Poll. I have owned a brand-new XS1100

[Shacknasty]

...I have a photo of him in his uniform in 1912. I can post it here if anyone's interested!...

Mos' def!!! Post that pitcher!

[Bonz]

When the XS came out, I was 10 years old and didn't know a Yamaha from Hee-Haw.

I got really lucky and have a superb example that only had low 13,000 miles on it. Long live my 80 SG and all XS's, and I am the 3rd owner fwiw.

So, it really doesn't bother me, really.

[DGXSER]

I have seen the odd episode here and there of Dr Who, back in the late 80s anyway. A good friend of mine at the time watched it religously, and from time to time I would be at his house when it came on. Never really captivated me though, and I personally could not have deciphered TARDIS without googling it. And a week after this thread dies, I will once agian have no clue.

[James England]

Mos' def!!! Post that pitcher!

Here he is... my grandfather James Adams, photographed at a studio in Chelsea after just joining the London Metropolitan Police, in 1912.



During WWI, my grandfather was told that his brother Oliver had been killed. They were in the same regiment in the same action that day. My grandfather shouted "The b*****ds!", suicidally jumped over the top of the trench and into the enemy's trenches, firing as he did so. He survived, uninjured, and received his medal for gallantry. Oh yes, and.... later that same day...... he found Oliver, also uninjured! Someone had made a mistake. They both survived the war.....

[jwhughes3]

Cool pic James...must be a badge number on collar.

Nice story. Glad they came home or you might not be here to chat with!

John

[Shacknasty]

Great old sepia-toned photo! Thanks for posting that piece of yer family history. Yer G'pa looks like a steadfast man with a good sense of humor. You can see the determination in his mouth and jawline, and the twinkle in his eye. Looks like a good man to have at yer back.

That story from the trenches of WW1 is the kind of tale that's needs to be told. Pass it down to the next gen and show them the pic of the man that did the deed. Make history live. I've never even seen a photo of either of my grandfathers.

Thanks again. And if ya got more, start an old photo thread and post 'em up.

[newc4]

When my bike was just a pup, about 4 months after I bought it.

[James England]

When my bike was just a pup, about 4 months after I bought it.

My favourite model. The best. Euro bars would look good on it...

[Mathh]

I bought my first silver one new in 1978 and i loved it instantly. I did some 130.000 km and I traded it in for another silver one 14 months later. My last new one was a 1981 3X0 (blue and white) I bought in 1982. That one was converted into a turbo bike three months later and i still have it. After that I always had 1 or 2 XS1100's next to my other ride. Now I have 5 XS1100's: the turbo, the racer, the bog stock 2H9, the one I got for free some time ago and my girl friend's special. Can't get rid of them.
The only bike that came close in ride feel was the 91 Triumph Trophy (still have that one too). Not even the FJR1300 succeeded in giving me that feeling (because of that pain the a**e missing top gear).

[jimbilton]

Poll. I have owned a brand-new XS1100

That's one great collection of motorcycles, Mathh.
I am curious to know how you rate the Kawasaki 1300 six cylinder machine. It is one I have wanted to own since I first heard one start up in 1980.

[Mathh]

That's one great collection of motorcycles, Mathh.
I am curious to know how you rate the Kawasaki 1300 six cylinder machine. It is one I have wanted to own since I first heard one start up in 1980.

That big Zed is a great bike. Not comparable to a XS1100 at all. The Z is taller and heavier but is a nimble ride once rolling. It can be pulled on the center stand easily. I have the fuel injected DFI, i think they're not available in the US. these are much better than the carburated ones which I had as well in the beginning. I was always cleaning carbs and plugs after a stand still and that's history now with the DFI. This one can stand for two years but starts and idles after the first push on the starter button. You feel it has 130 hp once it gets past 6000rpm and starts to howl. in tight corners it needs a determined driver but once the ride gets a bit faster it corners great and can scrape the exhausts from front to rear if you want. Excellent long distance tourer with a very comfortable seat.
So... just buy one

[Old Red]

I bought my 81 Red XS1100 Special new in 1981. It was my main ride for eight years. I sold it to a friend in 1991 and bought it back from him three years later. When I got it back it was missing on one cylinder, bent valve. I think its time to get it fixed and back on the road.

Earl

[jetmechmarty]

Old Red,

Hurry up, so you can bring it to the Southeast rally next month!

www.facebook.com/xssoutheast

[GLoweVA]

I bought my 81 Red XS1100 Special new in 1981. It was my main ride for eight years. I sold it to a friend in 1991 and bought it back from him three years later. When I got it back it was missing on one cylinder, bent valve. I think its time to get it fixed and back on the road.

Earl

Earl, I got a new exhaust valve from here for $25.
http://www.newmotorcycleparts.com/mo...ts/valves.html

Also, Earl, there's a lot of XSives here in VA. Ashburn is close to DC and I think there are about 4-5 XSives in your neighborhood.
Check the XS11 ZeeMap: http://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=153721

[tweeleft]

Bought a SF in 1980 with 1000 miles on her. I cried three years later when I sold it. Got my p,resent SF from the guy I sold that one to.