Two-Fer – 1979 and 1980 Yamaha XS1100

In Japan, Less than 5k, Standard by Mathieu Guyot-SionnestLeave a Comment

During the end of the ’70s, motorcycle manufacturers fought to create the most motors possible. After the 750cc and 900cc barriers were toppled, the next symbolic step was 1,000cc. Just like they did with the CB750, Honda were the first to beat that record thanks to its 1975 GL1000. In 1977 and 1978, Kawasaki and Suzuki responded to that with the KZ1000 and the GS1000, respectively. At the time, Yamaha’s biggest engine was the 750cc triple equipping the XS750. They responded by leapfrogging 1,000 in 1978 with the brand new XS1100.

The creation of the XS1100 was not simply the result of adding a fourth cylinder to the existing 750. Yamaha did not want to just catch up with other manufacturers, they wanted to do better and show their engineering improvements. First of all, the engine was equipped with four 34mm Mikuni carbs, which had never been done before – other 1,000cc motors were equipped with smaller carbs. Second of all, and probably the most remarkable is about the combustion chamber. Exit the simple “hemi” combustion chamber where intake and exhaust were across each other with the spark plugs in the middle: Yamaha created a “polispheric” combustion chamber that permitted many improvements compared to the hemi, including the ability to use lighter pistons. Yamaha also equipped the 1100 with an automotive ignition system, a shaft drive and a five speed transmission. All of these characteristics made it fast and smooth. Weighing about 602lb, the XS was the new king of the ring as far as power and acceleration. In 1978, Cycle magazine did approximately 20 quarter-mile runs with it, and the best run was completed in 11.78 seconds, a new world record. The 1,101cc engine developed 95hp and could send the bike up to approximately 135mph. If you want more information about the XS “Eleven”, check out Motorcycle Classics.

The bikes presented here are a lot sold by one seller. The first one is an all original 1979 model with the original brochure as well. The second is a 1980 model with slight modifications that don’t alter the visual quality of the bike. Both of them are supposed to be running perfectly with every electronic part working.

Find these Yamaha XS1100s in Bakersfield, California here on Craigslist for $2,500 each or $4,500 as a package deal.