New XS Owner With A Few Questions

[Jabreatt]

Just purchased a 1981 XS1100L a few months again. Found this web site, great information. I've been a rider for the a few years, not to state my age but friends refer to me a "Motorcycle Grandpa". I've owned numerous bikes, i have a KZ100, and a GW, but I really enjoy riding my XS. Bought this bike from someone at work who wanted to upgrade to a BMW, i would not consider it a upgrade. The bike has about 11k miles and has been well taken care of, no dents, runs great (engined rebuilt last year). I do have a couple of question through:

(1) Where can I get a windshiled that fits and will not conflict with the style, looks of the XS.
(2) Is there a place I can get parts re-chromed (gold), some parts like the handle behind the seat have faded with age.
(3) What is the light marked "head Lamp" located under the oil light. Sometimes it is on, sometimes it is off, sometime it just flickers??? What is it telling me.

Thanks for a place to talk with other XS riders.

[Dragonrider]

3) This is the indicator for the headlight reserve unit...basically they stuck a module under the seat that will turn the high-beam on at half-power if the low beam burns out...

I can't remember the modes...I think on (but dim) is normal...and on bright means your low beam is burned out....

I would check all your connections...the connector on the headlight is prone to melting...

Hope that helps....

[John]

Rich, the only question I can answer is the one about the light marked headlamp. That is the 'Reserve Lighting Unit' (RLU) It's purpose is to warn you when the low beam filament in the headlight fails, and it will turn on the high beam, at a reduced brightness, so you aren't forced to ride with only the high beam. On my bike the indicator always glows, but very dimly. It has been needed once in the past, and when it activated, the indicator glowed brightly. It is all automatic, by the way. There is a way to bypass it, but I'm not sure of the procedure. Mine works, and I kinda like it.