Yamaha XS1100 Special Review - Specs, Sound, Acceleration, Classic Musclebike Power!

[@gtemnykh]

I’ll echo all your comments as a relatively new XS1100 owner myself. The rubber mounted engine is insanely smooth, I can’t believe it’s a 45 year old bike. Very strong roll on power, it lives for lazy downshift-less passing. Super comfortable seat and stable steering: this baby’s made to burn miles, yes at a cost of quick corner carving in the really tight stuff. And yes the shifter is clunky and needs firm decisive motions. Great job on the refurb!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, thank you!

[@alexanderburger3399]

It's a blast! 😁 Got a 2H9 (standart 1979) 3 months ago and it effortlessly kept up with 140+HP bikes (1000cc Ninja and an over 240HP Aprilia) in the motorcycle training course I attended a few days ago. If you're being smooth on the steering and throttle, quick cornering isn't a big deal, but big fun. 😉 The sound and acceleration though..! 🤩Those hyper bikes did really not have a big edge on this 45 years old beauty. Really fell in love with it. 😊

[@minishuman4914]

I bought a ‘79 XS11 in about ‘94 w/about 34k miles & put about another 80k miles on it. It was my daily driver plus I took a lot of road trips. Had a full fairing, side bags & a trunk. The headers got rusty so I put Kerker 4 into 1 exhaust on it, which made changing the oil filter a chore. It also had an oil cooler on it. A great bike for sure.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I think the XS1100 is a sleeper of a classic bike. It's quicker and smoother than the Z1 900 and later KZ1000s. I have those in the garage as well, so I'm speaking from experience. Cheers!

[@billymcelwain531]

Awesome memory lane. In 1981 I was 20 years old, in the Navy and followed my buddy into a bike shop, where I left with a new XS 1100, Midnight Special and of course a bank loan to pay for it. Loved that bike and drove many miles on it before selling it. I remember the super smooth, acceleration and ride, like you mentioned. The other thing is speed. I managed to get mine up over 135 MPH but lacked the courage to watch how much higher the speedo climbed, as the vibration and drift on the road became to intense, I couldn't take my eyes off the road. I would guess I made it to 150, but can't be sure. Fast bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Billy! Thanks for sharing your XS1100 memories. I'm sure the adrenaline was flowing after that ride!

[@billymcelwain531]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Bought a mint conditioned Kawi 750Z 1981 to help me remember the good ol days :D

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@billymcelwain531 Right on!

[@richardpeace3292]

Reallly beginning to appreciate these late 70s/early 80s Japanese bikes….still have so much potential! keep ‘em coming!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Richard!

[@kenbiro8485]

I have this bike. Mine is a 1979 and still all original. I love the shaft drive and I just couldn't part with it. It's getting harder to find parts for it now as it gets older. Yamaha claimed the bike would do 130 mph. I believed them when i got mine to 120 before I back off of it. Mine has a rack on the back that I can ties things down to.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice! Mine had a rack and sissy bar, but I removed them for the cleaner look. I have to admit a rack is functional though.

[@alexanderburger3399]

I have pretty recently reached 250 kilometers per hour and had 1500 rpm left before redline... make of that what you want... ;) Also the engine still wasn't feeling stressed at all and I still felt a sudden weight transfer everytime i twisted the throttle a little more. O_O The urge to test its limit was big, but since I found mine first, the old lady won't be bothered by me in this regard anymore. ^_^

[@Humanhell666]

I actually custom build these bikes. I think I have about 10-14 titles now. My dad collected and taught me how to work on them. Took him until his 50s/60s to find this bike and fall in love. ( his brother, who built engines for Macto tools drag racing introduced it). My dad has a 78' standard. Mine is an 79' xs11 special ( cuz I'm shortest at 5'8) my husband's is an 78' xs11 standard. We took them on a two week trip for our honeymoon(including tunnel of trees) My dad took it around all of USA and to Mexico. Great bike. My dad (65 at the time) popped a tire at 70mph, all was well. I normally get sore sitting for a long time. I use a Standard tank on my special. I play it safe and fill up every 60 miles. That's also when I can't stand the seat. So I plan to reupholster the seats with an added gel pad. I am currently redesigning my whole bike (cosmetics only) I changed out my handlebars for ones off a Honda CB750 Four ( bike from terminator) it's easier for me to steer. Since the turning is a complaint. I also switched out my husband's headlight and wire harness with a specials ( which was a little shorter but my husband and dad messed it up first trying to just rewire the standard harness to fit a special's light) . He wanted a round headlight lol. The standard is square. My husband has Harley exhaust pipes too, I have a 4 in one pipe(do not suggest for oil changes, I did it for my side bags). Mine was at 8,000 miles when I got it. Low mileage survivor. The guy passed and it sat in a shed until the daughter sold it years later to my dad. I have an xs11 bobber I'm building next for me. I do rewire all fuses on the wire harness, they need it. Breaks are easy to rebuild but usually need work, and really a very easy bike to work on. Reliable and you can race Harelys and win lol. We don't even use the air filter box. It makes working on it harder. The forks are not hard to adjust to make a taller or shorter bike. Yeah you could change out the front but I just use a removable shield for long trips. We all put on a sissy bar on to strap bags down. We 99% exclusively ride bikes until ice is on the ground or it's lower than 30°F. I wouldn't recommend starting it up under 42°F tho. The bikes are old, can't just sit around, you gotta keep them running. I have 80/81's too. They are all mostly inner changeable. I'm lucky to have lots of parts on hand. However one surprising expense is the side cover panels, so be careful with those. Also my husband did destroy and have to replace his engine, because he didn't decisively shift and grinded gears( it was his first bike). Glad in the video made note of the shifting. Glad you like the bike. It sure is my favorite. I have built them with just xs11 parts (except air boxes) to sell. I will sell parts someday too. However I like the diversity of making my own custom vehicles for personal use. Thanks for the upload! (I wonder if my dad or husband commented already lol)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Wow, it's so cool to hear that you're enjoying riding, rescuing, and modifying these classic bikes! Keep up the good work!

[@garrypotter251]

Excellent video, enjoyed it very much. I also own the '79 version of this bike, in black. I've owned it for decades. The bike is in mint condition, I love it. As a long-term XS11 Rider I really understand it's handling characteristics. it's a little like riding a wild bronc, if you treat it right and pay attention you're fine. But drop your guard for a second or push it the wrong way it'll push back. But, as long as you understand it and respect it you're fine. It would be hard to find a sweeter ride. This machine is a real piece of motorcycle history, keep the classics rolling! P.S. in '78 and '79 It was the fastest bike money could buy. Not a bike for amateurs by any means!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool Garry! I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I rode the XS1100 for about 40 miles today and enjoyed every minute of the ride. Cheers!

[@logicisdead9871]

I had one of these in my twenties, with full fairing, it was a beautiful comfortable bike and very fast.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@logicisdead9871 Right on! They displaced the KZ1000 as the king of the quick but were more touring oriented in the handling department. It's definitely a good long-distance bike. Cheers!

[@fxrmike5145]

I have an 81 midnight special, that sat in a shed for 25 years. That is my project this winter

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@fxrmike5145 Very cool 😎! How is the gold-chrome holding up? They are such cool-looking bikes.

[@fxrmike5145]

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 some of it is good, some not so good. May have to pull it all off and repaint so it all matches

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@fxrmike5145 Right on!

[@airheadzradioadventures]

My second bike was the ‘79 Special, with similar bars. Had a small windshield as well. Bought it used and the guy gave me the original Cycle magazine that featured it. Didn’t matter what gear I was in nor what rpm I was doing - twist the wrist and it was almost electric power, liquid like you said. It would pull hard until my hair stood up. I remember getting on the power while leaned over, you could feel the frame flex enough to unsettle you, probably due to the shaft power angles. I sat on that thing for 4 to 5 hrs at a time throughout the mountain roads of New Hampshire and Vermont. Really wish I had it back. Thanks for the memories!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

You're welcome! Thanks for sharing the memories. Cheers!

[@kjt63]

I had a 79 XS1100 Special and just loved it..I've had an 05' VMAX, 09'FJR1300 and now a 2010 Stratoliner Deluxe..The 1100 Special with Supertrapp exhaust is still my favorite..

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Kevin! I'm sure it sounded great with the Supertrapp!

