$300 '79 Yamaha XS1100

Koestum

Coast to Coast
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Went to pick up a rough '81 Midnight Special for a cafe bike this morning and decided on this '79 instead, with title.

Won't start but I think it's too nice to chop up, what do you think?
 
Around 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.
 
Around 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.
That's a great story
 
Clean, service, ride and keep having fun. That's a great find. Enjoy.
 
Jackpot! The carbs are very clean inside, no sludge in the bowls, and no torn rubber.

Started it on starting fluid yesterday so having more confidence in it.

Intake boots are rotted so new boots, sparks plugs, fuel line & filters ordered.

Next is freeing up the clutch cable and rebuilding the calipers, master cylinders, petcocks (the tank also very nice inside).
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So carbs & air box are out for cleaning.

I was thinking it was too complete to turn into a cafe bike but what if I just added low bars and removed the rear fender... "Just to see what it might look like"

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Better I think

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Have you thought of trying a smaller rear guard that is less curved? Doesn't look quite right to me without some kind of rear guard.
 
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

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.
 
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

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.
I fully agree on teazers first two points. On the third: https://www.theroute-66.com
 
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