Is mine an XS 1100 'Special' (pics)

[Oompa_Loompa]

I'm pretty new to the whole XS scene and was wondering what exactly I have on my hands here. I know some of you could probably tell the model and designation by what the exhaust smells like, so this will be an easy one.

Just bought it with 20,000 miles and I've been really enjoying it. I just wish I had a little more range on the tank (110 miles right now). I payed 1100 bucks for it which seems like a good deal in my book... a dollar per CC ain't bad.

[81XS1100-2006]

ya got yourself a Special there for shure. Pretty one at that.

[81xsproject]

Judging by the plate and background where you at in Cali

[Bauer]

Granting nobody switched the side covers, youve got a beautiful special!

[Pat Kelly]

With the bike positioned in photo #2 (handlebars to the right), look at the tag on the frame where the forks attach.
The date of manufacture is stamped/printed on there.
Anything including and after 9/79 would be an 80 model. 9/80 would be an 81, etc. Model year starts in the previous years September.
I'm guessing you have a 1980.
You can also post the VIN # on here and someone can tell you what year/model. That info is here on the forum but I don't know where.

[Wildkat]

The easy way to tell

is by the side covers.

The 81 Special has the "checkmark" on the side, it's the only year they made them with those.

Nice scoot!

[TopCatGr58]

Another tell tale sign that Dave Wales pointed out to me is that the Alt Cover has the black RING around it, again, only made in the 81 models. The rest is definitely an 81SH, GREAT MACHINE!
Great find, and great price since you've essentially been able to gas and ride! Enjoy!

[webbcraft2150]

Nice scoot. Welcome to world of the XS11. It can be exasperating, frustrating and sometimes downright mean. But, most of the time its great fun and a great time. You have got yourself a land based missle that can hold it own with alot of newer bikes. The cool factor is much higher!! With the seat on that, you might not want to go more than 110 miles at one time.

[Oompa_Loompa]

That picture was taken in the hills above San Luis Obispo on the central coast. From that point I can see all the way to the ocean and the rock at Morro Bay (for those of you who have ridden up Highway 1). Thanks for the compliments on the bike. When I bought it, it sure didn't look like that... much love and elbow grease went into polishing all that crome and aluminum.

[John]

The black cylinders were stock in 81. The side covers say 81, and the black ring on the left engine cover was only on the 81. I'll bet the alternator cover has the same black ring on it. The ignition module under the seat will have a greenish-yellow, metal tag with the modle number of TID14-04, and part number of 4RO-10.

[Oompa_Loompa]

Okay, so I went and grabbed the VIN :

4R0 - 000499

...seems like a strange VIN but oh well. And it is an 81.

[skippy344]

That is one SWEET machine!

Great find OOmpa!

She will give you many hours of pleasure and pain!

She definitely looks like an 1981 XS11SH. If you need to fix anything, let us know. We have fixed just about everything that has gone wrong on these beautiful machines.

Good luck and many happy hours in the saddle!

greg

[GNEPIG]

Is mine an XS 1100 'Special'

.. yes, and a very nice one, good find at a good price also!
i hope to see it in person some day at one of these really cool rallies that some of these really cool people throw on this website. so far i have only been to one XS11 rally, but i'm lookin forward to more.

[AKMac]

Your bike looks just like mine did before the resto.

These are fun bikes to work on. They are engineered very well, and with a little care it will last you a life time. Good luck!