[@jetmechmarty]

I bought a 1980 XS1100SG like this one 20 years ago. I have put about 100,000 miles of it. It is still running strong. I believe it could use some valve seals, but I believe that condition is still minor. While I don't think of this as a great touring bike, it has been on several long journeys, one of which was about 3,500 miles and two-up. I've never been left stranded on this bike. I did suffer the broken pick-up coil wires and the blown second gear. When my transmission failed, new gears were still available. I replaced the four gear wheels on the counter shaft and did the washer move as described in the XS11 Heaven book. It has functioned just fine since then. With over 20 years of ownership, I haven't tired of it. Keep the videos coming. I'm enjoying them!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! I'm enjoying my XS1100 more than I anticipated. I've heard lots of stories of this bike racking up impressive mileage. I'll enjoy this one while I have it! Cheers!

[@alcoanotalcoa6841]

had the first one in lethbridge alberta. amazing bike. really miss it. im 67

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! The XS1100 Specials are smooth, fast, & comfortable machines. Cheers!

[@spaceflight1019]

When Yamaha decided to build the 1100 the Gold Wing with a Vetter fairing and bags was the gold standard, with the BMWs close behind. The XS 750 triple had seen some success but riders lamented the lack of power. The UJM paradigm necessitates that a motorcycle must be a capable commuter, weekend tourer, and stoplight dragster, tough requirements, but the XS Eleven series fills the bill. Yamaha forced the other Japanese manufacturers to up their game, and liter-plus inline four engines and shaft drive spread across the showrooms and roadways in the world.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'm thankful for that!

[@flexjay87]

When the needle on the Speedo moves faster than the Tach needle, you know you got some good torque on tap !

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@PibsMegie]

I bought one as my first bike and it's awesome to ride I started on racing dirtbikes though and catwalking 700cc snowmobiles

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It's a good thing you already have experience - the XS1100 is a big, heavy, fast machine for a first bike. Cheers!

[@PibsMegie]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I kinda dropped it once on a slite hill with gravel and I couldn't pick it up all the way it never hit the ground but ya she's a heavy thing and I thought it was light compared to a Harley decker

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@PibsMegie It is lighter than a full dresser Harley for sure!

[@user-sh5dy5tr9d]

I'm still riled up and OCD on the XS and still watching about it deep into the night. It's possible that much of it is nostalgia and memories of times gone by, however I do really like it. I myself was always partial to the looks of the special. Eric in NC

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Eric! I'm planning on listing this one for sale. If you're interested, feel free to contact me at: [e-mail]

[@adamlannerd1408]

I have a 1980 Xs1100G in Diamond Silver. Pulled it out of a old mans back yard for $600. It came with a rare Jardine spaghetti exhaust that sounds amazing. I tend to ride it over my other bikes and don't think I'll ever sell it.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on Adam, it sounds like you found a nice one!

[@hodaka1000]

Love the look of it I have an Australian release 1978 SR500 same black and same type of wheels

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice, I know the one!

[@robertvandergriff4212]

Love the bike I had a 1981 I got it at ruttman Cycle in canton much I had the leather king and queen seat one of the best bikes I ever owned thanks for the video

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! You're welcome Robert!

[@robertrose6309]

Own a 79 xs1100 Special. Bought it new in 79. Rode it from Boston to LA. Best time of my life. Still have it , looks & runs like new! In 80 they changed the handlebars & got rid of the hidden kicker. Also dropped in horsepower in 80. Rather the pullback handlebars & almost 100 hp

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice! I rode a 1979 recently, but it needed some work. For me, the lower, wider bars greatly improved the handling and comfort. But, to each his own. Cheers!

[@k.i.i.3699]

It's almost like you're flying when riding the xs1100. Amazing motorcycle!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@k.i.i.3699 Right on!

[@DocJonesGarage]

Never owned a Yamaha but that bike has me thinking now 😁

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I am pleasantly surprised that I like this one as much as I do.

[@robertreid7735]

You said it all. The XS 11 is still a great quality touring bike for its age. I am bias I have six with one having a Turbo.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice Robert! Did you beef up the transmission on the turbo bike?

[@robertreid7735]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 The only thing done to transmission was having the gears undercut never miss a gear. The only other item to change would be rear gearing down to a 750 rear end. Have not done that, not looking to go 200 mph.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@robertreid7735 Right on!

[@briankane21]

I bought one new in 81....Loved it. Super smooth, powerful, comfortable but yes, cornering and brakes not strong points...oh and the pogo stick rear end when you got on the throttle......the pinion tired to ride up the ring gear LOL!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yep. I replaced the rear shocks with firmer ones and it made a huge difference. The shaft-jacking is almost gone now. Cheers!

[@doonie5396]

Great restoration and glad to see how much you appreciate that excellent bike...

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you!

[@MrMinuteman69]

I own an 81 XS 1100. I have the larger touring style tank and saddle. Originally had a fairing on it that original owner cracked and removed. I have it and fixed it but have never installed. It is a smooth riding bike with more than enough power to scoot down the road. I have taken several long rides with it and don't feel beat down when I get off.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! The XS1100 is a nice long-distance bike. Cheers!

[@blipco5]

Once again you’ve shown us another beauty. 👍 You might try experimenting with fork height, fork springs/oil and tires/tire pressure to quicken up the steering. My ZRX1200 gearbox can be notchy if I’m not alert, especially on the 1st to 2nd gear shift. To alleviate that clunk I short shift into second at 1800 rpm. This way I’m moving the gears during a lower torque output of the engine. The rest of the gears are ok. But yeah, there’s something to be said about a big bore two valve engine. 👍

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on. I have a feeling that the steering/frame geometry was set up with an emphasis on stability versus nimble handling on the XS. I will use it accordingly, more in a touring mode.

[@alexanderburger3399]

It's a blast! 😁 Got a 2H9 (standart 1979) 3 months ago and it effortlessly kept up with 140+HP bikes (1000cc Ninja and an over 240HP Aprilia) in the motorcycle training course I attended a few days ago. If you're being smooth on the steering and throttle, quick cornering isn't a big deal, but big fun. 😉 The sound and acceleration though..! 🤩Those hyper bikes did really not have a big edge on this 45 years old beauty. Really fell in love with it. 😊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! They are still impressive bikes. Cheers!

[@regpadgett9772]

Bought a 1981 at a police auction. Has 19k miles on it. Stuck in 1st gear. A retirements project if it fixable. Motor is a monster and runs.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It should be fixable but will require the engine being removed and cases split if it's an internal transmission issue. Good luck with the restoration!

[@jeffreystreet8533]

Had 1 new in 1980. Had installed Kerker header and oil cooler. Got ripped off a couple of years later. Loved that bike. Looking for one now.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I'm ready to let this one go if you're seriously interested. You can contact me directly at: [e-mail]

[@henryhawk978]

Enjoyed the video Jon. I also like the tank shape of the original XS1100. Great bikes both of them. RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Henry, you too!

[@klm404]

The handlebars you put on it improved the looks greatly.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I think so too - and they did wonders for the comfort and handling as well.

[@IDYLBERRY]

I had the 750 Special and 1100 Special. Both were equally comfortable. The 1100 with under a four-gallon tank wouldn't take me past 110 miles. Top heavy in tight turns and great on straight roads. The heads were off and ported and polished. Installed performance mufflers, Vetter saddle bags, rear rack with detachable backrest and long plastic windscreen. Bought a 2005 Goldwing and sold the XS a year later.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! Thanks for sharing the memories. It sounds like you are into touring, and the Wing is hard to beat. Cheers!

[@ernieschatz3783]

I knew of this bike back in the day. Somebody at work owned one. It's good to hear how they ride. Not my cup of tea, but it's good to hear a review.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@nwdomain-fj6yd]

Thank you for your video's!

[@gordonmeyer3162]

Owned one and loved it

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! They are great bikes. Cheers!

[@mathewharmelink9199]

We have a 1980 Midnight Special XS1100 we are trying to restore. It runs but needs some TLC. awesome to hear what it should sound like.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@beefcake5321]

I just bought one for 100 bucks, it's been sitting since 1990

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! you may want to check out the XS1100 playlist on this channel to see what I did to get this one back on the road. Good luck with yours!

[@beefcake5321]

@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I will have a look at it , I need all the help I can get... thank you

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@beefcake5321 You're welcome!

[@stevecarlson4539]

Great video Jon. I have the same bike, plus a 79, and the bagger /dresser version the Venturer 81. All are projects but the special really rips. Interested to know about your brake upgrades. Hoping to have the special on the road this spring. Have fun and ride safe. Steve in Western NY.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, Steve! Here is a link to the XS1100 playlist that covers the changes & upgrades I did to the bike. I rebuilt the calipers and put new pads and Spiegler brake lines on it. You can click on the full playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL0gjN9hf6pSoIlm5jXuN3EN63bqSZ6uwd&si=IGZdpu9-SyHK33Zu

[@DUBEE43]

Awww man, now I miss my 1981 Suzuki GS550L!!!!! I couldn't kill it.. It was SO light and quick..The speedometer went up to 140... I got it to 130, and had more throttle to go!!!!! That was fast enough for me......

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I have several GS550 videos if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXayeJWlrb6Mhqs

[@spaceflight1019]

The speedometers on Japanese motorcycles were known for being overly optimistic. The magazines listed "indicated" and "actual" speeds at 55 or 60 mph. They speculated that this was done deliberately to prevent riders from running afoul of the law. In that respect, the speedometer on my motorcycle, a 2005 HD, says "certified" on it. If you get pulled over for speeding, and your helmetcam shows you weren't, that information along with the stock tire sizes is enough to beat the ticket.

[@DUBEE43]

@@spaceflight1019 I didn't mention I got a speeding ticket on that ride getting off the exit ramp clocked at 98mph.. And my speed was greatly reduced by then..... I believe the speedometer, if I let go at speed I would FLY right off the bike. I was literally holding on for life, AND MY COUSIN WAS ON THE BACK!! I got Is reckless driving ticket and lost my license for a bit..

[@DUBEE43]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Thanks Bro

[@spaceflight1019]

@@DUBEE43 We had this discussion on another thread. To find the actual maximum speed of a motorcycle at redline you take the maximum RPM, multiply that by the primary drive ratio, multiply that by the top gear transmission ratio, multiply that by the final drive ratio, and multiply that by the circumference of the rear tire. That will give you the feet per minute.

[@ericromeiro6688]

I have Yamaha s 78 xs 650 standard 80 xs 1100 special & 83 xj 650 seca turbo All nice bikes Great Video s 👍😊

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks, Eric! It sounds like you've got some nice bikes there. I would love to ride a 650 turbo at some point. I haven't experienced any of the turbo bikes yet. Cheers!

[@ricklugo61]

Had the 78, lost 2nd gear!!! Pain in the ass to fix!!! Whole motor had to come out.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yep! That's why I treat mine nice. Gears are a beast to replace. Cheers!

[@jbtoptc7327]

OUTSTANDING ! How does this compare to the Honda CB 900 Custom ?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you! I'll be doing a back-to-back comparison with the CB900 Custom soon.

[@traviszaffarano5930]

Great video! I'm getting ready to inherit a '79 XS11 Special from my dad. One of the very first things I plan to do is get rid of those buckhorn bars. I'm curious to know what bars you put on yours? Thanks!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Very cool! This is the Emgo Magna Wide handlebar.

[@kotborka]

Замечательный мотоцикл,классическая внешность.Мне очень нравится).

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Спасибо! Yamaha отлично поработала над дизайном XS1100 Special. Ваше здоровье!

[@ricardoberterame5950]

Hola Jon. Cómo siempre muy bueno tu test de la XS1100. Desgraciadamente no puedo dar mi opinión ya que acá en Argentina entraron pocas unidades lo unico que me acuerdo que decian es lo que comprobaste tu en aceleración. Lo otro que se me ocurre es que las otras motos japonesas se esa epoca eran mas llamativas.con el paso del tiempo y la modificación que las echo al manubrio le da un cierto encanto sumado a las cualidades de la misma es un buen modelo para tener en cuenta. Felicitaciones!!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Gracias ricardo! Nunca le presté mucha atención al XS1100 cuando era más joven. En parte por el aspecto y en parte porque mi padre tenía uno con el problema de la segunda marcha. Sin embargo, desde que volví a ponerlo en marcha y lo experimenté, aprecio mucho más el XS1100. No puedo creer cuánto cambió el aspecto el simple cambio del manillar. Me gusta más con la barra inferior. ¡Salud!

