Ballpark value of my 1979 xs1100?

[Kernasaki74]

I understand value is relative mind you. But I would like some opinion on the value of my 1979. I bought it running for 800 dollars about a month ago. It had a dead battery and was running poorly when I brought her home. I have since cleaned and synced the carburators, installed new plugs, push/pull throttle cables, throttle tube, new grips, handle bar, speedo cable, battery, coils and start stop switch. It was repainted 5 years ago according to the former owner and he owned it since 1984. It has a mikuni vm33 slide carb on it, a Russ Collins 4 into 1 exhaust and is in over all excellent shape. Everything works and I mean everything, high beam low beam, blinkers horn, cluster lights etc. I'm sure I'm missing something. It was garaged from 1984 till today and looks like it. I bought it for my wife and after taking it out today running correctly, it might be too much for her. I don't want to sell it, I most likely won't but I would like to know it's value from the experts Fwiw. Ibhave attempted to add links to photos and a short video from today of it running. http://goo.gl/photos/PwDFPMXjeTKAf2NC8 https://goo.gl/photos/vySwGjZNDZ3EHeG66https://goo.gl/photos/Wtv884e7tf7azWT1A

[bikerphil]

In excellent condition, $1625

https://www.kbb.com/motorcycles/yama...icetype=retail

[Kernasaki74]

Normally I would go directly to bob for car values, maybe never motorcycles, however, kbb lists the value of a 1977 kz1000 in excellent condition retail at 3685? I want able to find a kz1000 in excellent condition for that price. I understand my 79 xs1100 isn't a kz1000, which are more desirable and fetch higher prices. I was looking for input regarding collectability, maybe some anecdotal information regarding what some members paid for theirs or what they have seen them going for in their area. I know how to use kbb, and although I respectively appreciate your research, it isn't really what I was looking for..I don't know the condition of your bikes but would you accept kbb for yours? Maybe this question has been asked ad nauseam so I apologize if I am committing some faux paux that I was unaware of.

[DiverRay]

The value of your bike is what someone is willing to pay for it. I had a '79 I rebuilt for a show, "The Gathering AT The Quail", in Carmel, CA. I sold it after putting in a few hundred hours of labor, and about $550 in parts, for $1250. So no, most people don't know what these bikes can really do and do not want to pay for them because of that.
cycletrader.com is probably your best bet for getting close on a price, as they have links to sites that will come up with a figure.

[bikerphil]

There are plenty of these bikes still around and the ones that fetch the most $ are ones that are stock original condition without custom modifications. Yours is a nice bike and and to the right buyer who knows what you can get. GL

[dpotter58]

That exhaust really drops the price... I'll buy it from you so you can put a mac on there...

[jetmechmarty]

The more stock it is, the more it's worth. The value is to old codgers who knew them new. To the kids, it's a turd. They only want it if cheap, so they can attempt a chopper. Also, there are more bikes in the midwest than anyplace else. All that goes against you.

https://goo.gl/photos/Wtv884e7tf7azWT1A

That being said, your bike is gorgeous! I believe that seat is a genuine Yamaha accessory from back in the day. You may get a few bucks for it, but maybe after you ride it a bit you'll get attached to it. It will outperform that Kawasaki that brings triple the price.

[jwhughes3]

$1600-2000 - as has been stated it is a good looker but isn't stock which is the only place there is value left - so its appeal is up to whomever wants an XS11 that looks good without being stock.

I feel pretty much any vintage bike in excellent shape can be sold for $2k if you are patient and keep it pretty and shiny. Above that, its no longer just fun money and you are competing with newer fuel injected bikes.

John

[Kernasaki74]

Thank you everyone for the advice and kind words. The xs1100s I have seen on eBay and Craigslist all have vastly different asking prices. Looking at bikes sold on eBay the values also vary greatly. I don't plan on selling it anytime soon, the only reason it has even crossed my mind is because after changing out the handle bar, the bike still handles a little awkward. I bought it for my wife and because I couldn't pass up the deal. I'm an experienced rider and the weight of the bike and handling aspects don't bother me, I just worry how it will affect her. I might entertain selling the carbs and exhaust. According to my research they are both desirable to the right buyer. I would parlay that cash into maybe an aftermarket exhaust that isn't as , shall we say, LOUD, and a decent stock carb set up. Thanks again erryone.

[DiverRay]

For about $35 you can get new steering stem bearings, and that is probably the #1 reason for poor handling. Get a TKat fork brace to help with the handling.

[robbo]

Seat

Isn't that a aftermarket Monarch seat? Looks similar to the XS650/750 ones that were available at that time. Don't know if they did one for the Eleven.