High E-Bay bids lately...

[Shuriken]

So what gives? Lately, every XS11 part on ebay seems to be going for killing. $360 bucks for exhaust? $250 bucks for a set of carbs? $300+ for a gas tank? $100+ consistently for backrests?

I haven't been bidding on anything.

What is it though, do we XSives have more disposable income in the summer or is that when all the good parts turn up or what?

At these prices, I may have to look at other bikes, or start selling stuff! Seller's market?

Ben

[81xsproject]

I noticed the same thing. Maybe the number of us XSives is just getting, well, XSive!

If more and more of us are reserecting these old monsters, more people are on the prowl for needed parts. I feel you, as I search for an '81 LH side cover. It is holding up my painting job goal for this summer.

[knewsom]

Look on the bright side - a seller's market will result in a greater niche market, resulting in more and better parts availability once additional aftermarket manufacturing happens.

a version of mikesxs for the 1100 would be incredibly welcome, and I think, incredibly profitable.

[81xsproject]

no doubt! Could you imagine having a selection like Mike's for our 11's? That would be awesome.

[mason79]

and mike's is very reasonable, however on a bike per bike basis, how many do yous guys think they made of ours vs. the 650?

is there really a market, or are we in a vacuum, legends in our own hinds...

[jetmechmarty]

XS1100 vs. XS650

I believe XS1100 production ran 1978 thru 1981. XS650 models range 1970 thru 1984. I have no idea the numbers, but I'd bet the XS650 far exceeded XS1100 sales 1978 thru 1981, especially since the 650 was available in three models some of those years.

I would love to run my XS1100 forever, but the parts aren't going to be there. I don't expect there is enough of a market to make much reproduction worthwhile. Just my opinion, of course.

[webbcraft2150]

I saw the carbs to. If they are as described, $250 is not a bad price, works out to $62.50 per carb. You could not get any shop to do them for that. Not everyone is willing or able to dive into a set of carbs since they can be intimadating. Maybe there are more 11's coming out of the dark corners of garages and side yards. With liter+ bike prices clearing 5 figures, resurecting an older one is becoming more attractive. I guess it just makes our rigs a little more valuable each day. I have a 31 year old truck that is still in great shape. I know the drive train parts are still out there but the other stuff that gets old is getting tough to find just like the bike parts. It is our duty to keep these beasts alive.

[Pat Kelly]

Webbcraft,
For old truck parts try LMC truck parts. They keep my (grandfathers) 86 F100 looking good.

[mason79]

fools rush in were angels fear to tread

Not everyone is willing or able to dive into a set of carbs since they can be intimadating

to me it was the carbs, now i'm stuck, it wasn't so much for me anyways, liter machinery at 5 figures, but nostaltia and the "they don't make em like this" look, carved outa granite feel of mass.that has me going,

how much tinkering can you do on a new bike? more riding less worring?

[Pat Kelly]

make that 1968, not 86 F100.
Just got it back on the road yesterday.

Sorry for the off-topic chatter.
Now that people are shelling out bucks for our parts I should get rid of some of my spares.

[Jerry]

Well, this is the highest-demand part of the year for all bikes and parts. Have noticed prices going up, even with shipping, but demand is also going up; who else is buying these parts except us? (Owners, that is.) On the other hand, now is the time to buy a snowmobile cheap......

Off-topic: Try finding new parts for a '76 Scout II. Yer Ford and Chevy stuff is easy by comparison.

[dpotter58]

The bad part about the high prices is the bikes that will be parted out as opposed to restored. Now it is more profitable to sell parts than the whole bike.
I have been watching the prts on ebay as well and was stunned when the MS gas tank went that high. I was floored when the pipes that had been welded went for 360.

[mason79]

you are right, owners needs these thing, maybe it's the supply and demand thing occuring, it's not like were spending the money for no reason, its to keep these pups on the road or to make them better, than for some parts bike to sit nuther 20years...

[bgrubb7]

I have been thinking the same thing on the eBay prices. When I first got my bike back in December for example there were always several original Standard style seats on eBay for around $35-50 now when one pops up it fetches over $100. I should have bought one then, but I kept putting it off.

[jetmechmarty]

Keep paying attention. Prices on eBay fluctuate wildly. Be patient.