[@ricardoberterame5950]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 es verdad Jon. Con el manubrio original realmente es fea.pero vos le diste ese toque de agresividad que esta linda. No sabia que tenia problemas en la 2da marcha.. abrazo Jon y gracias por responderme

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@ricardoberterame5950 De nada Ricardo. ¡Aprecio tus comentarios!

[@drstonebeck]

Great video and great commentary! I actually have both of these bikes in my collection, but my xs is an 80. I was wondering, what handlebars did you put on? I have an 80 xs1100, and don't care much for the stock bars at all.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you! I used the Emgo "Magna Wide" handlebars on my XS1100, and they fit me great. Cheers!

[@drstonebeck]

Thanks so much, appreciate that!@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538

[@mihalischindle8015]

Hi there. What handlebars do you have on this XS? They look great! I'm looking for something similar. Cheers.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

It's the Emgo Magna Wide handlebar. Cheers!

[@saschaesken5524]

My original 1981 XS 1.1 measured 104 hp on back wheel

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

That's stout. I'm still surprised by how quick this bike is. Cheers!

[@andrewnewman6510]

Another great success, awesome bike. You do some nice work. I’ve noticed that most of the bikes that you have the speedometer’s top out at 85 mph. I live in eastern Canada (Nova Scotia) and most of our old muscle cruisers top out at 140 mph or 220 km/h. Why is at? 85 mph is a cruising speed for that big bike.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on, thank you! The 85 mph speedometer was a short-lived, government mandated thing in the early 1980's. Gotta love the lawmakers!

[@spaceflight1019]

​@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538Yeah, some brainiac in Washington figured that if the speedometer didn't go above 85 nobody would speed. The speedometer on my 1977 F150 4x4 was an 85 mph special.

[@jeffreystreet8533]

Thanks!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thank you so much, Jeffrey!

[@bradphillips6081]

I just got a 1980 midnight 11 50k MI it was froze up I got it unstuck and started it now I got to work on the brakes I wonder where you got the rebuild kits for the front And rear Master cylinders

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I think they are K&L parts and should be available through many different sources.

[@bradphillips6081]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thank you found them on eBay.

[@29madmangaud29]

Just a "note", the XS11 had some difficulties with popping out of gear from 1st to 2nd. Mine is an '81, I think that that was fixed back in '80. Also, everything on your bike is "ROUND", yet your mirrors are rectangular. My "standard"" model , everything on it is "RECTANGULAR" yet, stock mirrors, were ROUND? Go figure? So, I just bought 2 mirrors off of an old special model, and mounted them onto my bike and now everything matches!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Interesting. I'll probably swap these mirrors out at some point. The original XS1100 looks great with a round replacement headlight.

[@oi32df]

Fortunately these are not the original handlebars otherwise I won't have looked until the end...foot pegs a little further back would go well with it , for all this I prefer the non-'special' version which was inspired by the standard xs750-850 with their rear backrest. The only one that I can really digest the look of in this special series was the xs650 and even then I would have changed the handlebars for lower one .

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on! I'm not a huge "special" or "custom" fan, but the first generation of Japanese cruisers was so close to their standard bike brothers, that they are still competent performers with a few simple mods (handlebars first). Cheers!

[@spaceflight1019]

Trivia: according to Wikipedia the cylinder head design is a polyspheric design, copied from the Chrysler 318 Polyhead of the early 1960s.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Interesting!

[@petev.9357]

Very nice Jon, another one finished (almost). She really buries that 85 mph speedo easily! Does it spin backwards to accommodate a left side shaft drive? I think my old 83 650 Nighthawk did the same thing.

[@russ3080]

I absolutely love that Nighthawk. My brother had a blue one. I need to find one to add to my collection.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Yeah, I really want a 700 S Nighthawk.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Pete! No, I don't think its for the shaft. My Suzuki's don't spin backward and they are left side shaft drive as well.

[@RockinGuy1994]

Dad's was an 850

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@williespoonemore3392]

I had the 81 midnight special ❤it was bored 10 over with 1 size bigger jets . At 250 lbs it would throw my hands off the throttle . I used to count to try determine how long speedometer took to come back to 80 wth that sumB was bad fast !!!

[@williespoonemore3392]

Never had to red line , scared hell out a me .

