That's a great storyAround 1997 or 98, I bought 79 XS1100 Special at a yard sale for $300 in Dallas, TX. It was titled but didn't run. It was all dressed out with a windshield, package rack and color matching saddle bags. Replacing a blown fuse and taping over the bare wire that caused it solved the not running part. I really liked it. Lots of power! I sold it when we moved to Atlanta in 2001. I wish I had kept the XS and sold something else.
Thanks man, it seems complete except side covers and signals.That is a great score man; seems to be in pretty good shape
I fully agree on teazers first two points. On the third: https://www.theroute-66.comNooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Leave the fender where it belongs -on the bike, along with the airbox and stock bars. After you get a chance to ride it, you might consider cutting the seat foam down a bit at the front - as long as the ergonomics are still OK.
I mean, it's your bike and you can do what the heck you want with it, but to me a fenderless low bar bike looks like a cheap hack. They lack style as well as lacking functionality.
I'd look for an OEM large tank and stock side covers and just keep it more or less stock and ride it across country or out to Zion or the badlands or along route 66. That bike is in its element covering lots of miles.