to nice to scrap?

my 1100 that picked up early this year has been problem after problem and im trying to decide if tearing the bike apart and rebuilding it is worth it due to not a very high resale price on these bikes. im thinking in the shape its in i might as well just part it out..any thoughts?

issues so far is useless 2nd and third gear, high low beam and kill switch do nothing, cylinder looses power and carb bowls leak. oil pressure sending unit not working.

 

I say go for the rebuild. There's always the satisfaction factor -- you had a problem, and YOU fixed it. We don' need no steenkin' shop.

And yes, it looks too nice to scrap.

 

If you aren't going to rebuild it, sell it to someone who will.

 

+1.

Those aren't "problems" they're symptoms of neglect (and abuse.)

It's way too nice and complete to part out; I agree that if you're not up to the effort involved in repairing and recommissioning it, pass it along WHOLE.

Other than the transmission issues, the other "problems" you're mentioning are quite common and easily remedied with a bit of work.

 

No one here is going to tell you to scrap it. If you went on a "V twin" site they may!!!

 

thanks guys ..yeah i think ill just tear her apart over the winter and see what i can do. just dont want to be a huge money pit but i already have new tranny set and shift forks. all i need is complete gasket set and prob a carb rebuild kit. ..i think...well im moving in two weeks once im in the new garage ill be pulling the motor out..this will be my first bike rebuild...should be educational

 

Damn that's a nice seat and back combo. Exhaust looks mint too. Crash bars a plus, it sure looks all there to me. Is that the standard location of the front blinkers, strange mount off the headlight like that. I say definately rebuild!

 

Pick one problem & fix it properly, go for the kill switch first, when you have a success it will spur you to greater things. It's a nice bike, give it a bit of TLC.

 

Looks like it's unanimous, have confidence in yourself and US as well, you're not going through this alone. If you want I'll trade you my 82 Maxim 750. Just kidding, at least you know what's wrong with your bike, I have some mysteries to examine, since I have to remove my engine for a frame repair, I'm going to do a total top end refurb. Thinking about stepping up one oversize and a bore job.

 

+1 to all the above.

You would find parting it out is a time consuming process, and everything you list as a problem would take less time than removing everything, listing it, selling it, shipping it, etc. Plus from what I've seen 1100's don't seem as common as the smaller XJ's, and that begs for it to be saved.

You have a wealth of resource right here to help you with this process, and there might even be someone nearby who could help. If you carefully shop for what you need-after your sure you need it-then you can make it good for not too much. Big plus side-you will gain very useful knowledge in the process and a true feeling of accomplishment. Even if I had tons of money to just take my bike to the "experts," I wouldn't (your work will be better anyway). But now old plumbing is another matter-I'll pay for that.

 

Might want to have pistons and rings IN HAND before you engage the machine shop.

Not a lot of top-end rebuild parts around for these bikes. We have a member who had a 550 with two holed pistons and he went through all sorts of hell finding two stock pistons. The 750s are probably no different.

The 1100 in question needs its tranny fixed (no surprise) and probably a valve job (completely do-able.)

And it's way too pretty to cut up.

 

Yah I know Fitz, I'm going to wait till I get it apart before I make any decisions, PO told me that there was excessive oil vapor from the breather/ airbox. I suspect a ring issue.

 

And TONS of fun!

 

I'd run both wet and dry compression tests BEFORE tearing it down so you have some idea of what you're doing. Or if it's even necessary. Might be all you need is a valve adjustment and not overfill the oil.

"PO told me" is not a valid reason to jump off on a major teardown.

 

I agree with everyone, that bike is too nice to part out. Fix it and ride it.

 

And I have to chime in with my "make sure you're using the right viscosity oil for your climate" mantra. The wrong viscosity oil used in a given climate WILL cause excessive oil consumption and breather/airbox vapor. I know this firsthand -- but of course I'm the only one silly enough to do this.

 

Were is the poll option: Give it to Metal_Bob for $1

 

Plus $2,999 shipping and handling! LOL

 

When did this become ebay? :mrgreen:

 

honestly what are the xj1100s worth? i dont see a big market for them but honsesly where can you find 100hp on a bike? these things were way advanced compared to harley and their tractor tech

 

There are lots of 100 h.p. bikes out there, here are some examples Yamaha's V Max, Suzuki's Hyabasa, Kawasaki had the KZ 1300 with 120 hp and BMW has their new transverse engined 1200 with 153 hp.

 

The new Vmax is rated at 183bhp and get's worse gas mileage than a 4 cylinder car! But hey you can pull your boat with it.

 

Well i know high end but im talking about bikes from the early 80s and other bikes in the price range of below 5k