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@williespoonemore3392 Right on!

[@petev.9357]

Rated at 95 HP and 66.5 torque. 570 lbs. wet weight. Right in the ballpark with most 1100 bikes from 1980 to 1983. Till the big HP bikes came along.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Thanks Pete!

[@spaceflight1019]

It took the advent of liquid cooling systems to get to the next step on motorcycle power. The Suzuki GS1150 and the Yamaha FJ1200 were the end of the road for air cooled sportbikes. Honda introduced the V4s, Yamaha followed suit with the Venture, Suzuki went V4 with the Cavalcades and Madura, and Kawasaki had the KZ1300.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@spaceflight1019 Right on! I've owned all those bikes in the past (except the Venture and Cavalcade). Unfortunately, with that next generation of bikes the weight and complexity went up as well. It makes them somewhat daunting as restoration projects due to their complexity and corresponding difficulty working on them.

[@spaceflight1019]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 True. Unless the cooling system is meticulously maintained the alloy components and seals on 40 year old engines does not fare well.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@spaceflight1019 Right on! And V-4 carbs - don't get me started on how much of a pain those are!

[@29madmangaud29]

yeah popular in the UK also!

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@XS-ry6ig]

I own 2 of these bikes. One of them is 1981 Yamaha XS 1100s and the other one is the 1981 Yamaha XS 1100 Midnight Special. I did a total restore on the Midnight Special. I changed the OEM fork springs and shocks to Progressive Shocks and Fork Springs. It made a huge difference on the handling on the bike. I also changed the handlebars which changed the handling and cornering on this bike. I love them both. Everything on the Midnight special is brand new. I redid all the gold at a place in East Hartford CT called New England Chrome. They did an awesome job on the Gold. New Sterring stem bearings. New wheel bearings. new swing arm bearings. I push my mine to the limit on curves because of the progressive shocks and fork springs. I recommend that up grade to anyone out there that wants there bike to handle insane. I also put in a Barnett Clutch. and a K&N air filter and rejetted the carbs. What a huge difference in HP. It went from 95HP up to 107hp.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Nice! Are you running the stock exhaust?

[@XS-ry6ig]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 No I'm not. I'm running MAC exhausts on both bikes. The Midnight Special has a 4 into 2 and the special has a 4 into 1. Both with K&N air filters. And both bikes have the carbs rejeted

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@XS-ry6ig Right on!

[@bradphillips6081]

Where'd you get the the handlebars

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Amazon.

[@bradphillips6081]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thanks again found some for around $35 I don't like them original bars at all., I sure wouldn't feel comfortable doing 11 second quarter with the factory bars

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@bradphillips6081 Right on!

[@OLDTIME47]

why does my 1979 have a speedo that says 165mph?

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Because, for a short time in the early 1980s, the US government dictated speedometers that only went to 85 mph.

[@1990-t1j]

Giving it a bit, lad.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

Right on!

[@user-Potakorinmomo]

タコメーターの動きがおかしいし､1100ccのバイクなのにスピードメーターが130kmスケールなのは更におかしい。 どうもよく分からんバイクだ(笑)

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

ケーブルのジャンプやタコメーター自体の内部の粘着性が原因で、タコメーターの動作がおかしくなります。残念ながら、これはヴィンテージバイクではよくあることです。速度計の 130 km 目盛は、1980 年代初頭に米国政府が自動車とオートバイに義務付けたものです。乾杯！

[@user-Potakorinmomo]

@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 さん どうもです。まぁそんな事だろうとは思ってましたが､それにしても変な制約を受けた速度計とかは何とも残念ですね。

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

@@user-Potakorinmomo 同意します。

[@yomommaahotoo264]

Call me biased, but that XS11 Special really nailed the sport, cruiser, and touring aspects. The right windshield would be the icing on the cake.

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I can't wait to get some back-to-back rides in.

[@mikeedmundson3073]

I have a '79 XS1100 Standard and an '81 XS1100 Venturer and have ridden the Special, but the Special Isn't. it was a detuned model for in city operation, hence the 55 mph speedo and lack of torque

[@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538]

I think something was wrong with the Special you rode. This one is a torque monster. It clocked the second best 40-80mph top-gear roll-on time of all the classic bikes that I've tested so far. Cheers!