XS11 for Me???

[O_Prankster]

I'm 20 years old, 6'0 220 lbs been riding street for 2 years, Dirt for 6. I just got rid of my 83 shadow 500, now i'm looking to upgrade. I found an 80 XS11 special on craigslist for $1200 and i like the looks of the bike. The only thing i'm weary about is that it has 45k miles on it. Do you guys think this bike is for me and are the miles too dangerously high to even consider?

Thanks, Mike

[John]

Only 45K? That's barely broke in! These bikes can easily go 80-90K with out major wear. I have put over 100K on mine, but I did rebuild the engine back in 03. Many members have very high milers. I wouldn't be afraid to by a 45K mile XS11.

[O_Prankster]

100K? dang not bad at all. You think this bike sounds about right for me?

[John]

Hell ya, it's the right bike. You are big enough for it. Hell, my 5'5 wife Wildkat rides an XS11. It has been lowered, but all the power is still there.
Look at the link for "Our Special Fleet" in my signature. You can see our bikes there.

[xs11lover]

I'd take an xs11 over most bikes around, and the fact that they are cheap doesn't hurt either. You could buy 3 or 4 for the same money as a sportster. I've never lost $ on any I've sold.

[TopCatGr58]

Are you Xsive enough??

Hey Mike,

The question is more about what are you looking in a bigger bike? These machines are 25 y/o technology, they are NOT MODERN SPORT bikes, and do not handle or behave like them. They have plenty of power and torque for your size, but top out at ~135mph if you have the cajones to take it that far. Think of these like the old Mustang, Camero SS, "Cuda", etc., not a Ferrari or Maserati. They can be modded, but are mostly a Standard Style bike. They'll smoke about any regular V-twin around, and can hang with the Sporties to a point. They are heavy, clunky transmissions, etc.!

But they are fairly rare, and if you want to stand out in a crowd, and have something that is unique, that you can work on, but will still be reliable, then plunk your $$ down and take it home.

But if you don't like wrenching, tinkering, tuning, etc., and are looking for a TURNKEY machine, then walk away and get yourself something newer.

[crazy steve]

I'll second what Topcat says; these ain't modern bikes, and definitely have 'old' handling compared to modern performance bikes. Corner carvers they ain't. But reliable if reasonably well cared for and absolutely great high-speed touring bikes.

Downsides are some parts are hard to find (mostly cosmetic items, although some electrical is a PIA) and gearbox problems are semi-common (but if not driven until it's completely broken, fairly easy to fix as an inexpensive DIY project).

The first time you feel the turbine-like rush of power these bikes can deliver (the high-gear roll-on is phenomenal!), you'll understand why this site exists....

'78E original owner

[TopCatGr58]

Road Carving like Slicing Flank Steak!

Hey O_Prankster,

I didn't mean to imply that you can't ride these wonderful machines thru the twisties, just ask TOD/TrBig, and even myself having scraped a few pegs and pipes now and again. It's just that it takes a bit more of a riding skill set to "enjoy" the handling quirks that these machines have, but you can carve the twisties, it's just not as easy as carving Filet Mignon!!

With a few mods like the TKAT Forkbrace, Stainless Steel braided brake lines, a good new set of tires, Progressive fork springs, good working rear shocks, and a little practice, you'll have those carving skills sharpened to a razor's edge in no time!!
T.C.

[Bigfoot]

I do have to mildly disagree. You say that they aren't corner carvers but set up right they do phenominal in the twisties. With a fork brace and a decent suspension set up these things will amaze you in the corners. I have seen guys go from peg to peg and back. Yeah, it is not a sportbike and is alot heavier to throw around but in the right hands, can definately carve those corners.

[Trainzz]

bought mine with 51K in Feb., now @54,800. Put in a battery, changed the oil, and aired up the tires. That was it. After 20+ yrs on a sportster, I am in the re-learning how to ride stage. This bike is much more top heavy than any I have owned. The tranny shifts like a tractor, the mileage is adequate. I hope you like wrenching, tweaking, and maintaining a bike. These are not low maintainance vehicles. They take attention. If you want a turnkey operation, look at some v-twin. But by God, these things will latch onto your heart.

[CatatonicBug]

100K? dang not bad at all. You think this bike sounds about right for me?

I've seen some on here with TRIPPLE that amount! Mileage does NOTHING to kill these bikes. The main issue is chronological age, and the deteriorization of the materials. Rubber parts crack, metal rusts, paint chips, plastic cracks. The drive train on these things is probably the LEAST likely thing to give you problems. The fact that it's filled with oil for lubrication, and the parts were desiged prior to the concept of "disposable technology" makes these things infinitely repairable, with a minimum of tools and some good old-fashioned elbow grease.

[XJOK2PLAY]

O Prankster...

Felt compelled to share this with ya...

Recently, I had the misfortune of both bolts that secured my oil pump to the block coming out while I was in the Colo. mountains, carving away at the twisties on my XJ1100. I was clocking around 90 and 5400 rpm at the time.

Sudden loss of power, I pulled over, motor ticking on the top end. The group's consensus... 3-4 miles more and we would be at our destination... let's roll. I brought it in @ 30-40 mph. It was then after we tore it apart that we discovered no oil pressure, and saw the pump dangling.

When we later put the pump back on, no damage was found upon a close inspection. Fired it up... runs like nothing ever happened.

All I can say is that's a testament to just how bulletproof Yamaha overdesigned these engines.

If it had been a "new" bike... hah! Forget it....new engine please!

Ohhh... mine had 45,000 miles on it at the time.

Buy it, dude... ya won't regret it.
Regards, and ride safe!
Bob

[foreda]

My $.02

There is nothing better than pulling up at a red light and having someone that knows motorcyles roll their window down and ask "Man is that a XS1100" and smiling proudly while replying, Yep!! Better yet, having one of them new fangled crotch rocket riders pull along side you and look at your bike like it's some kind of alien space craft!!

[WMarshy]

Better yet, having one of them new fangled crotch rocket riders pull along side you and look at your bike like it's some kind of alien space craft!!

I had that happen but it was some young punks in mommy’s car. They said "Hey, wanna race? If we win we keep your bike, if you win you keep our car." I couldnt stop laughing. Lucky for them they didnt follow me on the highway. They did get a ear full when I took off though I would of put them in their place. It is always funny what people say or do when they see these bikes!

[Korr]

Do yourself a huge favor...GET THIS BIKE! I new nothing about the XS. I only bought it because the speedo shows 160mph I wasn't looking for a crotch rocket or a cruiser, i've already tried...me no likey. It is a wonderful all around bike. Good power, big gas tank, comfy I remember when i first got it, i gave it too much throttle at the stop light. The bike almost left me behind hahahaha!