Couldn't pass it up

Saw this on craigslist and called the guy on it. He's the second owner (bought in 83), has all the service records and just doesn't have the time to ride anymore. Everything works and never dropped. I think I got it for a steal for a grand. What do you think?

Larger quality pics here. 1979 XS1100

Now all I need is a larger garage!

 

Looks great - not real familiar with going rates but I would have given a grand for it...

 

Beautiful bike, but I would change one thing, that hideous color

then again, thats just me

 

Yeah, I'm read somewhere it's supposed to be a burgundy, but to me it looks brown. Going to pick it up sometime this weekend hopefully.

 

I believe the actual name is "Macho Maroon".

 

That is one badd A** bike.

 

Very nice, and at least youll be the only one on the road riding the turd.

 

wish i got mine in that good of a shape... very good find

 

nice example of a classic 80's stock bike...leave it that way...it'll be worth more.

 

I agree. There are a lot of ways to screw up a perfectly good bike trying to improve it. The only mod I'd consider would be the XS750/850 rear end swap to bring down the revs at highway speed, if you were doing a lot of highway riding.

 

Well it's home and like everything else, I had to tear into it. Carbs are clean...Rick's guide came in handy again, and all I have to say is WOW. This thing is FAST! It takes a little to warm up but when it does, this thing goes. I drove it about 50 miles tonight and I'm impressed with how well it handles, even on the highway.

I did notice a couple of things. In the dark, the signals running as running lights are AWESOME. Amazingly bright and well worth the ugly large size. Same with the headlight. The stock "buckhorn" bars....well those are another story. I felt like I was going to be pulled off the bike a couple of times with how your hands are positioned. I think that will probably be the only thing I change. It came with a backrest that I'm trying to install but can't seem to figure out the mounting scheme. Of course I'm not sure if I have all the parts for it either. I may have to take a trip to a buddy's shop to fab up a couple of mounts for the beast.

With all that said I am more fully understanding why these bikes are so fought over. The XS/XJ engine series is bulletproof, relatively easy to tune (provided no one has screwed with it) and are comfortable as anything else I've ridden. I'm looking forward to many years with this one.

 

Very nice , you got a good deal. I changed my handle bars for the same reason, drag style bars are easier to hold on to when getting on the throttle. Keep it looking stock if you can they look better that way. the only cosmetic change I would do is to install XJ1100 wheels they look better and are a direct fit.

 

love the bike I think you stole it. I agree with dwcopple, keep it standard it's a great investment, the colour is perfect. Wiz.