Yamaha XS1100: review, history, specs

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1978 Yamaha XS Eleven.jpg
Yamaha XS1100
Manufacturer
Also called XS Eleven, XS1100S, XS 1100 S, XS 1100
Production 1977 - 1982
Class Standard
Engine
in-line four, four-stroke
Bore / Stroke 71.5mm x 68.6mm
Compression ratio 9.2:1
Top Speed 134 mph (215 km/h)
Horsepower 92.93 HP (69.3 KW) @ 8500RPM
Torque 66.38 ft/lbs (90.0 Nm) @ 6500RPM
Air Filter K&N YA-1400 `78-83[1]
Spark Plug NGK BP6ES '78-81
Battery YUASA Y50-N18L-A 79-81
Transmission Gear box: 5-speed
Final Drive: shaft drive (cardan)
Final Drive Shaft
Suspension Front: Telescopic Forks
Rear: Dual Shocks Swing Arm
Brakes Front: dual disc
Rear: single disc
Front Tire 3.50-19
Rear Tire 4.50-17
Weight 286.0 kg (wet)
Oil Filter K&N KN-146
Recommended Oil Yamalube 10w-40
Fuel Capacity 6.34 Gallon (24.00 Liters)
Manuals Service Manual


The Yamaha XS Eleven/XS1100 motorcycle was produced by Yamaha from 1978 to 1981. It was a superbike powered by an air-cooled 1102cc 4-stroke, DOHC inline four-cylinder engine mounted transversely in a duplex cradle frame. At the time of it's release in 1978 the XS11 was the fastest production motorcycle in the world. It was supposed to be an Eleven second bike hence the Eleven name instead of 1100. It could reach a top speed of 134 mph (215 km/h). Max torque was 66.38 ft/lbs (90.0 Nm) @ 6500 RPM. Claimed horsepower was 92.93 HP (69.3 KW) @ 8500 RPM.

There were three models: the standard style XS Eleven, factory custom XS Eleven Special, and XJ1100 Maxim. The standard model, first released in 1978, had a larger, 5.4 gallon tank than the special's (1979 and up) 4.5 gallon tank, as well as a larger rear tire and wider handle bars. The special had "buckhorn" style handlebars and a leading front axle, giving it more of a cruiser look. In '80 and '81 Yamaha offered a "Midnight Special" version (all across the XS line) with a black tank (with gold flakes) and gold trim/side covers/wheels.


Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a air cooled in-line four, four-stroke. A 71.5mm bore x 68.6mm stroke result in a displacement of just 1101.0 cubic centimeters. Fuel was supplied via a double overhead cams/twin cam (dohc).

Drive[edit | edit source]

The bike has a 5-speed transmission.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 3.50-19 front tire and a 4.50-17 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via dual disc in the front and a single disc in the rear. The front suspension was a Telescopic Forks while the rear was equipped with a Dual Shocks Swing Arm. The XS1100 was fitted with a 6.34 Gallon (24.00 Liters) fuel tank.


Models[edit | edit source]

1978 Yamaha XS Eleven

The XS Eleven made its debut in 1978 as the largest capacity Japanese superbike then currently in production. It featured dual front disc brakes, a rear disc brake, shaft drive and cast wheels. A "factory custom" styled XS Eleven Special was released along side it in 1979. Both models were superceded by the 1982 XJ1100 Maxim.

1979[edit | edit source]

1979 Yamaha XS1100 in Red


1980 Midnight special[edit | edit source]

1980 Yamaha XS1100 Midnight special
1980 Yamaha XS1100 Midnight special

The first "Midnight Special" model. Black bodywork and components that included an exclusive black chrome process, gold plating and black wrinkle finish.



1977 - 1979 Yamaha XS 1100[edit | edit source]

1977 - 1979 Yamaha XS 1100

The XS 1100 was Yamaha`s answer to the ever-growing Superbike cult of the `70s. Honda started it back in 68, and arguably Kawasaki and Suzuki jointly put a full stop on it come the turn of the next decade, with the Yam adding a bit of spice during the latter part.


In Media[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 2019 K&L Supply Co Catalog. K&L Supply Co. 2019.