Potential new project

[Rasputin]

If interested I can send you many models of Canadian examples of these bikes to restore. I have more than I can deal with right now and shipping may not be that bad.

[James England]

I concur ...

James,

How about a different color? You could go with the Diamond Silver that Steve alluded to ...

You could try the New Ruby Red, or even the New Pearl White ... one of your restorations would look amazing in any of these colors!

All three colors were used on European models between '79-'80 ...

Just my $.02

P.S. Keep us posted about your search for another project!

The European models had only two colours when first produced.... Silver with a red and black pinstripe. And also what they called 'Macho Maroon' with the gold pinstripe. Then came black and then blue/white. The black actually has a very fine dusting of gold under the lacquer which adds depth and turns it very, very slightly brown under certain light. A nice colour.

Yes, I was thinking of colour change to Macho Maroon as this was the colour of my new bike in 1979. Personally, I never liked the silver much. Re modern colours....nice as they would look, it would kind of deviate from my personally imposed mission statement which is to make the bikes look better than new but essentially standard. The kind of buyer here who is prepared to pay a lot for one of these really does want it to look standard. I mean, I love Limie Accent especially and all of Bob Jones' bikes but people who collect bikes or take them to shows etc will pay top prices only for bikes that are standard.

Mmmm...you got me thinking now. Two Black Beauties is maybe enough for now. The problem is...what do you call a bike that's maroon?

[James England]

If interested I can send you many models of Canadian examples of these bikes to restore. I have more than I can deal with right now and shipping may not be that bad.

I did look into buying bikes from the USA but sea freight and customs clearance and all the paperwork at this end is really a pain. There is a seller on eBay who imports bikes from the US. He's no doubt picking them up for next to nothing, as many have seized engines or are very rough. It's flooded the market here with US spec XS spares, so confusing some people. I think they are doing it on a large scale though, to warrant the trouble.

I think for one or two bikes, it would be problematical. In order to be registered here in the UK, the bike has to have a Ministry of Transport test (MoT) and pass it. Then it has to be insured and physically taken to the nearest vehicle licensing centre for inspection. Than a fee is payable and, hopefully, a UK age-related number plate is issued. There is always the possibility that a bike will NOT be issued a plate after restoration and that would be disaster!

[Prisoner6]

The European models had only two colours when first produced.... Silver with a red and black pinstripe. And also what they called 'Macho Maroon' with the gold pinstripe. Then came black and then blue/white. The black actually has a very fine dusting of gold under the lacquer which adds depth and turns it very, very slightly brown under certain light. A nice colour.

Yes, I was thinking of colour change to Macho Maroon as this was the colour of my new bike in 1979. Personally, I never liked the silver much. Re modern colours....nice as they would look, it would kind of deviate from my personally imposed mission statement which is to make the bikes look better than new but essentially standard. The kind of buyer here who is prepared to pay a lot for one of these really does want it to look standard. I mean, I love Limie Accent especially and all of Bob Jones' bikes but people who collect bikes or take them to shows etc will pay top prices only for bikes that are standard.

Mmmm...you got me thinking now. Two Black Beauties is maybe enough for now. The problem is...what do you call a bike that's maroon?

Hi, James -

Here is the page on our Forum that shows the model designations and colors for the XS11, both here in the U.S. and abroad:

XS1100 Serial Numbers/Model Designations/Factory Colors

For European models, it shows:

1978 - Macho Maroon
1979 - New Pearl White
1980 - Diamond Silver or New Ruby Red
1981 - New Yamaha Black
1982 - New Yamaha Black

Is this correct, based on your experience and knowledge of the European XS1100?

Yes, the Macho Maroon would look great, but if you're considering a shade of red ...

IMHO, the New Ruby Red is a fantastic color for the XS11 ...

[Prisoner6]

New Ruby Red

P.S. James, here is an example of the New Ruby Red:



This is the XS850, but the exact same color was used on the 1100 as well ...

[MPittma100]

Sold

Hi James,

Congratulations on the sale of your latest restoration project. No apology is necessary for selling it so quickly after completion.

I have a friend here that does exactly the same thing except that his projects are race cars instead of motorcycles.

I would have guessed that the bike could have sold at a higher amount - possibly may have gone for more here in the US? Hope you were able to put a little profit in your pocket for the next one.

Good Job! I'm sure that there is another lucky XS11 right around the corner with your name on it.

