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I have recently acquired a fine example of an XS1100E. Sadly, an old gent could no longer ride and was looking for a good home for it. It had recently been rebuilt and I got a lot more bike than I deserved for the money.
I rode it from Brisbane (Australia) to Cairns, a distance of about 1800km in 2 days. Having done this ride twice last year (CX500, XV1000) I was amazed at how easily I was chewing up the distance. Mostly because the bike held a lot of fuel and was so comfortable that you just did not need the stops as much.
Of course, cops kept speeds under control but I would have preferred cruising at about 140km/h, which both the bike and I would have enjoyed.
The power of the beast in overtaking gave me some surprises, glancing down to find the speedo at 180km/h in a matter of moments. The seat was good but after 2 days I found myself with a very sore arse, no matter how much I moved around. I have promised myself a sheepskin.
I had none of the numb hands that I had been led to expect. A cruise control gave me wrist breaks when I needed it.
The gearbox kept reminding my of my old harley (long gone). It sure is a clunker. As I got into town I felt like all that clunking at lights was a form of abuse on the old girl, who is clearly happier on the highway. Anyway, I am very impressed with the beast and looking forward to keeping her in shape.
It is good to see that there is a healthy XS1100 site. I look forward to meeting some of you in coming months, and taking on board a bit of wisdom. All the best for the new year.
Scott J
I rode it from Brisbane (Australia) to Cairns, a distance of about 1800km in 2 days. Having done this ride twice last year (CX500, XV1000) I was amazed at how easily I was chewing up the distance. Mostly because the bike held a lot of fuel and was so comfortable that you just did not need the stops as much.
Of course, cops kept speeds under control but I would have preferred cruising at about 140km/h, which both the bike and I would have enjoyed.
The power of the beast in overtaking gave me some surprises, glancing down to find the speedo at 180km/h in a matter of moments. The seat was good but after 2 days I found myself with a very sore arse, no matter how much I moved around. I have promised myself a sheepskin.
I had none of the numb hands that I had been led to expect. A cruise control gave me wrist breaks when I needed it.
The gearbox kept reminding my of my old harley (long gone). It sure is a clunker. As I got into town I felt like all that clunking at lights was a form of abuse on the old girl, who is clearly happier on the highway. Anyway, I am very impressed with the beast and looking forward to keeping her in shape.
It is good to see that there is a healthy XS1100 site. I look forward to meeting some of you in coming months, and taking on board a bit of wisdom. All the best for the new year.
Scott J
sure gets hot up there sometimes though, you'd want the oil-cooler for those speeds, actually I'd prefer an air-cooled over a water-cooled in those hot far-away places, like Cairns to Darwin for example, if a water-cooled plays up you'll likely get left stranded in the desert! Another thing that can wear out on a high milage XS is the small metal rods in the starter clutch assembly, they can be chipped/broken inside, but even then the motor still cranks over and fires. Pretty tough engines all round.
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