Ready to buy 78 XS1100...please help!!

[dpotter58]

It's about a 2 hour drive to see it...but I could do it. I am looking at the details of the body style and it definitely changed from 78 to 81. The 78 has a much straighter line to it and looks beefier. The 81 has more of a curve to the body and looks slightly more "chopper-ish".

It is subtle, but I like the look of the 78 style better.

The 78 is called a standard and the other is called a special, some differences but not many. The special only has a 3.9 gal tank so depending on how far you travel it may be a concern. The handle bars are different also but can be changed.

[fredintoon]

Ok guys...I just found this one on eBay near me...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1981-...item3a58f3b1ba

It's an 81 and looks REALLY clean. Maybe pick it up for $1000.

Is there a good year or bad year? 78 or 81 better or worse? Thoughts on which of these 2 bikes are a better value? Thanks...

Jason.

Hi Jason,
the '78 you first asked about is a Standard while this one is a Special. There are photos on this site which show the differences and either can be mostly turned into the other (or you can build your own personalized hybrid) by swapping parts around.
The better value one is whichever has the least mileage and is in the better condition. IMHO, within a few hundred dollars of FMV the purchase price is not something to fret about. It's like the ante in a poker game, it just gets you started.

[latexeses]

The San Diego bike is a "Special" 79-81. The 78 you were looking at was a "Standard". Two different styles that were available. The only XS1100 built in 78 was the Standard. It was according to those who know as the fastest/quickest of the XS's.
It looked like the SD bike was cared for a bit better...But....?

It is a matter of taste. The Standard has a larger fuel tank so that is the tank that is going on my 79 Special.

Ride what you like.

Damn Fred. I have to learn how to type faster...

[gringojason]

You guys are revving my engine!! Reading your responses and looking over the site is getting me all excited. I looked at a '77 Goldwing (pristine original condition, 9k original miles) last night for $1500 and considered it...but something is really drawing me to the XS. And part of that is the passion and energy I get from you guys and from the articles I am reading. It seems like this is this a special and unique bike.

Even though the '81 on eBay is better taken care of, there is something about the '78 that I really like. Can any of you confirm what latexeses said that the '78 is the fastest of the XS series? Also, since it has an aftermarket tach...I don't know the real mileage. Should that be a concern?

I am so close to pulling the trigger...probably today...just getting the last second jitters do be sure I don't get buyer's remorse. On the flip side...I am REALLY excited to ride it and start making it my own. Thanks again for all your help. Any members out there in the Southern CA, Orange County area?

[Fix]

Everything else being the same, the '78 is just a bit quicker. But the difference isn't huge.

That being said, the '78 is what I have..and love. The specials are nice, but the standard just has that something about it.

[fredintoon]

- - - Even though the '81 on eBay is better taken care of, there is something about the '78 that I really like. Can any of you confirm what latexeses said that the '78 is the fastest of the XS series? Also, since it has an aftermarket tach...I don't know the real mileage. Should that be a concern? - - -

Hi Jason,
note that the '81 Special has an aftermarket exhaust and is missing it's distinctive cast aluminum grabrail. Doubtless Andreas has one so it's not a real problem but it makes a person wonder what's holding the tail light on because that's what it's supposed to be attached to.
However, do not sweat the "fastest XS11" thing. The slowest model XS11, even if running on dirty plugs, bad gas and maladjusted carbs can still go way too fast for the average rider.
BTW, the odometer is in the speedo, not the tach. And on a ~30 year old machine there's no guarantee that it's the original speedo anyway.

[gringojason]

I snoozed...and lost. I told the seller I would give him a confirmation today and he just emailed me to tell me he is selling it to his brother. Oh well...I guess it wasn't meant to be.

But now I am hooked...and I gotta get an XS...lol. Keep your eyes open for me. I need something in the next week or so. Maybe I will call the guy in San Diego with the '81. If I can get it for $1000, that seems like a solid deal...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1981-...item3a58f3b1ba

[ManitoulinLad]

Hey Gringo: That bike looks awesome - I'd grab it. I still can't believe the condition of the bikes in CA. & the prices are excellent. You don't want to know what I paid for mine & it was a rust bucket.- Dan

[CatatonicBug]

Hey Gringo: That bike looks awesome - I'd grab it. I still can't believe the condition of the bikes in CA. & the prices are excellent. You don't want to know what I paid for mine & it was a rust bucket.- Dan

The bikes in SoCal live much more pampered lives. No snow/salt, and they can run all year 'round! They don't get stuffed in a garage over winter and forsaken for a snowmobile like they do up North!

Gringo - Any XS, in running condition, will make you grin, and cause your spine to tingle. They are incredible machines, and easy to maintain/repair. If you like the look of the Standard, keep looking and you'll find one soon. If you don't really care, get the Special and you'll be hooked!