'Dremel fix' or more expensive replacement of the gears with the modified replacements. Either fix means a reasonably complicated procedure where you need to know what you are doing. If you're not experienced, you'd most probably need help to do it.

The carbs have diaphragms which can degrade and need replacement. They are not cheap, although easily installed. All the XS1100's are now old and carbs can be full of crud and need a thorough strip and clean. There are plenty of threads about this.

Check threads on the ignition pickup wires. They can develop a fracture of the wire inside the insulation which are not visible from the outside. I've had this twice. It's an easy fix and often cures ignition misfires, rough running etc.

Sometimes, the rear left wheel bearing is damaged or worn. It's an easy fix (now) and not expensive. A member here (me) can supply you with one.

Depending on the bike, you may find that the brake master cylinders and calipers need a rebuild. Old fluid has usually absorbed water and the insides of everything get clogged up. Rebuild kits are readily available.

The OEM fuse box, with old glass fuses, often causes problems and there is an easy fix with a modern blade-type fuses. A member here (TC) can supply you with one....

The wiring harness usually benefits from cleaning all the block connectors, especially the block behind the fuse board which often gets dirty, then overheats and causes problems. The wires are from the 'alternator' and are frequently dirty. An easy fix. Check that the alternator is working by revving the bike with the headlamp on. It should brighten when revs are increased.

In general, I've found these bikes to be solid old bikes but one has to remember that they are old and some bikes have been looked after less well than others. However, even with the costs of sorting things out, they cost a lot less than many modern bikes and are worth doing. Of course, I and others here will say that because we all have them!

[jetmechmarty]

The only issue with this motorcycle is the 1st or 2nd gear. It seems a very common problem to blow 2nd gear. It is also routinely repaired by folks on this forum.

The rest of it is the same stuff you suffer with any 35 year old neglected motorcycle. It is a very old bike and will require maintenance. If you're not into doing that, I recommend you buy a new bike. Welcome to the madness!

[Prisoner6]

Hi, Bart -

WELCOME to the site!

James covered a lot of ground in his post (good job, James!), and I just wanted to add a few things to think about.

I don't know how much experience you have riding liter-plus bikes, but please be aware that the XS11 is a big, heavy motorcycle with a lot of power!

Not trying to discourage you in any way ... we'd be happy to have you join the ranks of XS11 owners!

Some of the problems these bikes have can be attributed to neglect, or what some here refer to as "sit-itis". People don't ride them, and

they end up sitting for 5, or 10, or even 15+ years, sometimes exposed to the elements!

That leads to all sorts of problems: gummed-up carbs, rusted gas tank, dirty/corroded electrical connections, dry-rotted tires, etc. etc.

Not to mention, there's a good chance that if you do find one for sale, it will probably have the original 30+ year old brake lines on it!

As for price, it can vary widely, depending on whether the bike is a "non-runner" or a "running" example.

If you find one you might be interested in, let us know (and hopefully include pics of the bike!)

The collective here will help you assess the condition, help you decide if the price is right, etc.

If you do buy one, you can rest assured that the collective will help you with any problems you encounter ... and once you get the bike sorted out ...

You will love it!!


EDIT: I must be the slowest typist on this forum ...

[CaptonZap]

Hi, Bart -

WELCOME to the site!

James covered a lot of ground in his post (good job, James!), and I just wanted to add a few things to think about.

I don't know how much experience you have riding liter-plus bikes, but please be aware that the XS11 is a big, heavy motorcycle with a lot of power!

Not trying to discourage you in any way ... we'd be happy to have you join the ranks of XS11 owners!

Some of the problems these bikes have can be attributed to neglect, or what some here refer to as "sit-itis". People don't ride them, and

they end up sitting for 5, or 10, or even 15+ years, sometimes exposed to the elements!

That leads to all sorts of problems: gummed-up carbs, rusted gas tank, dirty/corroded electrical connections, dry-rotted tires, etc. etc.

Not to mention, there's a good chance that if you do find one for sale, it will probably have the original 30+ year old brake lines on it!

As for price, it can vary widely, depending on whether the bike is a "non-runner" or a "running" example.

If you find one you might be interested in, let us know (and hopefully include pics of the bike!)

The collective here will help you assess the condition, help you decide if the price is right, etc.

If you do buy one, you can rest assured that the collective will help you with any problems you encounter ... and once you get the bike sorted out ...

You will love it!!


EDIT: I must be the slowest typist on this forum ...

You could probably type faster if you didn't have to hit the space bar so many times to get the double spacing.

