One man's trash.........

[S.A.cowboy]

Just bought a bike for a project and it really looks like it is going to take a ton of work. Bike is a 1986 vt1100, does not run and has not in years. Very possible that it may not be able to run, in that case I suppose I could recoupe the tiny amount I paid for it and part it out, whats left anyways, haha.

Apparently this bike was only made for two years so its going to be tough I think to restore it. Instead I am thinking of just using the motor, carbs and wheels and make a new bike out of it. Anyways, I have done some searching but have not found much as far as these bikes go. Found that a company called Ardcore makes frames so that may be an option. That is really though for much later, want to make sure it can run first and worry about that other stuff later.

Anyone have suggestions as to cleaning the engine and carbs up? How would I go about making sure the engine is not locked up? Any other thoughts? Anyone know if any other sites where good info can be found about this bike?

http://s774.photobucket.com/albums/yy30/S_A_Cowboy/1986%20Honda%20Shadow%201100/

[BamaShadow]

First, try to track down a service manual for it. I would start by removing the plugs and squirting a small amount of penetrating oil into the cylinders. Do a valve adjustment to be sure it's right (do this after the penetrating oil has been in there for a little while), and while doing this you'll be rotating the engine by hand. So you'll know if it's locked up. If not, clean out the tank (if you intend to use it). Change the oil, plugs, and air filter. It would be a good idea to pull the carbs and do a rebuild, since it has been sitting for a good while (most likely varnished up). As for a site for this bike, I don't know of one off hand. Good luck with it.

[dirtwarrior]

Just bought a bike for a project and it really looks like it is going to take a ton of work. Bike is a 1986 vt1100, does not run and has not in years.

Apparently this bike was only made for two years so its going to be tough I think to restore it.
1986 made for 2 years, that is a good one

[S.A.cowboy]

Penetrating oil sounds like it could be a good idea. I am going to be looking for a manual for sure but had not thought about a valve adjustment, good idea and gives me a new keyword to search. Thanks for the advice.

[cjones]

these bikes kick ass i will see if i can get you a picture of the one my bubby had

[BamaShadow]

Penetrating oil sounds like it could be a good idea. I am going to be looking for a manual for sure but had not thought about a valve adjustment, good idea and gives me a new keyword to search. Thanks for the advice.
No problem. Keep us posted.

[mcvierh]

link for service manual VT1100-'86...free downloadable manual. The bike may have only been made for 2 years but the service manual covers '85-98 VT1100's.
http://hondatech.info/downloads/Moto/VT/VT1100/

[dakota99rt]

is that j-rods old bike??

[S.A.cowboy]

these bikes kick ass i will see if i can get you a picture of the one my bubby hadWould love to see it. I am a bike porn kind of guy, haha.

[S.A.cowboy]

link for service manual VT1100-'86...free downloadable manual. The bike may have only been made for 2 years but the service manual covers '85-98 VT1100's.
http://hondatech.info/downloads/Moto/VT/VT1100/
Thanks very much, that will help tons. D/Ling it now.

[S.A.cowboy]

is that j-rods old bike??

Not as far as I know of

[Dallas]

Marvel mystery oil can work wonders.

[ol puddin head]

nothin i like better than wokin on someone elses shit they gave up on. something real satisfying in makin the dead live again.

[S.A.cowboy]

1986 made for 2 years, that is a good one
HA! I didn't catch this before, just saw it now as I was looking to see if I had mentioned mavins mystery oil in my previous post. That is funny. What I was refering to though was that this model was made only in 85 and 86, in 87 they changed the 1100 quite a bit. Great catch though.

[S.A.cowboy]

Marvel mystery oil can work wonders.

You know, someone told me I should throw some of this in. I have been planning on checking it out, see what it is, what it does and how it works. Also, would it be safe for a motorcycle, should it be left in with regular oil and ran that way, etc, tec, just had not gotten to it and kind of forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder.

[S.A.cowboy]

nothin i like better than wokin on someone elses shit they gave up on. something real satisfying in makin the dead live again.
I am sure hopin for a little satisfaction, haha.

[Romparoo]

Fun, looking forward to getting a project bike when I can afford it, and when I am done modding mine!