Mooresville XS1100

[CLTBLUESMAN]

Well thanks for everyone’s encouragement on restoring my Dad’s bike. I’m going to put the work and dollars in. I’m retired so I do have the time.

That being said, my first order of business I think is to put Marvel Oil in the cylinders and get a key headed my way. Where online do I go to get a key? Also did the same key open the tank?

I also reached out to Oldskool carbs. I’m just gonna let them redo the carbs.

The brake calipers in front are hanging and not attached. Does anyone rebuild them? I’m sure they need refreshment.

Is a Haynes workshop guide available?

Lot of rust on kickstands. I have not taken a good look at everything.

Lord, here we go. I have a goal. The gathering in Western NC. I’d like to ride it there. I think that’s a lofty goal. We shall see.

Thanks again for everyone’s help and encouragement. I’ll post pictures as I go.
John

ps. Dad left me another project too. He special ordered a 1968 Impala Station Wagon with a 396, 325 horse engine, a .372 positraction rearend with 3 on the tree. That’s still setting in his garage in Western Md. I really want to get that on the road as I learned to drive on that car in 1971. I went to my senior prom in that car. That car is my dream car to restore.

[2WheelFun]

I love long roof cars, grew up in the carbon monoxide rear facing seat of them. Irish Catholic big family.

Google cycle keys online for the website it will walk you through.

https://youtu.be/tsJ3xWA4V7g Very helpful video

[CLTBLUESMAN]

Ok. I couldn’t find the kickstart lever. I bought one from a guy on FB. I did take a picture of the VIN. I’m not sure what it means. I know I need side covers. Here is the VIN:

[kboehringer]

SNIP.....
Lord, here we go. I have a goal. The gathering in Western NC. I’d like to ride it there. I think that’s a lofty goal. We shall see.
SNIP....

CLTBluesMan,
Get the inventory done and let us know what you need. If I have one, it's probably going to be free to you. I have a fair amount of spares, hopefully I haven't tossed in the recycle bin something you need. There is also a chance I will be headed to PA for training and will pass right through your area (I take I-77 North out of Charlotte to I-81). If the training occurs, I can drop the parts to you somewhere along I-77.

We'd love to see you at the rally. If your bike isn't done.... Maybe you can ride one of mine. I usually take 4-5 bikes.

Sincerely,
KURT

[cajun31]

Ok. I couldn’t find the kickstart lever. I bought one from a guy on FB. I did take a picture of the VIN. I’m not sure what it means. I know I need side covers. Here is the VIN:

2h7 signifies that you have a standard. You can download a manual. If you frequent Ebay you can usually find a hardcopy for sale. As for the key, just look on the ignition for the four digit code. I have never owned a standard, so I am not really sure about that code. It is on the specials. Anyway... go on Ebay and search Yamaha and that 4 digit code and it will bring up keys. There are several folks out there that supply blanks as well as those that sell the blanks and cut the keys according to the code you give them. I picked up a MNS back in October with no keys and a vendor on Ebay supplied and cut two keys for a bit under 20.00. I would suggest that you completely rebuild every aspect of the brakes. Rebuild kits for the masters and the calipers. Search for Brake Crafters. Go with the kits with new stainless pistons. A bit more but you will never have to worry about them again. Also replace all the old brake lines with stainless clad in vinyl. Good luck on the resto and we love pictures and everyone is willing to help.

[CLTBLUESMAN]

Thanks so much for the advice. Yes, I want to rebuild the brakes right with stainless pistons and braided lines. Not taken any chances on brakes! Dad had Vetter bags and fairing and sidecar. I do not know where the bags are. I think for simplicity and expedience I am going to take that all off and focus on just getting the bike back to the basic. I did buy a kickstarter lever as I cannot find the one on the bike. The Fairing has a locked glove box. It could be in there, but I don’t have key for it. I just have to start taking it apart. I’ll take pictures as I go and put the pieces in labeled bags as I take them off. I think I will send the carbs out to Oldskool for a rebuild.

