1979 xs11 special.... Need input and experienced eyes

[skids]

I would check the compression and take it for a ride to make sure it doesn’t slip out of gear when torquing the throttle. Clackity clack when it pops out of gear.

[skippy344]

So LugNut! DId you get it??

From the look of the header pipes, it has been run lean... It needs carb work! But that is a nice survivor!!

I had the '80 Special!

[steve scott]

That bike is a good deal. Buy it !,

[jetmechmarty]

That bike is a good deal. Buy it !,

I'm with Steve. A well sorted XS1100 can serve you well. I have over 100,000 miles on mine and 90,000+ were put on by me. If you like the bike and want to get use out of it, it's probably a good one to service and ride. I think the '79 XS1100SF is my favorite as far as visual appeal.

[LugNut]

What all is special about the 1979 vs other 78-81 bikes?

[LugNut]

Well I recently met another Yamaha afficianado a few weeks ago... Has 7 or 8 Yamahas... He bought some parts from me and wants a set of saddlebags for his sons bike.... We were talking and I mentioned I wanted a XS special. He laughed and said he just scored a great deal on one a few months back 8k miles all original.... Great shape and he got it for 1200 and would sell to me for that much (other project bikes need fixed before he can get to this one).... So pretty sure I'm going to trade him saddlebags and $900 cash for the bike. He is down at Daytona now but I should be picking the bike up in 2 weeks or so. He said he also has a king and queen seat. Best part he is only 20 minutes from me.

Couple ****ty pics he sent me.... Pretty excited.... Will be a great winter project

[Schming]

That my friend is a steal @ $1200.00 GL

[jetmechmarty]

What all is special about the 1979 vs other 78-81 bikes?

Nothing is special about the '79 Special except for the way it looks. In appearance, this one stands alone. Sone of the cosmetic parts are 1979 only. Improvements were made for the 1980 model.


1980 XS1100SG

[bikerphil]

In the top picture it says "air-adjustable leading-axle front forks with three spring pre-load positions". This is not true, none of the Specials had front spring preload adjustment, just the 78-79 Standard.

[jetmechmarty]

In the top picture it says "air-adjustable leading-axle front forks with three spring pre-load positions". This is not true, none of the Specials had front spring preload adjustment, just the 78-79 Standard.

That's right. My XS650 Special has the three position preload adjustment as described, but no air caps. The XS1100 standard and XS650 both have KYB front forks. The XS1100 Special has Showa forks. I think either probably works as well as the other, but modifications come more easily to the standard, partly because of the XS650 modifications that can be applied to the bigger bike. Fork braces are also available for the standard, but I'm not aware of any currently available for the standard.

[Radioguylogs]

My '79 XS750 Special has the three position spring load adjustment, but no air.

I think the 1980 XS850 Special has air, but no spring load adjustment.

[skippy344]

Scorpion was def air adjust!

[bikerphil]

OK fellas, do any of the KYB have leading axle like the Showa?

[DiverRay]

NO, Showa is the only leading axle Yamaha used, AFAIK.

[bikerphil]

Thanks Ray, and I assume the 81MNS and 82XJ are Showa, but using a normal type caliper (not the swivel type).