[jetmechmarty]

James,

Do you have any idea how much of a beating you will take if you depart from original? I refer to changes that will not have effect on performance, such as color. Over here, the bike has too little value to matter. I believe an undertaking such as yours would likely result in a net loss. It has to be done with the intention of keeping it, IMHO.

[James England]

James,

Do you have any idea how much of a beating you will take if you depart from original? I refer to changes that will not have effect on performance, such as color. Over here, the bike has too little value to matter. I believe an undertaking such as yours would likely result in a net loss. It has to be done with the intention of keeping it, IMHO.

You are absolutely correct. For me to do my 'thing', it has to be original, standard and that applies to the colour too, especially. The problem with deviating from original, like I've done with my XJR (which I do intend to keep), is that such changes are not to everyone's taste or liking and they definitely reduce the value of the bike. A beautiful paint job that looks brilliant will not please everyone. But a standard colour is 'official' and kind of beyond dispute. That's why I didn't have the bikes done in any old black...it's the original Yamaha formula, complete with gold dust. Eg. I get a paint job done in high gloss metallic with beautifully airbrushed flames and skulls. That will only appeal to a minority of potential buyers and, in fact, put most people off buying it. So the value decreases.

Standard, OEM is where it's at for me.....

[James England]

Hi, James -

Here is the page on our Forum that shows the model designations and colors for the XS11, both here in the U.S. and abroad:

XS1100 Serial Numbers/Model Designations/Factory Colors

For European models, it shows:

1978 - Macho Maroon
1979 - New Pearl White
1980 - Diamond Silver or New Ruby Red
1981 - New Yamaha Black
1982 - New Yamaha Black

Is this correct, based on your experience and knowledge of the European XS1100?

Yes, the Macho Maroon would look great, but if you're considering a shade of red ...

IMHO, the New Ruby Red is a fantastic color for the XS11 ...

That information is definitely incorrect, Marco. When the XS1100 was introduced in Europe, there were only two colours....maroon and silver. That was it. I know this for certain because that was when I bought my brand-new one. Yamaha sent me all the enticing publicity (which worked!) and only two colours were available. Then came black. And finally blue/white. We had a Martini Special which was white with blue and red stripes and perhaps another colour stripe too but they were rare. They came with a full fairing designed by Ed Mockett but not many were sold. We have NEVER had a white one available in Europe and I have never once seen a Ruby red one.

Where did that info come from, Marco?

[motoman]

That information is definitely incorrect, Marco. When the XS1100 was introduced in Europe, there were only two colours....maroon and silver. That was it. I know this for certain because that was when I bought my brand-new one. Yamaha sent me all the enticing publicity (which worked!) and only two colours were available. Then came black. And finally blue/white. We had a Martini Special which was white with blue and red stripes and perhaps another colour stripe too but they were rare. They came with a full fairing designed by Ed Mockett but not many were sold. We have NEVER had a white one available in Europe and I have never once seen a Ruby red one.

Where did that info come from, Marco?

As many already know, IMO the Martini comes dressed for the party with an attitude to match, for that era of bike.
Keep the re-stores comin James!

[Prisoner6]

Thanks

That information is definitely incorrect, Marco. When the XS1100 was introduced in Europe, there were only two colours....maroon and silver. That was it. I know this for certain because that was when I bought my brand-new one. Yamaha sent me all the enticing publicity (which worked!) and only two colours were available. Then came black. And finally blue/white. We had a Martini Special which was white with blue and red stripes and perhaps another colour stripe too but they were rare. They came with a full fairing designed by Ed Mockett but not many were sold. We have NEVER had a white one available in Europe and I have never once seen a Ruby red one.

Where did that info come from, Marco?

XS1100 Serial Numbers/Model Designations/Factory Colors

Hi, James -

Thanks for clarifying that info ... I knew you could shed some light on this!

Regarding the Forum page I linked above (and in my earlier post) ...

The top part of the page claims the info was taken from the official Yamaha microfiche, but it claims that info is for the U.S. and Canada only.

As for the rest of the page, including data about bikes from Europe, Oceania, etc., I don't know who compiled it or what sources were used to compile it.

[Prisoner6]

... We had a Martini Special which was white with blue and red stripes and perhaps another colour stripe too but they were rare. They came with a full fairing designed by Ed Mockett but not many were sold ...

Here is a photo of the Martini:



So cool ...

[Gmac]

The New Ruby Red

was the color my 850 came decked out in.

I'm probably going to strip and spray the tank, sides and luggage on my Special that color, it was really pretty when it was shined up and waxed.