CZ

[Prisoner6]

You could probably type faster if you didn't have to hit the space bar so many times to get the double spacing.

CZ

You mean the Enter key ...

[Prisoner6]

Actually, CZ, hitting the Enter key twice to get the double spacing is not my problem ... doing that is fast and easy ...

It's the rest of the typing (all the words) that takes me a long time ... and the only reason I double-space is that I think posts are easier to read

when they are double-spaced (especially if it's a long post). At least it is for me when I proofread my own or read other's posts ...

[jetmechmarty]

Bart,

See how this works? Buy the bike. We will comment on every question or any statement you put on here, whether you like it or not. You can also get unlimited technical assistance. You may even find some new friends.

[Prisoner6]

Bart,

See how this works? Buy the bike. We will comment on every question or any statement you put on here, whether you like it or not. You can also get unlimited technical assistance. You may even find some new friends.

Exactly!

Great folks on here ... and we like to have a little fun along the way!

[Bart]

Thanks, guys, for the kind replies. So many forums, especially motorcycle forums are full of jackasses who want to bash on newbies right away. I am a forum geek, I must admit. I am quite active on forums for just about everything I am interested in, so I appreciate the time you guys took to be nice and reply here.

I am not afraid of doing mechanical stuff, as I work on 4x4s mostly, and working on bikes is so much easier as everything is smaller, lighter and easier to access.

Now, on to riding. Like I said above, I am basically a new rider. I only got into bikes in the last couple years. I've always liked motorcycles, but I was never compelled to own one until I took a trip to Japan and saw the modded Yamaha TW200s over there. For whatever reason, I fell in love with these, and ended up putting one together in 2012. I started with this:



And ended up with this:



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.

Now, obviously, my TW is a small bike. I can basically pick it up on one end and shimmy it around without issue. I understand the XS11 is a much bigger, heavier, more intense bike. I've done some reading about handling, that was somewhat off putting, but I would imagine like anything else, it just takes some practice and seat time to get to know the machine you are on.

One of the main reasons I am looking for another bike is I would like to be able to comfortably ride on the freeway, and I would like a bike big enough to ride 2-up with my wife.

Just so you know, I am also looking at the following bikes:

Yamaha SR400/500s
Yamaha XS650s (although, these seem to be pretty expensive compared to the XS11s)
And for some reason, I have taking a liking to the old 1984/85 Honda Nighthawks.

Anyway, I will start digging in here, but you guys have really helped a lot so far with the mechanical/maintenance questions so far! So lets here about riding these beasts!!

Thanks - Bart

[jetmechmarty]

Yamaha XS650s (although, these seem to be pretty expensive compared to the XS11s)


Thanks - Bart

XS650's are expensive because they have always been popular. I have four of them. Yamaha built them for 15 years. They are extremely popular with chopper builders. They are also a popular model for cafe racers, dirt trackers, and restoration. The best part about it is the availability of parts. You can get just about anything for them.

The XS650 will run at 75 mph or more, all day long. It's a whole lot more fun and comfortable at 50 mph. The XS1100 has much longer legs. The seat is bigger, too!

[wingnut]

Riding the 11 takes a little getting use to. It weights 675 lbs dry (naked Special version) and is taller than most all modern street bikes with the exception of some of the BMWs. The higher center of gravity, the just enough meat front forks and the shaft drive make it unique. You will not be grabbing a big hand full of brake at the apex of a tight high speed corner more than once. They can feel like they are trying to bend in the middle but when properly set up are really a nice handling machine for being as old as they are. When tuned right they will deliver more power than you can know what to do with in some circumstances. Your tire sizes are limited due to the drive shaft location but then again you never have to adjust a drive chain. One of our members describes it this way. They steer like a cow, shift like a Russian tractor, don't stop all that well, and go like hell. I've had mine for a while now and I feel confident to try (notice I said try, some of these guys can make this machine do almost anything they want at any speed they want) and keep up with those "A" group guys in the mountains of North Carolina. And that my friend was one of the most fun things I have ever done on a bike. Go ride one thats all it will take

[James England]

The modified bike in the pic looks great, I reckon, and so much more individual than the standard factory bike.

If you do get an XS1100, you'd have a problem not getting it to work and run well, given the collective wisdom and attitude on this forum.

Re that newbie-bashing thing...it's just infantile nonsense and any forum that's like that isn't worth being a member of IMO. You're very welcome here. Just get that bike......


Ps. Some people say my XJR looks like a wasp. Well, your bike reminds me very much of an ant.....

[GLoweVA]

Bart, to answer your question as to what to look for, check this thread out:
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=194