76 XS11 - to buy or not to buy?

[prometheus578]

"Ain't that a kick in the groin!"

I just spent a whole hour writing a detailed response filled with things to check and words of enlightened encouragement. Then I hit some button or other and lost it all!
(The only knockin' I hear is me poundin' my head against the wall)
Oh yeah... the kick starter may not be missing. It's stored against the frame on the right side, under, and to the rear, of the airbox. (Look for a large wingnut holding it in place)

[pathfinder]

If you can find a mechanic that will even touch it I would be surprised. Most technicians are'nt as old as the bike and all they can do is read a computor screen to tell them what to do (throw your money at it & still not fix it). Real mechcanics are few and far between, read this site and ask plenty of ??? and it will work out. The folks on this site have seen it or done it and can help

[knewsom]

Re: "Ain't that a kick in the groin!"

Originally posted by prometheus578
I just spent a whole hour writing a detailed response filled with things to check and words of enlightened encouragement. Then I hit some button or other and lost it all!
(The only knockin' I hear is me poundin' my head against the wall)
Oh yeah... the kick starter may not be missing. It's stored against the frame on the right side, under, and to the rear, of the airbox. (Look for a large wingnut holding it in place)

lol - well, consider me encouraged.

[knewsom]

Originally posted by pathfinder
If you can find a mechanic that will even touch it I would be surprised. Most technicians are'nt as old as the bike and all they can do is read a computor screen to tell them what to do (throw your money at it & still not fix it). Real mechcanics are few and far between, read this site and ask plenty of ??? and it will work out. The folks on this site have seen it or done it and can help

good point. I REALLY like the bike, it looks great, it sounds good, it's COMFY, and there's one helluva strong community of XS11 owners out there - you guys sure are helpful. Heck, not only will I get to have a really awesome motorcycle, I'll get to join a wicked awesome club too. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

[remccool]

I can attest to the fact that these guys can lead you through anything on one of these bikes. I bought a 78E in Dec 05 and within a month had it back on the road by reading the tech tips and other info on this site. It had a knock sound that had me nervous, it turned out to be an exhaust leak. These are great bikes, I had an 850 Special and a 1100 Special back in the 80's , tried other bikes since, including Kawasaki's and a Goldwing, but came back to the XS11. Just ask, and someone here will know the answer or help you find it. They've helped me more than I I should mention...... And you get many points of view, try them all, at least one will work!