newbie dumb question

[Mojo75]

So just for my learning pleasure, what are differences between the xs1100s, xs1100f and other models?. I've tried using the search here but the website has been acting weird

[crazy steve]

What do you mean by 'differences'? In terms of performance and handling, there's little or no difference; drivetrains are shared across models so other than year to year tuning differences, they're pretty much all the same. The model styling is different, with the Specials having a Harleyesque 'cruiser' vibe as opposed to the more british/japanese styling of the standards. And due to the yearly styling changes to both models, parts interchange can be a real can of worms although other non-styling changes were made between years that aren't so obvious..

If you're trying to decide which model is 'best', there isn't any clear answer. The first-year '78 standards were the best performing, they got slower every year after because of emission requirements.

If you looking to buy one, find one in the best condition and/or the most complete as possible.

Look here for a brief overview of the different models... http://www.xs11.com/faqs/17-differen...odels-faq.html

[BA80]

XS1100....

E = 1978 standard

F = 1979 standard

SF = 1979 special

G = 1980 standard

SG = 1980 special

H = 1981 standard (Venturer)

SH = 1981 special

XJ = 1982 maxim (made for more years in Canada)

[Cuda 69]

well said Greg.As Steve said, the important thing is getting the xs that is the most complete,and hopefully runs good.I prefer the standards looks,but I have a sg because it's in great running order and looks new.The beauty of these bikes is,you can do anything you want to make them your's.If you want a bar hopper,easy,low bars,loud pipes,and solo seat.If you want a bagger,easy,hardbags,trunk,and a vetter shield.and so-on,and so-on..........

[Schming]

Check the very top of the page XS11 Info...

So just for my learning pleasure, what are differences between the xs1100s, xs1100f and other models?. I've tried using the search here but the website has been acting weird

...is where you'll find...well...info

Here's a sample from the FAQ's :

Serial Number and Model Identifications/colors

US Models:

Year
Model
Serial #
Color(s)

1978 XS1100E 2H7-000101 Macho Maroon
1979 XS1100F 2H7-020101 Magenta Red, Indigo Blue

1979 XS1100SF 3H3-000101 Carmine Red, Black Gold
1980 XS1100G 3H5-000101 Diamond Silver, New Ruby Red
1980 XS1100SG 3J6-000101 Black Red, New Ruby Red
1980 XS1100LG 4H3-000101 New Yamaha Black
1981 XS1100H 4R1-000101 Indigo Blue
1981 XS1100SH 4R0-000101 Black Blue, Cardinal Red
1981 XS1100LH 4W1-000001 New Yamaha Black
1982
XJ1100J
10M-000101
New Yamaha Black, New Ruby Red


Non-US Models:


Year
Model
Serial #
Color(s)
Countries

1978
XS1100 2H9-000101 Macho Maroon Europe
1978
XS1100E 2H8-000101 Macho Maroon

1978
XS1100E 2H9-100101 Macho Maroon Oceania
1979
XS1100 2H9-020101 New Pearl White Europe
1979
XS1100F 2H7-110101 Indigo Blue, Magenta Red Canada
1979
XS1100F 2H9-110101 Magenta Red Oceania
1979
XS1100SF 3H4-000101 Black Gold, Carmine Red Canada
1980
XS1100G 2H9-130101 Diamond Silver, New Ruby Red Europe
1980
XS1100G 3U7-000101 Diamond Silver Canada
1980
XS1100G 3X1-000101 Diamond Silver Oceania
1980
XS1100P 4H9-000001 White Others
1980
XS1100SG 3U9-000101 Black Red, New Ruby Red Canada
1981
XS1100H 3X0 New Yamaha Black Europe
1981
XS1100H 3X1-003101 Black Red Oceania
1981
XS1100H 4T1-000101 Indigo Blue Canada
1981
XS1100LH 4W2-000001 New Yamaha Black Canada
1981
XS1100RH 5N5-000101 New Yamaha Black Oceania
1981
XS1100S 5K7-010101 New Yamaha Black Europe
1981
XS1100SH 4T0-000101 Blue Black, Cardinal Red Canada
1982
XJ1100J 11G-000101 New Yamaha Black, New Ruby Red Canada
1982
XS1100 2H9-140101 New Yamaha Black Europe
1982
XS1100 Police 5H4-000101 New Yamaha Black, White Oceania
1983
XJ1100K 11G-010101 Sparkle Red Canada
1984
XJ1100ML 11G-100101 Blue Black Canada

[LoHo]

The key element for that makes a "Special" is stopping for gas more often, thereby interacting more with the local indigenous populations....

[fredintoon]

The key element for that makes a "Special" is stopping for gas more often, thereby interacting more with the local indigenous populations....

Hi LoHo.
that, and the inability to ride further than ~100 miles away from a gas station.
This builds character and fitness as you push a 600lb bike along the highway.
FWIW, the larger capacity Standard tank drops straight on.

[CaptonZap]

The key element for that makes a "Special" is stopping for gas more often, thereby interacting more with the local indigenous populations....

Geeze Loho,

We gotta watch you like a hawk.
Last we heard, you were having ignition problems, and now, here you are, like everything is hunky dory.
"Who, me? What ignition problems?"
Have you no shame?
Have we no answers?
Does your bike run yet?
This is SO discouraging.

CZ