replacing my starter button

[tuffbutcute]

I have purchased a starter button for my 1981 XS 1100. I have also purchased the Clymer Service and Repair Manual. I cannot find a schematic or something that will show me how to properly replace this button...how complicated is it? Is there a step by step procedure out there. This is my first bike and so far I have been able to do a great deal by myself with guidance from the people who have sold me parts. It seems to me this should not be really complicated, but if anyone could walk me through this or has picture of the actual starter assembly I sure would appreciate it.

I am new to all of this. My XS 1100 is my first bike and so far I have found your site and forums very helpful and insightful...hope someone out there can share their smarts with me!!

Thanks bunches!

[uk1.1s]

Starter button

Hi Donna.... that *&^%$ starter button eh? Had two go myself.

So - how to get to the thing to replace. Don't worry, it's not hard, just a bit fiddly.

What you need to do is take the switches off the handlebar first, and like most Japanese bikes these are held on with two cross head screws underneath the plastic body of the switches. One is longer than the other I think, so note which is which to avoid that ...Doh...moment when you come to put it all back together.

Once apart the switches will come away from the bars but should be held together by the wiring, so careful not to pull them apart too hard.

Inside in the bottom part of the switches you can see small brown plastic (usually) parts which have the wiring soldered to. Unfortunately you need to get this apart to get to the starter button. It's now a case of carefully unscrewing the small screws that hold these in (there's probably one main bit - but 2--3 small screws in total need unfastening to get everything out of the way. Work slowly and even make little sketches of where everything goes if you're unsure.

Care when you get down to the button as there's a spring down there behind it, so you need to try and stop this pinging off into a dark corner somewhere.

That's about it - putting back together is just a reverse of taking it all apart - hopefully you've got a good memory on how it all goes together or some little sketches that still make sense.

Good luck - Graham

As this is a common problem, if it ever occurs again try the bike scrap yard and yamahas of the same era (not necessarily xs1100's). Also a guy called Tkat posts here and has some aluminium ones available occaisionally that he makes himself.

[dntemp_ca]

Welcome to the forum and XS ownership, Donna! Sounds like you're well on your way to being smitten with your XS11. If this is your first bike, you will likely have taken the MPI motorcycle training course. A friend and former co-worker of mine is one of the instructors. The Clymer manual is a good investment and XS11.com and the members of this forum are outstanding. I'm just down the road in Kenora (lived in Winnipeg for 18 yrs) and have seen the occasional XS11 around Winnipeg. I was hoping to connect with a few other XSives in the area. Maybe we have the start of a Red River Valley or Lake of the Woods XS rally!! Good luck with your starter button.
Ride smilin'

[tuffbutcute]

thank you!

Dennis: I have already taken the course with MB Safety...actually I am taking it for a second time right now as I just do not have the confidence level I would like to have....I am a widow and the only parent to my son...I want to be around a very long time for him so I am erring to the cautious side with this! I am enjoying working on my bike...this is all very new to me, but if I am going to own an older bike, I want to know as much as I can about it...definitely let me know if you get anything arranged here in this area...I would be interested in attending! The fellow at the bike shop I pick parts up with (Canadian Cycle) also owns XS Elevens...he has been very helpful...has a couple he uses for parts also.

[tuffbutcute]

UK1 - thank you

thanks for the help UK1...I will tackle this today...hehehe..ya got a phone number so if I run into probs...just kidding...the button I purchased has the spring with it so hopefully I will not run into any problems.

[xssiveone]

Donna, welcome to the "club" Not sure if you have a repair manual yet or not, but there is one available on a CD. Contact Rob Mills He charges next to nothing for them and any profit goes to his local animal shelter.

[Bill__Woods]

Welcome to the Xsive Zone Donna. Ride your XS often and respect it always, they are Powerful & Heavy bikes.
I would install a pair of the Aluminum Starter & Horn Buttons in your XS. Then you only have to do it ONCE. If you install another plastic button, it Will eventually break again.