Closest new(er) successor to an XS11?

[aquamantx]

The xs1100lh went for 34K at auction. Beautiful bike but I wouldn't be able to bring myself to to ride it on the open road.

[gtem]

A bit outside the realm of "made within the last few decades" but does anyone have direct experience with owning or riding a Suzuki GSX1100G? The shaft driven "proto-Bandit" oil cooled GSXR motor'd reborn UJM from the early 90s? Supposedly they have counterbalancers to help deal with the somewhat buzzy big bore GSXR mill (which I've experienced personally in my Bandit 1200s).

[jetmechmarty]

That’s one behind me. It belongs to my friend. I was trying to help him reassemble the engine but managed to break a piston ring. What are friends for? I wish I could tell you I’ve ridden it. My friend is 80 years old and might be losing interest.

[aquamantx]

Not a gsx But have ridden the 1100e model. Friend bought it from a guy who refreshed it.. fast. sold because 144mph to work every day was a bad idea.

[gtem]

Not a gsx But have ridden the 1100e model. Friend bought it from a guy who refreshed it.. fast. sold because 144mph to work every day was a bad idea.

I owned a '81 square headlight 1100E before I got bitten by the XS11 bug. The chain drive GS1100E is definitely lighter, better handling, and even faster than the XS11 (almost as grunty but with more top end), but I personally just preferred the smoother feel, and overall look of the XS11 (what can I say I'm just a Yamaha guy at heart I guess).

To sort of answer my own question, I ended up buying a '98 Bandit 1200S two weekends ago, so I'm going through that bike now getting it ready to ride (needs new tires badly at a minimum, but I will be doing all the neglected maintenance on it).

[LAB3]

The Bandit is another one up there on my list

[gtem]

It's quite a bit more sporty/frenetic feeling than the XS11 which is a comfy (powerful) tourer at heart. The Bandit is more "comfortable sportbike." Definitely more vibrations than the XS11, stock seat less comfortable with more of a forward lean (granted, very mild by sportbike standards). This one has a corbin seat and bar risers which was part of the motivation to grab it. I've already got a bunch of parts sitting in boxes ready to install. A less obnoxious muffler, fresh tires, chain and sprockets, center stand, OE engine case guards.

[madmax-im]

the true succesor to the XS1100....the Yamaha XJR1300

[gtem]

the true succesor to the XS1100....the Yamaha XJR1300

If it was available here in the States I'd be riding one right now!

[madmax-im]

If it was available here in the States I'd be riding one right now!

Me too.....