New to the site.

[Electronhammer]

I'm new to the site. I don't even own an eleven yet, I want to. I'm looking for a project bike on the cheap. What is the difference between a Standard and a Special model? When someone speaks of a Special, does that mean that they have a Midnight Special?

[natemoen]

It's just cosmetics. Midnight's are a special kind of special, they are all black with gold trim.

[Ken Talbot]

Here's a good tech tip describing the differences between the various models.

[Pat Kelly]

The Standard is a (really fast) generic bike. They have square headlight and gauges with round mirrors.
Specials were Yamaha's attempt at "Harleying" the XS1100. The have round headlight and gauges with square mirrors. They also have a smaller, teardrop fuel tank and pull-back handle bars.
The Midnight Special was a limited edition of the Special. It is the same as the Special but with all black paint and a few (fake) gold plated pieces. The Specials are mechanically the same.

This is a very basic comparison of the 3 XS models. There was also an XJ

[crazy steve]

Probably the main thing to look for in a project bike is completeness; missing parts is the bane of every XS 'project' owner. Seats, tanks, sidecovers, exhausts, and good carbs are all hard to find items. And not all parts fit all models either, so try to make sure you have the 'right' parts if the bike's apart. Good hunting...

[DGXSER]

The Special models are just...well...Special. Personally, I always prefered the "cruiser" look of the Special over the early crotch rocket look of the Standards. They just give me that feel of your gonna lay on the tank and ride.

Steve is correct in that the three hardest things to find for these bikes is the correct Seat, Carbs that have not been butchered in one way or another, and of course, the toughest of all, is the exhaust. So at least be sure you have that. Side covers are tougher for some models than others, but none are easy or dime a dozen.

[Electronhammer]

New to the site

Thanks for the advise. Hopefully I can come up with an eleven of my own to work on over the Winter.

[DGXSER]

Where are you located, perhaps another member will have a lead for you or may prove a useful resource when you get to doing the work.

[Electronhammer]

New to the site

Central IL, near Champaign, Urbana.

[TexinMaine]

No project, but it is a damn nice standard.

http://chambana.craigslist.org/mcy/2003397893.html

[CatatonicBug]

Welcome to the site! I'm not sure what your price range is, but there are usually a few on the St. Louis Craigslist site. Here's one for $500. The seller lists it as a 1974, but we all know better here... It's 3+ hours away from you, but it might make a good over-winter project.

[Electronhammer]

Newby

Thanks for the info. I was hoping for something around the $500-$700 range. So that bike would fit the bill. What year is it. Also I'm not big on the whole fairing look. I could always sell the fairing, but then I would most likely have to come up with headlight and turn signals, which isn't a big deal, I'm just thinking outloud. Anyway, thanks. I wonder how many eleven owner's, if any, once owned a Honda.

[natemoen]

Thanks for the info. I was hoping for something around the $500-$700 range. So that bike would fit the bill. What year is it. Also I'm not big on the whole fairing look. I could always sell the fairing, but then I would most likely have to come up with headlight and turn signals, which isn't a big deal, I'm just thinking outloud. Anyway, thanks. I wonder how many eleven owner's, if any, once owned a Honda.

fairing is nice for late fall and early spring (and winter if you so choose) riding. Can always be removed when the weather gets nice.

[natemoen]

Also that is a 78 or a 79 in that add. If its the factory equipped fairing for that bike its a 79.

[Electronhammer]

Newby

Thanks. Are all elevens shaft driven?