XS850 Midnight Special

[echoplex]

Hi guys,

I've got the chance to buy an XS850 Midnight Special and couldn't find much info about it online so I thought I'd ask.
Anyone here riding that bike? Hows your experience? Are they reliable? Hows vibrations and acceleration?
They appear to not have any special collectors value, eventho they seem to be limited numbers made?
Anyone knows how many of these are out in the field? Also they seem to have been in production online during 1980 and 1981?
Any hints, tips and shared experience is welcome!

[cajun31]

We have a few members that own the xs850. Not specifically the MNS version but I don't believe there is much difference between them. As for the numbers, the real answer is who knows. There was or maybe still is a myth out there that the 850s big brother the 80 and 81 MNS's only had 250 a year built. Well I own three and have been watching those be sold and chopped and everything imaginable for the last 20 plus years so if there were only 250 a year built then I have no clue where all the parts come from. We have a member Kboehringer who did a full on restoration of an xs850 a few years ago and I believe actually brought is to the the September rally and let others admire and ride it. They are solid bikes when properly restored and maintained. As with everything it depends on what it costs you, your intent on what you want to do with the bike and willingness to roll up your sleeves to get the bike in good running condition. As for the value to collectors that to me is always based on where you are and if there is a buyer willing or wanting to pay what you might think the bike is worth. It has always puzzled most who own any vintage Yamaha as to why vintage Kawasaki's command such good prices whereas the Yamahas not so much.

[Radioguylogs]

I've been riding and wrenching a 1979 XS750SF since 1980. I had another one like it, but I sold it since they were identical.

First thing to say, is that is not a fast bike, but handles really well. It weighs a lot less than an XS11. It feels really comfortable touring the backroads, but it is a bit lightweight for 80MPH highway riding.

I feel the bike is very reliable and it is easy to work on, same as an XS11.

One of the pleasant surprises is the exhaust sound when you are cruising at 3-4k RPM. It sounds like music.

Vibration is quite noticeable in the handlebars at 5k RPM, but at other RPM, there is not any issue. Note the handlebars are isolated with rubber moiunts.

Resale value is poor because nobody notices them for what they are. They were never that popular so there is little sentimental attraction.

My brother-in-law has a 1980 XS850 Midnight Special. It has a little more usable torque than my XS750. He prefers to ride it over his XJ1100, probably because it is more manageable to handle.