First bike. 79 xs1100 special

[Keith805]

Hello there just bought an xs1100 special and I really want to turn it into a cafe racer style. I’m just trying to figure out where I start.

[LAB3]

Don't cut the frame and keep the stock parts that take off around.

[Ranger_xs1100]

Words of wisdom Lab3... well said!

[DiverRay]

The Special is probably the wrong bike to turn into a cafe bike. You can modify it, but the front brakes suck, and it doesn't really handle all that well.
That being said, anything is possible with money. If you can get a set of Standard forks/brakes, that will go a LONG way in making it nice. The 16" rear tire gives it a bit of lower gearing for bottom end grunt. You WILL need to know how to make whatever it is you need, as the '79 Special is a one year only model in a lot of things.
Post pics, and we will try and help you. We just don't like people not knowing what they have trying to modify it without understanding what it is they have. There are a few "projects" that have been on the internet, started by someone who does not understand the work involved.

[Keith805]

Thanks for the input and I’m going to definitely keep posting the progress. First thing tomorrow I’m going to pick it up. The brake system is shot the tank is rusted out which for sure means I’m going to pull the carbs clean and rebuild. I do electromechanical work in factories so I’m good with tools and what not but I know this is a completely different system. I was looking around at ideas and seen this one I really like. I’ll post pic

[Keith805]

[Keith805]

I think that one in pic might be an xj700 but lol not sure

[bikerphil]

You may get better help transforming the bike at a cafe bike builders forum, just saying.

[Radioguylogs]

Welcome and good luck with the build.

[Keith805]

Have any of you guys seen this build? It’s pretty sweet. Well to be honest with you I’m torn between keeping it original or mod it. It’s a really nice bike as is and I’m thinking this could be worth some money in the future and it’s a really awesome that it’s part of the series of bikes Yamaha made that were four cylinder. That itself is history in my eyes. And thanks Radio for the welcome.

[Tonyxs11]

I think that one in pic might be an xj700 but lol not sure

its an XS1100, not a big fan of cafe racers to be honest !!!!!! but im all for modifying bikes, been doing it for 40 years or more i have a 79 special but modified it to look like a standard, but i still have the special parts and can easily re-fit them as ive done no mod's to the frame.

[Ranger_xs1100]

quote&.......

[Ranger_xs1100]

Looks similar to THIS 79 Special that I did a few years ago and am now re-doing.
The link should help get you started.

[Tonyxs11]

I was messing around with a paint program to see how my bike would look without the rear mudguard and tail light, drawn on a numberplate (but no tail light) not quite a cafe racer !!!!!!!! not sure how I feel about it really ? I think it would need a thin light or maybe fitting one it the seal cowl !!!! might look more cafe racer if the grab rail was removed.

[Keith805]

After checking out what Ranger did to his bike and reading his story I’m thinking I’m going to keep it original and save any parts that I take off and what not.