To buy a non-running XS11, or a running XS11???

[IanDMacDonald]

one more thing, if you were to choose between a '79 Special, and an '80 Special, what would u choose? The '79's I found come with fairing and luggage, the '80's do not.

[jwhughes3]

I feel like the 80 gives you more seat choices and it seems parts are easier to find since many 80 and 81 interchange. 79 was kind of a one special year knd of bike and has its unique cachet as well.

I like both. Sorry no help.

Be different go 79.

John

[IanDMacDonald]

John- I'm looking at a '79 Standard looking very much like your E in paint scheme.

[IanDMacDonald]

These are the three '79's I am considering purchasing. Only one will be bought, but, I am having a tough time deciding. I'm not a huge fan of fairings, but, the exhaust on the yellow standard bothers me a bit. The red standard is going for $1400, and the other two are going for $1500. The black special is pretty sharp looking.

I'm only 27, so, I'm not really sure I am ready for the full fairing set-up yet. If I buy either fairing'd bike (not a word, I know), how easy is it to remove the fairings and go with a stock setup? I think the red standard is completely ugly with the luggage it has. I'm not big on red, so, if I removed the luggage and repainted the bike, I would be forced to sell the fairing and luggage, or repaint it as well.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2fzvdes1z1mx7h5/zij_gTCt4Z

[LoHo]

Yep, the local Craigslist is full of bikes that "ran great a few years ago, just needs a battery." In fact, I've got a couple of those myself...

[crazy steve]

None of these bikes has the OEM exhaust on them. The red and yellow ones both appear to have MAC exhausts on them, just two different styles of mufflers and the headers are painted on the yellow one. The black one appears to have a Jardine, but could also be a MAC (hard to tell from one pic).

If you don't want a fairing, then buy the yellow bike. The stock headlight/front turn signals are removed when fitting the fairing and it can be tough to replace them if the parts don't come with the bike. The yellow one has the stock turns in place (the front mounts are very hard to find) and looks to be very complete except for the lower half of the airbox (ask about that). Keep in mind that fairings have very little value as shipping them can exceed their worth, so don't expect to sell it and use that money to buy the needed parts.

Note that the standard has a one gallon larger tank (for longer range if that's important to you). All three look pretty decent, whichever one turns you on...

[IanDMacDonald]

Your attention to detail is amazing Steve! Actually, I asked the owner of the Yellow standard the maintenance history of the bike. He said he modified the airbox to allow for an automotive-style airfilter to fit in the cavity, as he felt the stock one was of lawnmower size. He claims to have done a valve job, and had them resurfaced. New seat, fork seals, tire and battery. It also comes with a parts bike that he used to refurbish this bike.

I'm glad you said something about the fairings, as I thought it was weird that the red standard had a round headlight. So, I would have to find a headlight and turn signals for the bike if I bought that one. Thinking about that now though, if I buy the yellow Standard, I will more than likely convert the headlight to the round one. I think that square crap is about the ugliest thing I have ever seen on a motorcycle next to Honda's dual horns on their magna's.

Coming from the 750E, I know quite a bit about the exhaust systems of the Triples, having owned a good majority of the set-ups available for the Triple. One thing I do know from owning a set was that the Mac pipes were garbage, and I had them on my bike a week before I swapped them out with a NOS Hooker set.

I enjoy the sweet sporty sound that the original exhaust gave. I see there is a Kerker set on ebay now. Wish I had the money to afford what those will sell for. Saving for a Supertrapp/Kerker exhauast may be on the to-do list.

Modifications to the Standard will include Euro/Daytona bars, rounded headlight with HID kit, maybe LED turn signals and tail-light. I'm kind of curious, I have a couple XS750's, and I'm thinking I can use the headlight bucket and lens off that and throw it on the XS11. Any reason why it would not work? I'm wondering if the turn signals and stalks from the 750 would work on the XS11 as well? Hmm . . .

[crazy steve]

I'll be honest, I'm a fan of the '78-79 standards and their 'look'. I bought one of my '78s new (and still have it) and didn't care for the styling at first, buying it primarily because of it's performance. But it grew on me, and the bike has a unique look that sets it apart; it won't be mistaken for anything else if you know vintage bikes at all.

