1980 Yamaha XS special 1100 - $900

[vanimal5k]

Came across this one. Looks nice for the price.
https://annarbor.craigslist.org/mcy/5317578235.html

[Radioguylogs]

Interested

I e-mailed the seller to schedule a look.

The seller has an appointment with someone tomorrow, and suggested that we should see how that goes before I come and see it.

I am not afraid I don't get it. Great opportunities happen a few times a year.

I was just wondering if one of you was looking at it tomorrow? If yes, good luck

[Radioguylogs]

It's in our Garage!

Well whoever was supposed to look at this bike last night cancelled their appointment.

I went this morning and bought it for $800.

As we arrived home (a "Special" moment- ha ha):




I had to remove the luggage rack/backrest and taillight to get it fit on my trailer, but here it is after a bath:



It looks nicer in the picture than in real life- the chrome has some rust, but not too bad- if I keep it polished and dry it will fine. The original paint is not perfect, but it seems reasonable- I think I will able to keep it.

This beauty will need all the usual stuff- brakes rebuilt, new fork seals, rebuild carbs, etc. However inside of gas tank is nice- just old gas that has not turned stinky green yet.

Too bad the petcocks were left ON for years- gas dripped out of the carbs, and down over the engine and made big stains.

This will be a fun project.

I'll report more later.

[kboehringer]

Nice Buy Mike!

It looks nicer in the picture than in real life-

Congratulations Mike! It does look like a much better bike than ANY of the three I own.

Personally, I never seem to learn the lesson that photos are never truly representative of the actual item.... NEVER is the item better than it appeared in the photo. I had to drive nearly 400 miles to pick of my last POS Mayberry Duck and it was clearly not nearly as good as I was expecting

Having seen your spotless clean blue '79 at XSSE I am sure this one will become a head turner as well. But please, job #1, sell that hideous seat to some fool on e-bay!

Respectfully,
KURT

[Radioguylogs]

Congratulations Mike! But please, job #1, sell that hideous seat to some fool on e-bay!

...I know a guy with an '80SG....

I have one problem. Louann likes that seat. She seems to think she would like riding again when she sees the massive bike. Makes her imagine it would safe and cushy.

I'll start looking for the seat alternatives!

[kboehringer]

Keep SWMBO Happy!

Louann likes that seat..... She would like riding again......

Do whatever it takes to get SWMBO riding with you!

Nancy & I have had a ton of fun together on our XS11!

That is a beautiful seat!

Kurt

[nommadd75]

Congrats, Mike!! Personally, I like the seat. I've been riding a '79 SF with an old sportster seat for years and it is toast!. ('stock' seat is not an option.) I would like to know the make/ model of that seat if you know. Thanks & congrats again!

[tomcos67]

Nice find!!!! Congratulations...

[Radioguylogs]

Congrats, Mike!! Personally, I like the seat. I've been riding a '79 SF with an old sportster seat for years and it is toast!. ('stock' seat is not an option.) I would like to know the make/ model of that seat if you know. Thanks & congrats again!

Nomadd:

I'm so sorry I kept forgetting to check that seat to see where it came from.

This should be helpful: