Decisions decisions.....

[UJM]

Well, it is almost time to fish or cut bait -

Found there are 6 pristine XS11's near me, well, close enough. All are supposedly in exceptional condition, all pretty much the same price, and it sounds like there is even a Midnight Special in the lot.

Standard, Special or full dress, not sure which direction to go -

I'm 6'4" and "around" 250lbs. Rides, I like to be able to go several hundred miles in a weekend without much, if any, discomfort - yet, I also want to be able to somewhat hit the corners are some speed occassionally.

Also, I may want to cruise at 80 or 90 (or more) at select times.

Any opinions on which model would work the best?

And a wild card has also been tossed in - I'm also now considering the FJ1200.

Heck, if a CB1100F/V65 Magna or Sabre/ZRX1100/1200 or GS1100E/GS1150E would come along in exceptional shape, those would be considered, but it seems to be my Yamaha decade, and the XS11 in one variant or another is still at or near the very top of the list -

Any input from anyone?

"Fair" prices for "pristine" XS11's?

Winning lottery numbers?

Thanks in advance everyone!!!

[DiverRay]

Any xs1100 in good running condition will cruise at 100+ all day, if you can get away with it! For long rides, I like a fairing in front of me, and at least a box I can lock "things" in. I've found that I can do a little better on a Standard in the twisties, but the Special isn't very far behind at all. Case guards with highway pegs will be your BEST friend on longer trips, as will a seat you can slide back on just a little.
As this is spring, expect to pay from $1500 to $2500 depending on miles and condition of the bike. Good luck and happy ridding!

[jwhughes3]

standard

I'd say go standard - longer cruising and luggage options. I have a special and trying to adapt the standard stuff is a pain - I am looking for a standard to replace it.


John in San Antonio

[Pat Kelly]

That's the beauty of an XS1100 (or most of the older muscle-bikes), versatility.
I bought my E with the full touring kit. With a couple hours work I can go sporty by removing the fairing/lowers, saddle bags, and trunk (or luggage rack too).
I left the mounts on the handlebars so I can add or remove my small sport screen.
I can leave the rear rack on and slide the backrest on and be cruiserish.
If you aquire another seat you can customize it to XSpand your options.

Best move I made was adding a 2nd XS, my Midnight Special.

Now the E almost always has the tour/winter configuration. The LG is flash and quicker. Both bikes have the go-go-go in them.

[UJM]

Thank you for your thoughts -

There was a XS1100 Midnight Special at our local dealership, in for carb cleaning/repairs. I sat on it, felt better than I thought it has any right too.

But the standard versions, well, I'll just have to check them all out. They are on the high end of the price range, but if they are pristine and ready to ride, it is worth it IMO.

I can always make an offer, owner can always say no - we'll see.

The FJ1200 is another prime canidate, but I'm more of a old school kind of a guy, this might be the toughest buying decision I've ever had.

Also saw a exception Honda "Big One" CB1000, a VFR1000, you guys know the bikes, but there is something about the XS, can not put my finger on it -

Decisions decisions......

[Guy_b_g]

I have a soft spot for the VFR 1000 also...I saw one at a dealership in North Portland, OR in about '91 which had never been sold and had 0 miles on it. They wanted $3,000 for it and I've often kicked myself for not buying it.