which model of xs is better

[ichiro360]

i have the midnight, which model of xs is better?

[XJOK2PLAY]

Ichiro360,
Hi, and welcome to the forum!

You have just asked probably one of the most "loaded" questions one could ask here... LOL!

Whether you're talkin' to a Standard, Special, MNS, or XJ owner, opinions will vary...

Each one was unique in it's own way... the MNS were probably the rarist of all of them, next to the XJ1100... with the XJ, it was only built for the one year ('82)... Someone else here, I'm sure, can tell you production numbers.

If you have a MNS... hang on to it... they're way cool. Especially, IMHO, in their pure, stock form.

But several here have performed major mods on these 'ole bikes and made them incredibly unique, too.

I'm an XJ guy, and love them because they have so many extra "improvements" the others don't have. But I have friends who have Specials & Standards that are great, too!

No matter which one... they're all great, I believe. Buy a new bike today, yes they are amazingly light & fast and cool handling & looking... but break down... call a wrecker and see the dealer. These 'ole bikes... dependable even after 30 years, break down, and you can fix it most times and keep on rollin'.

I recently had an experience w/ my XJ that would have destroyed any new bike's engine... but not an 1100! Took the lickin', and kept on tickin'!
Glad I didn't have a new bike the day that happened... shudder to think what the engine would've done... (oil pump failure, came unbolted...)

Congrats on the MNS... nice bikes!

[DJinNH]

i have the midnight, which model of xs is better?

That all depends on what each owner likes. I don't see any other answer being correct.

Don

[tarzan]

Which ever one I have now.lol
My personal favorite is the special.Ive had a couple.
I have a standard now,but it is a work in progress,and being its a 78 it is supposed to be the fastest year for the XS.So as long as its an XS,I like em all.
Rick

[oseaghdha]

Easy

One of each!

[Jerry]

The original '78 is generally considered the quickest of the series, but because of the way it was tuned it was not as good as a cruiser. The Standards have larger gas tanks than the Specials, which were popular as they were a good combo of performance and styling. Not as quick as the original Standard, but nice looking. The MNS is a Special with a different paint / trim job, otherwise is the same bike.

In '80 (I think) valve size was increased but compression ratio dropped across all models. In '81 Yamaha went to an electronic ignition ststem, eliminating a trouble spot: broken pickup wires. This made the bikes more reliable.

The XJ combined the best traits of the Standard (larger gas tank) with styling patterned after the Specials. However, in Ymahaha's quest to meet emerging emission standards, Yamaha introduced the YICS (Yamaha Intake Control System) in the line in '82. Not a real success...the XJ is considered the slowest of the 3 models. Howerver, like the '81s, the XJ has all-electronic ignition, linked brakes, LCD readout, reinforced tripple-T, adjustable front and rear suspension, adjustable handlebars, and a few other changes. On the other hand, the '81 H (Venturer) had the largest fuel tank, full factory fairing and luggage, and was the only model in the US to come with a factory oil cooler. It was Yamaha's first factory touring package.

So, there is no "best" model. It depends on what you want, or how you plan to ride. For me, since my commute is 56 miles each way, the extended range of the XJ and Standards makes them a better choice. I also appreciate the adjustable handlebars of the XJ. However, there is no doubt that in a drag race my XJ doesn't have much of a chance against the other xs 11 models. I think the MNS is probably the best looking of the series, but that is a subjective evaluation.

So:
Fastest 1/4 mile times: '78, '79 Standards
Touring: '81 Venturer
Best looking but short range riding: Specials / Midnight Specials
Newest technology, Special inspired styling, but slowest: XJ

IMHO

[CatatonicBug]

Well stated, Jerry!

[Ivan]

The best model is the one YOU twist the throttle on.

[fredintoon]

i have the midnight, which model of xs is better?

Hi Ichiro,
the Midnight is the rarest and is considered the most aesthetically pleasing of all the XS11s.
There is no "better" because they all have the same drive train and basic frame.
All the differences between the various models are strictly cosmetic, even the different style of forks on Standards and Specials
are engineered to have the same trail so they all the models ride just about the same.
That said, along with all the other Specials, the Midnight's gas tank is too small for the bike to get more than ~100 miles from a gas station.

[CatatonicBug]

That said, along with all the other Specials, the Midnight's gas tank is too small for the bike to get more than ~100 miles from a gas station.

Correction: ~50 miles! Gotta turn around and make it back to the gas station!

[65oldsboy]

Since the only XS's I have ever owned are 79 Specials, they must be the best model.

I like the styling of the specials better than the standards. I was drawn to the 79 model year because I like the chrome grab bar, flat seat and 160mph speedo.

I never really liked the standards when I was younger. After looking at so many nice looking standards on ch 11, I have grown to appreciate them. One day, I hope to be able to afford a standard in addition to my special.

[mstic2000]

The 78 XS1100E is my favorite It's got that vintage 'Old School' look (like me) and it's fast, fast, fast (not like me).

[foreda]

The Best XS

In my case as in everone elses.. The ones I own and the ones I am trying to buy!

[John]

Mine is!

[gerkenbruce]

It,s BLACK