Can you tell what year this XS is?

[MacMcMacmac]

http://ottawa.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehic...QQAdIdZ8781806

I am clued in enough to know it is NOT an 82 Xj1100 (it is listed as such), but is there any distinguishing features to tell a guy what year this Special would be? $1500 is a bit rich, considering the lack of airbox, but if a bit of bargaining could get him down into the triple digits, I might be interested. Unfortunately, bikes seem to be pricey here in Ottawa. I'd also prefer a standard, but whatcha gonna do?

I could kick myself for letting that 1980 XS11 go last summer. The woman wanted only $700 with a full touring package. Of course, referring to her as "Dear Sir" in my e-mail probably did little to endear her to me (although she was manly....)

[Kurt]

It looks like an 81 Special. The grabrail would be round chrome if it were any older.

[desert1]

79 special

79 special if thats original paint, theres one in my garage..
Bruce

[MacMcMacmac]

Airboxes

I shudder to ask...how hard is it to find a stock airbox for an XS11?

I've emailed the owner with a few questions. The only off-putting thing right now (besides the price) is the thought of open carb mouths with all the dampness we get here.

[John]

It is an 81 Special. The three give aways are the black circle in the alternator cover, the black cylinders on the engine, and the small black triangle in the rear footpeg/muffler bracket. The serial number should start with 4R0. I have an airbox available if you're needing one.

[Kurt]

Yeah!! I love being right!!!!

One thing that you can do also is get four small cone filters instead of the stock air box. I had them on my xs750 and they really stop the headache of removing the tank and seat everytime you need to change the filter. You should get the carbs synched if you go that way, but it does work well.

[webbcraft2150]

I have the top half of the stock airbox you cn have for the price of shipping. $1500 does seem a little steep unless it a perfect runner. I would not let the lack of an airbox stop ya if you can work him down some. Check the the tech tips for what to look for on a used XS. Once you read it you can start rattleing off things you see wrong with it and the price may drop. Get it cheap and then git it home. ANY problem you might have with it has been addressed here and there are plenty of people to help you. Check all of the tech tips first 'cause most of the problems have been addressed there and some of us get cranky when the same question comes up over and over again. Ya wanna see cranky? Start an oil or tire question. Actually, everyone here will deluge you with information on how to make things right, despite there seemingly cranky 'tude, they really love it. Be prepared to straddle a land based missle, and stop every 80miles for fuel. (I just had to get that dig in there ).

[Ken Talbot]

You might try to work the seller down a bit for what looks like a rip in the seat, the scraping under the right side muffler, and the missing right side mirror, and because it is now the dead of winter. And of course, you always cast a bit of doubt on whether or not second gear is going to be an issue!

OTOH, I paid 1800 for Tsunami in ready-to-ride, very good condition about 10 years ago when money was worth a bit more. I paid 1400 for Black Ice "sight unseen" in badly corroded condition with a lot of very poorly-done luggage hanging off of it from a buyer on the other side of the province. IIRC, I paid about 1200 for the most recent one that was in running, but seriously abused condition.

[gaffer77]

Hi i agree with Ken Talbot (Muffler ,,Seat )

Plus i think the whole finish on the bike is a little flat/dull

It looks like an 81 SH to me as well

I can't remember for sure if he is from Canada But ,i bought some
stuff on ebay from a guy called XSLOVER ??
He always seemed to have some fairly nice stuff Maybe if someone can put you in contact with him ,,he will know where some bikes are ??


Gareth

[motoman]

It's definitely an 81 Special. Also Macmac, The bikeand you will be happier if you use the stock airbox. There is always one for sale on ebay, and at a very worthwhile price. Plus, looks like some here can help you out in that respect. The bike will run better and happier with the stock airbox.

[gaffer77]

Hi

Was just wondering,, On the Air Box side of things ,,is there a difference between Standard and Special ?? and will they fit
the other bike without problem ??

Thanx Gareth

[John]

The air boxes are all the same. The only difference is with the two small nipples at the top, front of the airbox, next to the large nipple for the crankcase vent. On 78-79 models, these small nipples will be open to the inside of the AB, as this is where the carb bowl vents are attached, and on the 80-81's, these nipples are blocked off.

[gaffer77]

Hi



Thanks for that John ,,i just thought the search for one maybe
easier if any differences were known (if he buys the bike )

Also i got 3 here in variouse states Standard and Special
and i ain't got a clue which was which ,,to go bak on my Standard
I wanted the Nicest one of Course ,,but sodds law would have
made that a no no i was thinking !!!!!!!

Cheers

Gareth

[randy]

Looks like an '81 Special with '80 side covers. Could be an '80.

[Brian_D]

Gareth,

I believe the only difference (besides the chrome or gold outer cover) was in the upper air box design. The upper air box will have vent ports for the 78-79 model carbs. The 80-81 model carbs do not have vent ports, thus the air box vent ports were "sealed".

The lower air box is the same for all years 78-81.

All mounting stays are the same for all years 78-81.