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After a bit of a bikeless hiatus where I sold all the bikes in a fit of downsizing and life simplification (and frustration at still not quite getting my green '78E fueling sorted out fully after many many rounds of diagnostics and jetting combinations etc with the '80 carbs; I think it was down to how I had the RC pipe baffled excessively, that or worn needles/emulsion tubes), I just couldn't stay away from the "Elevens." I considered buying something newer with fuel injection, I considered dipping my feet back into (single carb) Harley ownership, but at the end of the day I just think these XS1100s are absolutely fantastic machines, and the perfect combination of classic looks, awesome usable real world power, and comfort/touring ability.
Part of my motivation being okay with selling the '78 E was knowing that my buddy had a really clean single owner '79 F that I helped him purchase back in 2022 that he would be willing to sell to me if/when I was interested. Unlike my old '78 that had had a few too many "cooks in the kitchen," this '79 is unfettled with, the original owner bought it new in '79, and sold it to me/my buddy in 2022. The only changes from stock are the 4-1 Kerker pipe (previous owner said he installed it after the stock exhaust rotted out the mufflers), and a luggage rack/sissy bar combo. From what I recall having briefly ridden it, it must be rejetted, I recall it needing minimal warmup.
On the to-do list is a thorough general going through of the machine, it has the usual symptoms of pickup coils breaking internally, though the one time I took a look at it while visiting my buddy, I could not find an obvious fault with them. The bike needs new tires, I'll install galfer braided front brake lines and take a look at the condition of the braking system in general, double check that the stock vacuum petcocks aren't leaking, take a close look at the carb intake boots (I know they look pretty nasty and cracked externally... are the K&L replacements any good?).
I forget, but I think the '79 Fs still ran tube tires, and I forget whether this one had already been swapped to the tubeless style rims or not by the previous owner, but if not that will certainly be on the list of to-dos (I may just plug off the rim locks with brass NPT fittings and only swap the easier-to-source front rim).
But the idea is to simply preserve and enjoy this nice, stock, unmolested bike with a few functional upgrades mentioned above. I really want to do some touring on it, so the luggage rack and possibly a small windshield will likely find their way onto the bike at some point when the time comes.
Part of the motivation to come back to the XS11 was also this awesome and very helpful community!
Part of my motivation being okay with selling the '78 E was knowing that my buddy had a really clean single owner '79 F that I helped him purchase back in 2022 that he would be willing to sell to me if/when I was interested. Unlike my old '78 that had had a few too many "cooks in the kitchen," this '79 is unfettled with, the original owner bought it new in '79, and sold it to me/my buddy in 2022. The only changes from stock are the 4-1 Kerker pipe (previous owner said he installed it after the stock exhaust rotted out the mufflers), and a luggage rack/sissy bar combo. From what I recall having briefly ridden it, it must be rejetted, I recall it needing minimal warmup.
On the to-do list is a thorough general going through of the machine, it has the usual symptoms of pickup coils breaking internally, though the one time I took a look at it while visiting my buddy, I could not find an obvious fault with them. The bike needs new tires, I'll install galfer braided front brake lines and take a look at the condition of the braking system in general, double check that the stock vacuum petcocks aren't leaking, take a close look at the carb intake boots (I know they look pretty nasty and cracked externally... are the K&L replacements any good?).
I forget, but I think the '79 Fs still ran tube tires, and I forget whether this one had already been swapped to the tubeless style rims or not by the previous owner, but if not that will certainly be on the list of to-dos (I may just plug off the rim locks with brass NPT fittings and only swap the easier-to-source front rim).
But the idea is to simply preserve and enjoy this nice, stock, unmolested bike with a few functional upgrades mentioned above. I really want to do some touring on it, so the luggage rack and possibly a small windshield will likely find their way onto the bike at some point when the time comes.
Part of the motivation to come back to the XS11 was also this awesome and very helpful community!
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