Topic: Anyone ever cafe an XS1100?

[mmtsquid]

I have the opportunity to pick up a 1980 xs1100 for cheap (200).
It runs well and needs nothing other than tires and TLC.
Supposed to be VERY fast, but turn badly.
I was thinking it would make a MONSTER cafe bike - any ideas?

[HavocTurbo]

If it looks anything like this bike...



That'll be one big cafe!!!

I say if you want it.... DO IT.

Only downside I can see is that you will have to modify the backbone of the frame as it looks to have been "konged" from the factory. Ditch the drop seat look and presto... Side effect will be that the tank will be flatter as well.

[kirkn]

Well, that particular one is the Midnite Special version (black & gold trim).  Man, I like that version just as it is - the original Oriental muscle cruiser!

There was a plain Special version - same layout just not the black with gold.

The original XS1100 of '78 was a 'standard' styled bike.  Perhaps that'd make a better cafe, but in either case, they were/are BIG bikes!

I owned a '79.  Man, they were really nice, 'flagship' bikes for Yamaha!

[bill440cars]

     I'm with Kirk, if it was a Midnite Special XS1100, all I'd do is gas it, polish it and Ride it! I have Always liked those bikes.


       

[kirkn]

I guess I'm showing... well, not my AGE, but what ERA I like.

I like every styling hook that bike has - pullback bars, stepped seat, black 'n gold, leading axle front fork, raised white letter tires, 'black chrome' exhaust, slotted discs....

[bill440cars]

I guess I'm showing... well, not my AGE, but what ERA I like.

I like every styling hook that bike has - pullback bars, stepped seat, black 'n gold, leading axle front fork, raised white letter tires, 'black chrome' exhaust, slotted discs....

            My thoughts also. I like to see mods on some bikes, but like you, I could take that one like it is. Fact is, I'm probably showing my age.

[Terry in Australia]

The XS1100 ("Elephant", as it was known in most countries at the time) had a great engine (95 BHP and 140 MPH out of the box) but was a terrible handler, with spindly 35mm fork legs, a "hinged" frame, and crap rear shocks, supporting over 600 pounds with a full tank of gas. Still better around corners than a Goldwing, but only just.

Now you can "Cafe" anything, indeed, I've even seen a Cafe'd Goldwing, but it's one of those "form over function" things, it looks nice, but makes no sense. The XS1100 is a brilliant fast touring bike with an almost unburstable engine, and maintenance-free shaft drive, so why not buy it for what it is, and enjoy? If you want a "racier" version of that bike, buy an early 1980's FJ1100, or the very popular FJ1200.

That engine, by the way, is still around almost 30 years later, in the XJR1300. Kind of makes our SOHC4 model run look kinda short, eh?  

[HavocTurbo]

The XS1100 ("Elephant", as it was known in most countries at the time) had a great engine (95 BHP and 140 MPH out of the box) but was a terrible handler, with spindly 35mm fork legs, a "hinged" frame, and crap rear shocks, supporting over 600 pounds with a full tank of gas. Still better around corners than a Goldwing, but only just.

Now you can "Cafe" anything, indeed, I've even seen a Cafe'd Goldwing, but it's one of those "form over function" things, it looks nice, but makes no sense. The XS1100 is a brilliant fast touring bike with an almost unburstable engine, and maintenance-free shaft drive, so why not buy it for what it is, and enjoy? If you want a "racier" version of that bike, buy an early 1980's FJ1100, or the very popular FJ1200.

That engine, by the way, is still around almost 30 years later, in the XJR1300. Kind of makes our SOHC4 model run look kinda short, eh?  

Terry you ever trailer one of those "elephants"?? 600lbs my ass... More like 900. Had an 82, nothing special, but that thing weighed a ton literally. Handled great though at 80+ mph. Guess all that mass is hard to slow down eh? lol.

[Terry in Australia]

Ha ha, a few years ago the Army became concerned at the amount of soldiers killed on bikes, so they sent us all off to do advanced rider training courses, and the best part was a full day at the Phillip Island GP circuit.

I rode my BMW R100RS and was clocked at 130 MPH with me resting comfortably behind the screen of that beautiful fairing, and while it was a little disconcerting when I had to pull it up for a corner, the comedy act of the day was a mate of mine on an "Elephant" who wobbled and wallowed around every corner at quite low (compared to the rest of us) corner speeds.

He only fell off once, but that was when he overcooked it in a corner and ended up in the gravel, but by that stage he'd almost come to a stop, so the only damage was to his pride, ha ha! Great bikes for sure, but "Horses for courses" and all that.............. 

[mmtsquid]

It's not the midnight special, just the special - looks like the midnight, just without the black and gold.

My dilemma is this - my 77 550 is in pieces - I'm doing the 650 cam and porting the head, along with a new seat, ditching the rear fender, etc.
A mild cafe style bike.

Alas, my wife is supportive of my bike fetish, but there is a household rule - 1 motorcycle per wage earner.
Since she has no inclination to sell hers, I must choose - the 550 or the XS1100.
I have no doubt I could sell mine quickly (people try to buy it every time I go out), but I'm pretty attached to it!
It's my first bike, my true love.

But 95 hp sounds really fun.............

[Soos]

How much is a storage unit?



What she can't see she doesn't know you have right?
Or better yet, have a buddy buy it and hold it for you.

Possibly tell her it's a turnkey bike, get 'er going and sell for a good profit the beginning of riding season to help fund your 550's growth spurts....



l8r

[kirkn]

What she can't see she doesn't know you have right?

Yeah, let us all know how THAT one works out for you...   

[Really?]

Attached is one pic I can find of my '80 XS Eleven Stardard (from '80, and '81).  Nice bike, ran good but do not goose it coming out of a corner.  It WILL kick that back tire out from under you and then filp on its other side and you get to bondo the tank.  I did that about 4 times on that bike.  I miss it though.

[jeepurz]

ive got one i tinker with between projects, there great bikes, checks  2nd gear word is they eat forks if riders ride the lever. 200 bucks is a buy either way.
heres a piss poor pic.