Where to Start?

[omthetortoise]

Ok - so as some of you know I just bought my first XS11 a few weeks ago. I have no idea what kind of care the PO took with the machine, as I bought it off a a girl who had purchased and had a friend ride it home only to find her feet didn't touch the ground - which is not comfort making for a big machine like this.

Anyhow - my 79XSF runs and seems functional - but I'd prefer to be cautious and give her a good checkup/tuneup before doing any serious riding. I'm no mechanic, but I want to learn so the plan (currently) is to do as much of my own work restoring this as possible.

Being new to all of this, I thought I would ask - what would you guys recommend as far as a checklist of things to do before you would consider an unknown bike 'roadworthy'?

Thanks-

Jon

[BowlingSS]

The first thing I would do is to change all the oils. Replace the plugs with NGK ones. Check the air in the tires. Does the bike run OK? You could also check the valves to make sure you do not have any that are tight. Clean or replace the air cleaner. Clean and oil if the air cleaner is a K&N one. Check all nuts and bolts and tighten as needed. Check the battery and make sure it is full unless it is a sealed one. The list can go on and one.

I would also buy a service manual. They are very helpful.

Good luck. Post pictures.

Bill

[tcoop]

Read through this, even if it is not neglected.
http://www.xs11.com/faqs/16-what-to-...ed-xs1100.html

[Rasputin]

Brakes, brakes, brakes, brakes, brakes. Once it will run enough to make you even dream about riding it, check the brake function. I have gotten 15 yr non runners up and running and get very excited about trying it out. Never once left the barn without doing a brake check or rebuild of them.
One can get very excited about the fact that it runs and just want to cruise around the block. That can cost you your lifestyle, if you damage or run over something cause you can not stop.