So whats the rarest XS?

[Coopz]

Seen they didn't make them for very long, but there seems to be many minor variations on the base model, what version is probably the rarest, or if anything, most collectable? The Martini?

[79XS11F]

I would guess that the 1978 standard model followed by the 1979 standard model would be the rarest. Once the special models came out in 1979 they became very popular and were sold in big numbers. In 1980 the standard model began to look somewhat like the original version and the specials combined. Soon after that they started doing the standard version in full highway dress.
Rob

[draketrumpet]

I would guess that the 1978 standard model followed by the 1979 standard model would be the rarest. Once the special models came out in 1979 they became very popular and were sold in big numbers. In 1980 the standard model began to look somewhat like the original version and the specials combined. Soon after that they started doing the standard version in full highway dress.
Rob

For some strange reason, that makes me feel special.

[tadtl1]

all world models

Hi,

I would betcha that the rarest of the bikes to begin with would be the Martini, but it seems as if those would have been much more preserved than the more ordinary looking bikes. I would betcha that in models that still exist, the R1 would be the rarest because of its more ordinary looks may not have caused it to be preserved like the Martini probably would have been. If so, congrats to the OP on his stunning R1. JAT with no actual stats to back it up.

[crazy steve]

Hard to say; while there were 10 'basic' models sold in the US over the bikes' 5 year US production life, there was no less than 24 models sold in various parts of the world besides the US over 7 years. So I'd be reasonably sure in saying that at least a few of those models weren't sold in large numbers.

I've never seen actual production numbers, but at the rate these are disappearing, they'll all be rare before too long...

'78E original owner

[Larrym]

AbNormally Aspirated?

Good one Coopz!

Never seen an official "ranking". (I don't run in those social circles where if ya gotta ask how much it costs ya can't afford it...)

Initial production and sales numbers aside, I'll go with any of the original factory turbo's as ending up as the most precious in the end.

Not many riders can say no to that little red devil on your shoulder who says:

"135 Mph?? That can't be right. Go ahead...twist the grip all the way."

The fastest always fall first.

[79XS11F]

Hmm, I was thinking mass produced and sold in the North American market. I guess if were talking all models worldwide it's going to be the turbo or the police version if the police version was produced at the factory as a police version as compared to being modified after delivery.
Rob

[xs11lover]

They didn't make many xs11 Midnight specials, I've been told one for each dealer.....clean ones are few and far between. There were skads of 78 standards made.

[Cobia]

Well..

How about the XJ, if we're talking the US market? Only one year imported.,

[motoman]

Gonna have to say the 81 Venturer1100. Back then, if a flat-out tour bike was bought, it was the Wing. Rode both new back then and bought the Venturer......why?......cause Did alot of reading before purchase(Venture was $5300 and Wing Aspencade was $6500) and found the XS was WAY over built for durability. Besides that, perforance was apples and oranges between the two. Cost differance was NOT a factor. Found out from dealer 25yrs. later that it was the only Venturer that they sold as the Wings were more popular for touring, plus the fact of my no-fear factor and figured the XS would stand up to my 2-up rolling clutch wheel stands in first gear. Yea, I know, youthfulness is wasted on the young. The rest is history and it still rips if necessary!

[trbig]

There's always been a rumor about a midnight XJ.. even supposedly has it's own model number.. but nobody I know of has even seen a pic of one.

Not an XS, but thought I'd throw that in there.


Tod

[tadtl1]

factory turbo?????

I had no idea that there were that many models worldwide, but a factory turbo almost has to be super rare if any still exist even somewhat stock today. My understanding is that the MNS was made for the two years G and H, and only five hundred were built each year. I know they were much more expensive at the time, although in todays dollars, almost laughably little more. Someone should have some fun and dress up an XJ with MNS parts to the extent that they can.

[Jerry]

Would have to go with Trbig on this one...the elusive XJ1100 Midnight Maxim, if it exists at all. Some early literature supposedly talks about this model, and some people swear they have seen one, but almost always turns out to be one of the smaller XJ series, 550, 650, 750, and 850 cc models which were sold as XJ Midnights.

I think most of the tubo models were destined for the European market; weren't they known as the 1.1?

[madmax-im]

I have to agree with Motoman... of those models known to exist the '81 Venturer is the rarest that was brought to North America...I've been looking for one for a while....still looking.....In fact if I ever do find a complete Venturer i will sell my ST1100 and my XJ1100

[motoman]

Saw a MidnightMax11 many years ago Jerry, so have to agree with that maybe being the rarest built one for the U.S. anyway. The Venturer may not be the rarest, but betting it was the least purchased, hence likely was the biggest reason dealers didn't usually have them as part of there arsenol as was the case purchasing mine. And as dealer had stated to me was the ONLY Venturer they had gotten in. Didn't think to ask him if it was availibility that was the factor or not........but I sure can find out. He is a very knowledgeble person on the subject, and a friend who I used to ride and race moto-cross with back in the day. All these years later, he also told me of the story bout being sent to show introducing all the new manufactures scoots back in 77' and how Yamaha waited till all others had shown there new scoots on stage at the big dinner banquet and most thought it was over then wa-la, room was darkened, movie screen on stage, projector rolling showing none other than Pee-Wee Gleason(120lbs. soakin wet and rode all the manufactures new rides in the 1/4mile mile) doing a eye opening burn-out, pulled up the the start, launched the 78Standard, next thing was seen was the lit up time and speed on the VMS board at finish. Sound anouncement then came and stated "folks, you have just seen the WORLDS quickest production motorcycle pass through the quarter-mile, 11.79@117mph". Quite a story, and I'm sure most exiting for the dealers attending who witnessed that scene!