1979-1981 grab bar for XS 1100 special

[dolphans1]

Easier said than done. I purchased the bike from a friend years ago and he was the 2nd owner, he bought it in 82. For some reason he took off the seat and he had it redone, he removed the original grab bar, the air box and used those AirPods. Through the years I had the carbs rebuilt by a professional, found an original air box. I agree with you, my friend gave me the bike 18 years ago as he did not want to put any money into it. The problem is, you can’t find many XS 1100 specials. I’ve seen a few, but they’re all trashed or abused. My 1979 has 11,500 miles. It would be nice if I could buy a decent looking after market sissy bar or grab bar. I bought the 80’s grab bar about 6 years ago off eBay and the seller said it would fit my bike. I just recently dropped it off to have professionally painted, sanded and polished out. When I purchased the grab bar, like I said, I eyeballed it and assumed it would bolt up nicely. I guess assuming opposed to verifying gets people into trouble, so maybe I may end up selling that grab bar. Thanks for your inputs.

[dolphans1]

Do you want to sell it?

[vedgar]

not for sale

You have to buy to whole bike it is mounted to .

[dolphans1]

You have to buy to whole bike it is mounted to .

I see, I wish I could see your bike and you got real lucky finding that grab bar.

Are there any photo sites out there that will work with this forum that anyone recommends.

[bikerphil]

Are there any photo sites out there that will work with this forum that anyone recommends.

This one works well and is free, just click sign up and a password will be sent to you and you are ready to go...

http://postimages.org/

[dolphans1]

Here is my bike, and I don't like the look with no grab bar and thought this grab bar would work. Also the seat looks to big, can anyone tell me were I could get the remade seat pad and cover for original?

[dolphans1]

[dolphans1]

[jetmechmarty]

Here is my bike, and I don't like the look with no grab bar and thought this grab bar would work. Also the seat looks to big, can anyone tell me were I could get the remade seat pad and cover for original?

I see your issue. That seat looks like hammered dog sh... On such a lovely bike, too. What you need is a '79 Special seat and a proper grab bar, or at least, the correct seat. The correct seat will look fine, even without the bar. If necessary, you can cut down and reshape the seat you have. The later grab bar is not the answer, IMHO.

[vedgar]

pic of 79 special

give me your phone # or pm me and I will send you pics of my 79 in Carmen Red

[dolphans1]

I see your issue. That seat looks like hammered dog sh... On such a lovely bike, too. What you need is a '79 Special seat and a proper grab bar, or at least, the correct seat. The correct seat will look fine, even without the bar. If necessary, you can cut down and reshape the seat you have. The later grab bar is not the answer, IMHO.

Lol, I never liked the seat, it looks like a mattress, if you know where I can get an original grab bar let me know. The guy I purchased the newer grab bar said it would fit.

[robbo]

SF seat

This one has been on ebay for a while. Fair price I think, and it might be worth asking if they would take a lower offer.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Yamaha...RaFb5W&vxp=mtr

You could always put a sissy bar on it !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dolphans1]

This one has been on ebay for a while. Fair price I think, and it might be worth asking if they would take a lower offer.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1979-Yamaha...RaFb5W&vxp=mtr

You could always put a sissy bar on it !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, I saw it, too much I feel.

[Ranger_xs1100]

My black and chrome SF looks almost identical to yours. I had a newly re-upholstered seat on it which looked ok. But like yours, without the grab bar , it looked like something was missing and I was never satisfied with it.

Eventually after fooling around with different grab bars and sissy bars, I put a solo seat on it, which changed the whole look of the bike. Even though I like the new look, that’s obviously not a good option if you are doing an original restoration project. You really need to find a nicer seat and an ORIGINAL grab bar for that beautiful SF that you have there!

Add it to your ebay watch list, one will turn up eventually.

[dolphans1]

My black and chrome SF looks almost identical to yours. I had a newly re-upholstered seat on it which looked ok. But like yours, without the grab bar , it looked like something was missing and I was never satisfied with it.

Eventually after fooling around with different grab bars and sissy bars, I put a solo seat on it, which changed the whole look of the bike. Even though I like the new look, that’s obviously not a good option if you are doing an original restoration project. You really need to find a nicer seat and an ORIGINAL grab bar for that beautiful SF that you have there!

Add it to your ebay watch list, one will turn up eventually.

Hello Bob, do you have any pics of bike?