Lovely bikes! My absolute favorite Japanese modes are the late 70s standard Yamahas. Amazing ergonomics for taller riders, bulletproof electrics, and ultimate sport touring reliability especially in the shaft drive department. Just did a 1700 mile trip from PA to Western NC on my 79 XS750 triple and was grinning all the way. Had no issues keeping up with newer sport bikes in the twisty mountains... even shaved the side stand a bit in hard left corners haha! Just pure fun! 😀
Right on! I'm not sure if you checked out the rest of this channel, but there is lots of content on Japanese bikes from that era. I would love to do a trip like that on nothing but back roads. Gotta love the vintage machines!
I had a 650 Seca, the silver one, I can't remember whether it was '82 or '83. It handled amazingly well for a shaft drive. Before that I had '76 XS750 Triple, also a shaft drive. It had a lot of engine braking and the shaft would jack the back end up and down with the throttle. It made it interesting in the corners.
@@peterwilson8039 Right on Peter! The 650 Seca is an awesome bike. I rode one once and was so impressed! I haven't ridden the XS750/850 triple at this point.
I watched that one Ivan. was jealous of how well your old bike handled it. Looks and function have to go with the 80s bike. Strange thing is your BMW that almost killed me is next video on youtube sidebar.
Have a '78 XS1100 since 1995. Have put about 1000 miles/yr on it. came with a full Vetter touring kit complete with 8 track/ cb radio. About 3 years I removed the Vetter fairing and added the std saddle. Haven't rode it much since retireing (mostly rode it to work). Almost never utilized its full power potential. One time I did loft the front wheel shifting from 1st to 2nd at about 6500rpm challenging a car from light to light. I looked forward to riding the machine in my 50's and 60's; now it causes me discomfort because it is soo wide and tall.
Had a79 XS 1100 special and I absolutely loved it. Plenty of power to easily cruse and pass with out any real effort. I too am a taller person and I found it to be a perfect mix of comfort and handling. Not for the novice rider. I got rid of several years ago and regret it .
I rode with a buddy that had the 1979 XS 850 Special. Nice bike. We were in New Hampshire camping with friends. His battery went dead overnight. But with the kick start he got it going. Non of us carried motorcycle battery jumper cables. It worked out. Thanks for the review. There is a motorcycle museum in Rockville,CT . New England Motorcycle Museum owned by Ken Kaplan. He is also on You-Tube.
I still have my 1979 Yamaha XS1100 F that I bought brand new. Mine is the model with the larger fuel tank. Still runs just like new and is the best bike that I ever had. It powers right up the mountains effortlessly. I enjoyed your video and comparisons of the two best bikes. Thanks for the video.
I envy the beautiful roads you have to ride on. In Alberta our roads are flat, straight, wide and boring. It does seem to me that the big bikes of that era were just more sensible than the liter bikes of today. The CB 900F was a much more respected bike in the day than the cruiser variant. I rode a ‘79 GS 1000E once. I was blown away. The only real issue was with a wide motor and soft suspension you didn’t have a lot of lean angle in the corners, but that’s why super bike racers of the day learned how to hang off the side.
Right on Peter! I'm blessed to live in PA where the roads are truly amazing. I just released a comparison of my 1983 Suzuki GS1100E Vs Kawasaki's 1985 Eliminator 900 this morning. The 1100E also has soft stock suspension which makes for a plush ride but benefits from firmer springs if you want to sport ride. ruclips.net/video/nmObcleR0rQ/видео.html
Great comparison! I'm currently 2nd owner of an '81 XS Eleven Special, which has it's original Windjammer frame mount fairing and lowers. I like the buckhorns with the tall fairing. I had a CB900 which I rode from mid' Florida to NW New Mexico, about 2200 miles, back around 2000, interstate 80mph. I've always had a windshield ever since. I agree with your observations. Ride On!
Nice! I rode my father's 1979 XS1100 standard many years back but not long enough to get an impression of it. I have a friend with the standard model so maybe it will feature in a future review. Cheers!
Hi - I have been enjoying your vids - I have two 750's my 1979, and the 1981 Custom I recently restored for my wife. Cosmetics are coming. After rebuilding the carbs on the Custom, at 90 mph in 5th, when throttle down there is torque to take you to about 120mph - Differences are no Airbox, and 68 jets changed to 102's , plus modified pods -
I changed my fork springs and shocks to Progressive . Along with new handlebars. Now my bike corners really good. Small little upgrades like what I did really can make a huge difference in cornering. I have a 1981 Yamaha XS 1100 Midnight Special. I did a complete restore except for new brake lines. No one makes upgraded brake lines for the Midnight Special. The 1100 special and the Midnight have completely different brakes desigsn , from the calipers to the lenght and design of the brake lines. They are not interchangeable at all.