I wonder if I should take it all the way to the frame and repaint the frame. I thought about sending that out for sandblast and powder coating, but that may be excessive. Dad also had a Kerker 4 into 1 header that is pretty corroded. Lots of corrosion on the engine, handlebars, taillight chrome etc. Is that hard to bring back, or does it require replating, or newer parts. The shaft drive looks like it was leaking some also.

I will post more pictures in the next couple days. Thanks again.

[Radioguylogs]

All properly maintained XS11's get a greasy accumulation where the swing arm attaches to the final drive.

Greasing the driveshaft rear splines is a required maintenance item. That is why there is a zerk fitting in that location. However, there is no gasket between the swingarm and the final drive, so oil from the grease leaks out and makes a gunky mess.

[motoman]

All properly maintained XS11's get a greasy accumulation where the swing arm attaches to the final drive.

Greasing the driveshaft rear splines is a required maintenance item. That is why there is a zerk fitting in that location. However, there is no gasket between the swingarm and the final drive, so oil from the grease leaks out and makes a gunky mess.

The grease zerk has nothing to do with the rear splines. It lubes the internal final drive shaft gears. Lube for the splines on rear wheel is beat done using Hondas Moly 60 grease. A light film applied to splines is all that's needed with no leaky grease externally.....ever.

[CLTBLUESMAN]

Do special sidecovers fit the standards?

[Ranger_xs1100]

There is a lot of good info here regarding the differences in side covers that may help you: Interchange Guide: Seats, Grab Rails, Sidecovers, Taillights - XS11.club Forums

[2WheelFun]

One step at a time, get the bikes mechanical systems ironed out. Get to running, stopping and steering. Get a key and 5 gal of evaporust. Go thru the fuel system, replace vacuum lines, plugs, fluids and filters including air and get it running. Then front end brakes, tires, fork seals, then back end brakes, tires lube the shaft.

Make your list for Kurt (so kind of an offer ) and post up what he can't help you out with.

Dress it up after you get a sound running bike. If you want to blow it apart and do a frame up then you know everything works.

Do you have good mechanic skills? Comfortable adjusting valves and such?

[CLTBLUESMAN]

One step at a time, get the bikes mechanical systems ironed out. Get to running, stopping and steering. Get a key and 5 gal of evaporust. Go thru the fuel system, replace vacuum lines, plugs, fluids and filters including air and get it running. Then front end brakes, tires, fork seals, then back end brakes, tires lube the shaft.

Make your list for Kurt (so kind of an offer ) and post up what he can't help you out with.

Dress it up after you get a sound running bike. If you want to blow it apart and do a frame up then you know everything works.

Do you have good mechanic skills? Comfortable adjusting valves and such?

Excellent advice. First thing I’m going to do is get it somewhat cleaned up. Mud Daubers etc have it a mess. Meanwhile find the key code. Get that headed my way so I can see inside the gas tank. Put marvel in the bores.

Yes, that was the kindest offer that Kurt extended to me. I truly appreciate it.

One thing that does concern me is my left hand. Due to an accident my left hand is jacked up. I do have fair use of my thumb, forefinger and middle finger. I can’t make a closed fist with that hand. So I will have to be sure I can operate the clutch. Or somehow make it hydraulic assist. As long as it’s not too too stiff.

[CLTBLUESMAN]

Little update here. I found a kickstarter, so I can check if it rotates soon. I also found a set of same color sidecovers in good shape. I got them headed my way. I downloaded the manual off of Mr. Ringler's site. All 319 pages. So now my next big deal is to get it into the garage to get started. My garage really needs a thorough re-arrangement and clearing out stuff we have been dragging around for 20 years. Like old time antenna rotors!. So I am engaged in that to make room for the bike. I need a name for the bike. Anyway. I really want to have it ready by the rally in September. Thanks again for the kind offers of help and advice. Lots of knowledge on this forum! I am amazed. John

[hjohnriley]

Hey John,
How's the project? Do you have an update for us?
Thanks!