Alright, buckle up, folks, ’cause I’m about to spill the beans on my Yamaha XS 11 project. It was a beast, a real challenge, but man, the feeling when she finally roared to life? Unbeatable.
So, it all started when I stumbled across this XS 11 sitting in a buddy’s garage. Covered in dust, hadn’t run in years. He was gonna scrap it! I couldn’t let that happen. These bikes have soul. I offered him peanuts for it, and surprisingly, he took the bait. Deal done.
First things first: assessment. I dragged her home, and started tearing into it. The carbs were gummed up worse than anything I’d ever seen. Fuel tank was rusty. Wiring looked like a rat’s nest. Tires were cracked. Basically, everything needed attention.
- Engine: Compression test showed promise, so I decided to try and revive it. New plugs, oil change (the old oil was like sludge!), and a prayer. Nothing. Okay, deep breath. Carbs out. I spent a solid weekend soaking and scrubbing those things. Rebuilt them with new kits. Still nothing! Turns out, the ignition system was shot. New coils, wires, and a fancy electronic ignition module later, and she finally coughed to life! Sounded rough, but it was a start.
- Fuel System: The tank was a nightmare. I tried everything: vinegar, electrolysis, the whole nine yards. Eventually, I gave up and bought a used one online. New fuel lines, fuel filter, and petcock completed the job.
- Electrical: Oh man, the wiring. I wanted to chuck the whole thing in the trash. But I persevered. New battery, cleaned every connection, and re-wrapped the harness. Replaced some frayed wires. It was tedious, but worth it.
- Chassis: New tires were a must. Brakes were seized, so I rebuilt the calipers and master cylinder. New brake lines too. Fork seals were leaking, so I replaced those and put in fresh oil. I even gave her a fresh coat of paint – nothing fancy, just a rattle can job to make her look a little less sad.
The Big Moment
After weeks of wrenching, cursing, and a few moments of serious doubt, it was time for the test ride. I rolled her out of the garage, took a deep breath, and hit the starter. She fired right up! This time, she sounded healthy. A little rough around the edges, but healthy. I eased her down the street, and wow, that inline four is a beast. Tons of torque. She handled surprisingly well, too. I spent the rest of the day cruising around, grinning like an idiot.
Was it easy? Hell no. Was it worth it? Absolutely. This Yamaha XS 11 is more than just a motorcycle to me. It’s a testament to perseverance, a reminder that even the most neglected machines can be brought back to life. And honestly, there’s just something special about riding a classic like this. It’s raw, it’s visceral, and it’s a hell of a lot of fun.
