Topic: Is the price right? Opinions and suggestions wanted.

[manjisann]

Given the little info that is in this ad, how much would you offer the seller?

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=218&ad=5105919&lpid=7&cat=144

It looks like it will need new rear blinkers, new pipes, and the left side foot peg seems to be missing. This is just what little I could gather from the pics. Also, since it has been down, there is the possibility of frame damage. Thoughts on buying a bike for riding that has been layed down before?

Thanks,

Brandon

[nickjtc]

Put the money into your 500.

[KB02]

That ad reads, "I dropped it. I'm too scared to ride it again. Please buy it."

The XS 1100 was a beast. If I had the spare scratch for it, I'd buy it.

[azuredesign]

Looks like clutch lever and maybe left side of tank got it too.

[manjisann]

Thanks for the replies guys  

Hey nickjtc, how do you like your 650? I have seen a couple ads around here for some 650 customs for not too much and have serously contemplated picking one up. Does it handle the highway/freeway pretty well?

That ad reads, "I dropped it. I'm too scared to ride it again. Please buy it."

That was kinda what I was thinking. If the ad is still around near the end of the month when I get some extra scratch I may give the person a call and see if they'd take $400 for it. My 500 is plenty powerful for me, but more power on the freeway is a good thing too.

Looks like clutch lever and maybe left side of tank got it too.

yeah, I'm sure it will need some parts, and if the clutch lever got it, probably best to replace the bars to be on the safe side. But for the price, it is very very tempting.

Thanks,

Brandon

[bill440cars]

     Personally, if you could swing it, I'd get it. I mean, there doesn't seem to be too much wrong there AND the XS1100 IS a Great runner. I almost bought one some years ago, but I couldn't get the owner to deal and he was asking more than I could afford. I had taken it for a spin too, and that made it even HARDER for me.

                                      Take care, Bill

      Besides, it'd be nice to have another bike and one that should handle the freeway with NO problems.

[nickjtc]

Hey nickjtc, how do you like your 650? I have seen a couple ads around here for some 650 customs for not too much and have serously contemplated picking one up. Does it handle the highway/freeway pretty well?

I love my Sophie. I got her in May '06, bought as a 'commuter bike' when I was doing a job 1000kms north of here. Since then I've put 23,700km under her wheels with no problems. She has the Honda 'weeping head' so looks a little well used at times. She makes a perfect highway or backroad bike. Having said that I don't ride fast. She's happiest bimbling along at 100-120kph.

Nick



The XS1100 was always considered a hairy @rsed beast when it came on the scene, and there is a loyal following for them. I know a gal and her husband who have a matching pair. But regardless of what the bike is, the question is whether it will be worth putting the money into it to make it presentable. Which is why I suggested putting the money into the 500.

[754]

The XS 11 will  have twice the horsepower of your 500, how fast do you want to go?
 Do you ride Double?

 Is Insurance a lot higher for it vs the 500?? (sure is here!)

[manjisann]

But regardless of what the bike is, the question is whether it will be worth putting the money into it to make it presentable. Which is why I suggested putting the money into the 500.

Depending on what needed to be done to it, I don't mind sinking a few hundred into it right now, and more later on. My cb500 runs, but has an oil leak up top and so I want to take the top apart and redo the seals. I want another bike to ride while I do that. If I have to put a little money into it to get it to run before I rip into my 500 that is fine.

The XS 11 will  have twice the horsepower of your 500, how fast do you want to go?
 Do you ride Double?

 Is Insurance a lot higher for it vs the 500?? (sure is here!)

I don't ride real fast, in all honesty, I am pretty happy with my 500 as far as that goes. I haven't taken her on the freeway yet, but I doubt I'll go over 80 mph on any bike. As far as doubling up, not at this time, but someday maybe. I want a bike I can load with gear and go for a trip on. I am just looking for more of a cruiser style bike, as I have my 500 kitted out as more of a street bike.

I hadn't thought of the insurance being lots more with the higher displacement. That is definitely something to put into the equation, and very seriously may cause me to go with an engine closer in size to my 500's.

Thanks again all for the food for thought.

Brandon

[HavocTurbo]

Well I normally agree with bill440 on things but.....

Looks like I'm going to be the only negative comment.

I have worked on several 11's and must say that for the sheer weight and size of the engine alone, gas mileage isn't all that great.

The chassis sucks for anything other than highway riding (try riding that bastard in heavy city traffic and you'll lose your feet) and parking the thing is like straddling a city bus.

No I am from the school of thought that there is no replacement for displacement, but in this case the size of it puts me off.

I find that my 750's (i now have one from yam/hon/suz/kaw) are very close in power and are 10 times more maneuverable in traffic and emergency situations.

Just my $0.02

[manjisann]

I have decided that this is probably too much bike for me, at least until I have more riding under my wheels 

Nick, I have an opportunity to possibly pick up a honda 650, it is posted in the sohc bikes forum if you want to take a look and give me an opinion, it would be greatly appreciated 

Thanks again everyone for your wisdom and time, it was hugely valued!

Brandon

[nickjtc]

I'm biased, of course...but if you can find a 650 that is complete and relatively un-battered, and which has been run on a regular basis, you would have a nice bike. Only one cam means easier maintenance, as we all know. But the same 'rules' apply, whether it is a 650 or any other.....the cost of sorting out a tatty bike can end up making a $500 gem into a $2000 boat anchor.

[manjisann]

   I got me a 1980 CB650 Custom for $500!! She will need a bit of work, but shouldn't need to much to get her fully running again. According to the guy I bought her from she was running when she was put up a year or two ago. He didn't have a working battery for her, but he let me hook mine up and she turned over, and after spraying a bit of starter fluid in the air filter she coughed a few times, like she wanted to start. There was hardly any fuel in the tank, and it needs to be cleaned and coated, but I am pretty confident that with a few hundred in parts (because I am anal that way  ) she will be a runner again. I'll post pics when I pic her up today. I am super stoked, wish it wasn't so cold and snowy here.

Thanks everyone for all your help and opinions!!

Brandon

[Really?]

Those bikes have a peice of my heart and some skin, lol.  Good running bikes and pulls well even with minor mods.  Feels good at 110+ too.

This bike is nick named The Venturer, the predecessor to my Venture Royale.

The '80 XS Eleven Standard was my second street bike at 15 1/2 to 17 years old and off the showroom floor.  My dad thought the 400f he got me was not big enough so he bought that one for me.  He got me the 400f when I was 14, my first street bike.

There is one massive drawback on those bikes, at least to me.  If you hold the front brake and slide the clutch, the rear end will raise.  So, what does this mean?  Do not goose em too hard coming out of a corner, it will kick that rear end right out from under you.  It showed me how it can do that about 4 times.  You would think I woulda learned the first time but nope.

Would I own another one?  Yessir I would.

[nickjtc]

  I got me a 1980 CB650 Custom for $500!!

Good for you. Enjoy!

[Really?]

Wow, I missed that.  kewl, good for you.

[manjisann]

Wow, I missed that.

No worries    I appreciate the imput and info. For now I believe I have decided to stay with the smaller engine for two reasons. First, I am not a very experienced rider, and more importantly (and honestly one of the major deciding factors) insurance is cheaper on the smaller displacement engines. Hopefully I can continue to increase my collection in the years to come.

I am posting pics of my new bike in the SOHC Bikes forum, so please feel free to check them out!

Brandon