New to group...Question about XS1100

[njbikercr]

Hi all. I'm new to the group and need to ask a few questions. I am close to getting a 1980 XS1100. MY questions are as follows:

1.What are some of the areas I should pay attention to on this bike when I inspect it?

2.I had an XS650 Midnight Special when I was 18, and the thing ate generator brushes, does this particular XS model have the same problem?


I haven' t owned a Yamaha since I was 18 (1987) and would like to get back on them. I currently bracket race a 1975 Kawasaki Z1 on occasions, and I want a bike that I can ride every day. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

[njbikercr]

Sorry, I forgot to say you can E-mail at dsrtvet1@aol.com or post your responses here.

[Artic_rider]

Does it run? if so, how does it sound ie rough idle, backfiring ect

Is it rusted, how bad

How does the inside of the gas tank look ( looking for rust in there, rust in there is a good sign that you might have problems with the carbs)

Was to PO a **** bagger on it, or did he treat her like a queen?

How's the tranny (do a search for 2nd gear troubles here, and you will be informed on the problems, and fixes if it is an issue)

Use your judgment I guess, but that would be my biggest concerns about getting the bike. I bought mine a couple of months back, before I found this sight, and I wish I had found it before I bought it...with that said though, My tank is a labour of love, and it shows I guess you could say. I have reserected her from near certain death, and now that I have to engine, and tranny fixed, I wouldn't give it up as my city bike. It's going to be fully restored once the snow flies. Chalk it all up to how involved do you want to be...parts from yamaha are hit and miss as to whether you can get them, although EBAY and here are great places to grab deals. There is a wealth of knowledge on this sight with it's members, so if you want to get serious with how your bike looks, and performs...I would say buy it regaurdless, and learn the love of creating your baby. Now with all that said...I'm off to have a beer and a cheer, cause I just found out mama bear is expecting in eight months...

[fxrer]

Welcome to the forum, and good luck with your possible acquisition.

As far as what to look for, it is hard to say. Othere than carbs, there isn’t much that is chronically wrong with these bikes (maybe the 2nd gear transmission problem qualifies), so I would just say that, if it runs smoothly, doesn’t blow oil, has good compression, and looks like its been well cared for, then there isn’t anything that can’t be fixed. Do a search on the left for “restore” and other similar titles - there are lots of threads from riders who have, or are in the process of, restoring an XS that has been “sitting for years”. They all have issues, but with the help of the knowledgeable members of this forum you can get ANY question answered. There’s still lots of sources for parts (see Links) and other stuff is very commonly available on E-Bay

Make sure you put the model (Standard G or Special SG) in your profile as there are differences.

Where are you located in NJ?

[LoserShoes]

From lurking on this board for a while, it seems to me that most problems seem to be eletrical. The mechanics are pretty durable, but corroded connetors and the problems with the ignition pickups seem to be the most bothersome. That said, these are relatively easy to fix. Even the second gear thing doesn't require taking the motor out of the frame.

If it looks good, runs good, and shifts good, buy it. Otherwise take a good look at it and come back here for advice.


Steve

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there NJBiker,

First, take a look at this link:What to look for in Neglected XS

Secondly, a bunch of us are meeting in Bainbridge, Susquehana Motor Lodge, NY for a Rally this weekend! Then I'll be going to North Bergen/Hoboken for some NYC siteseeing with "mom". Will be there July 4 for the Fireworks, and 5th for more siteseeing. Leaving the 6th. I'm staying at the HoJo on Tonnalle street near the Lincoln Tunnel. We're leaving for the Rally early tomorrow AM. I'll check back here again tonight, if you want to get together, send me a PM with contact info, ie. phone #!

[corey]

Congratulations Artic_rider! Kids are great! Be sure you educate them in the art of motorcycling, however...

Everyone here probably knows more than I do about what to look for when purchasing a used bike. But as long as it meets the criteria established here by the gurus, then get it for sure! You'd be missing a sweet machine if you let a workable XS11 fall through your fingers...

Good luck!