Special vs Standard

[thewiz]

Caught in the throws of a nostalgic mid-life crisis, I'm looking to replace my most favorite bike that I have ever owned!!

Thing is, I've looked at only 'specials' for sale .... beside the bars and the insignias, what are the differences? Can I buy a Special , change out the bars and dress it in Vetter or Pacifico, ie; can I turn a SF into an E? Anyone care to opine on this matter?

[webbcraft2150]

Specials had smaller tanks, different wheels and insturments just to name a few differences. There is no reason why you couldn't "dress" out a Special and make it a full blown touring rig. The small tank on Specials make them prone to limited range on a tank. Not such a bad thing.

Check the tech tip section on things to watch out for when you buy a used XS11. Could help when it comes down to laying out cash.

There isn't a problem that has not been addressed in this forum. There are plenty of people here who will help you with any issues you may run into.

XS's are pretty easy to work on. Carbs are usually the big issue on an older bike. If 2nd gear is out, that another big fix. Be wary of bike you cannot hear run or ride. While any fix can be done in the garage, only you can decide what you want to tackle. There has been people here who never changed a spark plug, but with patience and this site, are out riding there land based missles basking in the pleasure that they did it themselves.

[thewiz]

I'm a pretty fair wrench, trained on MBZ, Nissan, Peugeot and can work on about anything ..... even owned a couple of carb shops ... :-) .... so I think I'll be comfortable working on it, once I get a manual. My orignial XS never needed anything but brakes, tubes and tires .... there are lots of 'em out there (I'm in SoCal) that don't run too .... thx for the warning. I also did read that thread you are referring to a couple of days back ... very helpful. May I ask, do you know if the motors of diffenent model years are essentially interchangable?

[MAXIMAN]

Wiz

The motors were almost identical with all parts being essentially interchangeable on the XS. Most of the xj parts would interchange as well.

The biggest pain of using a Special for me has been the range. If you want a street bike they are greeeeeat! But for touring the small tank is a pain especially when touring the western US where fuel stops are farther apart.

However a Standard tank will fit a Special and will give you almost 1.5 gallons more fuel.

If you are serious about a slick standard Eleven...and if you want one that is rigged for touring look at our very own Oathfinder's bike. Sadly it's for sale. But I have personally been around this machine and you won't find one any nicer.

Good luck.

Pathfinder's Standard for sale

[webbcraft2150]

The only thing you need for Pathfinders rig is a helmet. Having been around it, I can tell you it needs nothing. Beautiful paint, shiny cases and runs like, well an XS11. This would be a turn key bike for you. Worth every penny.

[thewiz]

Wow .... 'tis a beautiful thing, indeed!! I'm so sorry to hear of Pathfinder's passing .... this beautiful scooter says volumes about the kind of guy he must have been .... anyone know how could I contact his widow?

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Wiz,

Go back to the link for Pathfinder's bike, and go to "HER" post, and then click on PM, and it will bring up a PM(Private Mail/Message) window where you can type a message directly to her to possibly discuss the purchase!
T.C.

[desert1]

tank swap

I didnt know you could mount a standard tank on a special and I have a spare standard tank that will pe placed on my special now that I know what I know.
Bruce
XS1100 Alpha
XS1100 Special

[lisk]

Hi Guys, just wanted to add that I bought a 1980 XS1100 Special 8 years ago and fully dressed it over time. The tank switch-over from the Special tank to the Standard tank was easy with the help of the guys in this Forum. I've ridden a lot of touring bikes and still feel that my XS1100 is the best!(could be a little biased!) Anyway, Happy riding!