1980 XS1100SG is a '79??

[tplank]

I just went to look at what I thought was going to be a 1979 XS1100 special from a craigslist ad at a cycle shop just down the road from me. As soon as I saw it I knew it wasn't a '79 or I should say what a '79 should look like. It had a different grab bar, reflectors on the rear shocks, etc etc but the title he showed me said '79. The Serial# which began with "3J6" all matched with the tile frame and engine. I emailed him about it and he replied back that he had contacted a Yamaha dealer and they ran the VIN in their computer and said it was a 1979.5 built 4/79. I wont be buying the bike because I'm looking specifically for a 1979 but anyone ever seen this before? Is it possible a 1980 model was built that early and titled a '79? What say ye.

[BA80]

3J6 is an 80 Special. The only thing I can think of is it may have been a VERY EARLY 80 and still titled as a 79.

Did it have slotted rotors and a speedometer that only went to 85 mph?

[motoman]

3J6 is an 80 Special. The only thing I can think of is it may have been a VERY EARLY 80 and still titled as a 79.

Did it have slotted rotors and a speedometer that only went to 85 mph?

Nothing new, Yamaha actually manufacturerers upcoming model the year prior. The dealers, of all people should know this. That definitely throws up a red flag as to THAT dealers actual credibility....just sayin'......

[DCII]

4/79 ?

I doubt that the bike was built in April if it was a 1980 model. It is more than likely that the label was worn and the dealer or seller mistook a worn 7/July to be a 4. From what I have noticed the earliest 1980 specials were built in July of 1979. If you were able to get the complete VIN number you would be able to get a better idea of when the bike was built. What is more likely is that someone in the state DMV/title clerk made a mistake when typing up a new title at some point when ownership was being transferred.

[BA80]

Gives me a lot of trust in government workers......................

[BA80]

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

[motoman]

I doubt that the bike was built in April if it was a 1980 model. It is more than likely that the label was worn and the dealer or seller mistook a worn 7/July to be a 4. From what I have noticed the earliest 1980 specials were built in July of 1979. If you were able to get the complete VIN number you would be able to get a better idea of when the bike was built. What is more likely is that someone in the state DMV/title clerk made a mistake when typing up a new title at some point when ownership was being transferred.

Hardly likely as vin is stamped into right-side steering neck.
Again, actual manufacturer date is done year prior to model year.

[tplank]

Thanks for the information everyone. BTW the bike is on Ebay now! Here's the link. Still listed as a 1979.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-XS-YA...US_motorcycles

[BA80]

No doubt about it, that's an 80 SG.

[fredintoon]

No doubt about it, that's an 80 SG.

Hi Greg,
I'd say that almost all of it was an SG.
Note that the rear brake disk ain't slotted so it's rear wheel could be an orphan. Also, the bars, mirrors and exhaust are aftermarket but that tends to happen with a 34 year old bike.
None of the photos show the gauge faces so we don't know if it's still got the 85 mph speedo.
However, it looks to be in good shape. Why does Tony insist that the XS11 he's looking to buy has to be a '79?

[IanDMacDonald]

Fred- Prob's the same reason why I'd never want to buy anything but a '78/'79 standard. To each his own.

[XS-play]

The rear wheel, in addition to having the standard rotor also has bead locks, dead giveaway. 17" standard rear wheel. 34 year old Franken-Bike?

My project that I recently acquired, came with a ton of spare parts, including a spare motor. Both motors are early Standards, the spare is seized. I have finally gotten most of the bike sorted.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41106

I too have the 17" rear, converted for tubeless. I am adding the Euro foot pegs and shifter. but for the most part it is '80 SG.

My apologies for thread jacking.

Peace, Wolf

[Buckmaster79]

80 sg

I sent them an email and told them all the things that flagged 1980SG
now they say its an 1980 titled as a 1979 but they say it can be changed.

[BA80]

big red flag!!!!

[XS-play]

Hey Tplank

You may not have time, but I sent the Yamaha Mother-ship in the UK the S/N for my frame and engine (mine are completely different) and they gave me a reply as the which year they were built.

www.yamaha-motor.co.uk

cust.service@yamaha-motor.co.uk

Best of luck...

Peace, Wolf