to buy or not to buy

[marco]

Relative newbie looking at a 79 xs11 for sale. Seems like a good deal (nice condition, stored for 7 years, $540) but it won't crank (no solenoid click) and serious gas smell in the oil (a no-no on 'used bike faq'). Is this always worn cylinders/rings, or can it be something else? If it needs an overhaul and i do the wrench work myself, how expensive and available are parts? Can I get a good compression reading by manually cranking it? (doubt it). Any other ways to check the engine out? Any hints really appreciated!

[strom]

Nothing is stored for 7 years with gas in the tank and stuff...
So it was left to rot for 7 years....

Mine sat for 6 and I had to replace ALL the engine/shaft drive bearings, oil rings, seals, carb seals, petcock seals and I still don't know if the cylinders/pistons are OK. Brake cyls. leak a bit, have to replace those seals and brake lines. I got mine for far less and till now it cost me over 2k$. It still needs new tires, complete rewire etc.

Walk away or buy it for far less and play with it. Get another XS and have this one for parts.

LP

[marco]

thanks, strom - I was sorta leaning that way. I like projects but I also need transportation! The research did get me really interested in an xs11 special though - I'll keep my eyes open.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Marco,

The gas in the oil may and probably is a simple matter of the petcocks and carb float valve seats not holding, and so it leaked thru into the engine intake, and down around the rings into the oil(not a sign of worn rings!). As long as the engine had not been run that way, it could very easily recover with a simple oil change and cleaning, and fix of carbs and petcocks.

My bike sat outside for 9 years in all weather, with gas and oil in it, (OH THE SHAME!!!honest, I was going to get back to it sooner), but life and loss of $$ happened, then finally father passed away, life's too short, put it in the garage and tore into it.

I ONLY rebuilt the topend, pistons and rings and valves, I did not split the cases, had to repair the tranny 1st/2nd gear(why it got parked to begin with), but had no problems with engine seals and bearings and such! Has 3 years and several Rallies, several thousands of miles and holding strong!

I got the 1179cc WISECO big bore kit since standard oversize pistons and rings are next to impossible to find, not supported by Yamaha!! I, too, put over $2k into it, but had the time and wanted to invest in it vs. a new bike! I know how to work on this one fairly well now!!! If the one you're looking at is really in decent shape, it might actually be worth the $$ Much of mine was cosmetic work, lots of corrosion on wheels, forks, rotted seat, etc.!

You'll need to go thru the brakes and electrical stuff, but might be just a matter of cleaning the contacts on all the plugs/connectors, replacing the fuse block, new battery and such!

Just wanted to provide a slightly different point of view!

[Geezer]

Re: to buy or not to buy

Originally posted by marco
Relative newbie looking at a 79 xs11 for sale. Seems like a good deal (nice condition, stored for 7 years, $540) but it won't crank (no solenoid click) and serious gas smell in the oil (a no-no on 'used bike faq'). Is this always worn cylinders/rings, or can it be something else? If it needs an overhaul and i do the wrench work myself, how expensive and available are parts? Can I get a good compression reading by manually cranking it? (doubt it). Any other ways to check the engine out? Any hints really appreciated!

If you pass on it, be sure an let us know so maybe someone else in the group can have a go at it.

Geezer

[marco]

hey Topcat, thanks for the alternative viewpoint. Something to think about. Geezer - good point - I'll post a msg tomorrow if I decide to pass.

[Meista007]

My bike sat out side for 7 years when i found it. The only thing that NEEDED work was the carbs and tires. Everything wasn't perfect but it was solid as a rock.

[marco]

ok, I'm passing on this one. Might be a good buy, might not - I figure right now I need a truck more than a bike, and can't afford both. So if you're interested... he's asking $540 for 79 XS11, 13k on the odo (speedo doesnt work), hasn't run regularly in 7+ years, hasn't started in 2. Kept mostly indoors, gas smell in oil, looks in good condition, needs front tire, starter solenoid, carb work, turn signal lenses, kickstart lever, and ?. Call William Barnes at 760-731-7027, Fallbrook, CA (n of San Diego).