Don't be quick about changing out the square light, it throws out a wider beam than the round lights if it's in good condition. And a round light won't be a bolt-on, some fab work/mods will be needed. You can install an upgraded square light, check the 'modifications' forum for a lo-buck how-to.

One thing I really like about the standard is the front turn mounts; separated from the headlight. One problem with the headlight mounted turns is if the bike goes over and either turn signal hit the ground, it usually boogers up the ears and headlight shell too, knocking the light out of alignment. It's tough to find undamaged units for replacement also. To mount the turns to the headlight you'll need to make some irreversable mods to the hard-to-find standard ears that you may regret later.

The MAC isn't a bad exhaust, but the quality of their chrome is noted for being rather poor. It was nearly the only thing available for these for years (just recently being discontinued), but the OEM system will offer the best overall power if you can find one in decent shape. The MAC systems do seem to need the least 'retuning' when installed compared to most of the others that are out there.

If you switch to LED turns, you'll have to mod the turn wiring to make them work, particularly if you want to keep the auto-cancel feature.

For me, a naked '78-79 will always be the XS11...

[haywardguy929]

I'd say get one with the Fairing. Take it off and keep it . Ya never know,come cold weather and long trips you may end up liking it. I like being able to stop at the store and grabbing a few things. I also like the protection from the colder nights we get. Just a thought. If the price is the same or close they are worth having.

[jjz28]

I love that bike with the fairings and bags, looks just like mine. I have $532 in my bike and it runs great. I bought it needing the carbs cleanded, 4 hours later, it was running good. Only had to rebuilt front brake calipers. I didnt want fairings when i got mine but wish i had then now for trips.

[IanDMacDonald]

You guys are awesome with the advice!!! Everyone I have spoken with from the bike and non-bike world has told me to get the red one, lol. Like I said, what will determine which bike I buy is what is still for sale at the end of next month.

I'm now between the two Standards for a choice. The one with the red bags is actually a hundred dollars cheaper than the yellow one. ($1400 for the red, $1500 for the yellow).

The owner of the red bike claims it has new exhaust, tires, oil change, etc.

[skids]

I'd say get one with the Fairing. Take it off and keep it . Ya never know,come cold weather and long trips you may end up liking it. I like being able to stop at the store and grabbing a few things. I also like the protection from the colder nights we get. Just a thought. If the price is the same or close they are worth having.

I have a nakid standard that is a lot of fun for local rides. Long rides on the interstate require a faring! OK, I am old and that is just the way it is! Fighting 75 mph wind SUCKS for any long term ride.

[natemoen]

I tried to sell/give away my fairing that came with my bike cause I thought it was butt ugly. No one wanted it...

Now I decided (at least for now) that I will put it on in fall (just did last weekend) and take it off in spring. I have a windshield that I put in in summer. It is a whole different show cruising behind that thing! It is pretty amazing!

I don't like fighting the wind and I am only 28!

[IanDMacDonald]

So, the red Standard I had a link up for earlier in the posts has been sold. That left me desiring the yellow standard. I sent an email to the seller of the yellow Standard, offering an incentive of an extra $150 if he could hold it for me, while I guaranteed payment next month. I then decided to spread my buying region just a little bit, and found these two bikes that caught my eye. The Special has the 'sketti exhaust (which appeals to me), while the standard . . . is a beautiful standard. Price on the Special is $1475, while the Standard is $1850. The guy claims it's in good shape mechanically. Might be worth the price.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2fzvdes1z1mx7h5/zij_gTCt4Z

The first pic in the DB link is the new red Standard I just found. The one with the Mac exhaust is the one that's sold.

[crazy steve]

That's a '78 standard, and looks to be very nice. Still has the OEM exhaust on it (a huge plus IMO) and the only 'wrong' item I see is the left sidecover which appears to be off a '79 so the color won't be a match (Macho Maroon vs Magenta Red), hard to see in the pic. Vetter fairing w/lowers, aftermarket bars and mirrors, factory bags. Definitely worth a look...