You can custom order lines from Spiegler. I got custom lines for mine since I changed the handlebars. It makes a drastic difference in braking performance. Cheers!
HI, I'm honda person I own CB900C, CB750K, NIGHTHAWK700, GL1000 and GW1500, but I like XS1100, if I find one I will try, congratulation for the videos!
Right on! The XS1100 is such a cool bike. I only realized how significant it was after riding it back-to-back with other bikes of the time. I rode this one on Sunday, and that engine is just amazing! So fun to just roll the power on! Cheers!
Another great video! I’ve got my 78 XS1100E out in Ithaca NY for all of this coming week, trailered out from Indiana. Looking forward to some nice back road rides on it.
Great video, almost ended up with a 79 xs1100 but decided to buy a 83 Honda cb1000c. So far so good! I hear the cb1000 is much like the 900 with some small differences.
Owning both of these motorcycles, you hit the nail on the head. Honda is incredibly nice to ride, the Yamaha has the horsepower to satisfy. I also traded out the horrific buckhorns on the Yamaha.
Jon really great job restoring these classic motorcycles! Nice upgrade with the rotors & brake lines. Do you sell any of the motorcycles ? Thanks for the ride!!!
Thanks, James! I occasionally sell some of the bikes. I sold the Honda CB900C this past Fall. I am considering selling the XS1100 currently. I simply have too many in the garage and I'm out of room for more projects. Cheers!
Jon, you have some really nice country roads to ride. I'm in Broomall Pa with a 1982 Kawasaki LTD 750. (All stock, runs great.) I watch all your videos. Which brake pads do you recommend? I put EBC HH pads on the rear. I have no idea what is on the front but I want to replace with new ones.
i wouldve expected the honda to be geared lower than the yamaha to keep the revs up to where the 4 valves have an advantage.but its hard to compete with massive torque of the 1100 at any rpm.nice comparison bud.
Got a XS 1100 standard summer of '83, then a Special beginning of ''85. Rode everyday until fall of '89. The stories, the shenanigans 😅.. The brute acceleration was feared by others at the time, still respected by others today "that know". Handling not so much.. Metzelers, Koni's, Progressive fork springs and a fork brace helped, but it would still work you in the twisties. Delt w/ the infamous 2nd gear twice.. yep.. I guess was hard on it 😂.. I found a cure, requires competent machine shop. Not nearly as common, however the "ECM" was prone to challenges in wet riding due to the mounting location just forward of the rear fender "split". But wow.. that brute force launch..
Yamaha XS1100 (1978): Handfuls of power for passing, or just fun starting around 3.5k rpm to 7.5k. She's heavy at 650 wet, but when you take the time to feel her out, she'll do some nice cornering at speed. I just wish I could put a stickier and 150 tire on the rear, but alas... I am the king of the world when I ride her, and I LOVE MY BABY! BTW, there IS room on the Right side of the swing arm to accommodate a 150, but the shaft side will not. So I wonder if one could cut out a 2-3" section of the shaft drive housing to possibly allow another 10 cm of tire (there is about 5mm now, but then what about the shaft drive.; Is there a way to use a universal joint, or mount a gear final to chain drive? (not that I want to lose the lovely and no-maintenance shaft).
Right on! Modifying a shaft-drive system is above my pay grade, so I can't answer that. I would just enjoy it for what it is - a beautiful, classic, powerhouse! Cheers!
Thanks Jon - You're right up my alley with all of your gorgeous vintage superbikes. You're so blessed to have all of these beauties. This is OUR era, and as far as I'm concerned - the best. Who needs, and who can handle 200 hp? Answer: Professional race drivers. AND ALL of these modern bikes ARE UGLY AS SIN! I hate all of the gaudy plastic - they look beastly and unattractive. If you can get your hands on a Z1, or a H1 750 triple, and maybe a V-Max, I'd love to view the vids. I rode a V-Max for a few minutes and was indelibly impressed. Thanks!
Still got my 1980 honda cb 900 custom ive had mine for 17 years I built many over the years mines a absolute monster its 105 horse 105 ft lbs currently and weighs in at under 500lbs his name is JUSTICE and in my county in Indiana he had been the law the judge and the jury out on the open road
The 2-valve per cyl design may have an impact on low-end, but I think motor displacement and a more direct power output to the rear wheel (no transfer case) are probably the main contributors.
Hi Jon, great video. I have a chance to restore a non running Yamaha XS1100 Special. I'm new to restoration and would like to know how you found sourcing parts? Did you do some fabrications? Thank you!
For my Yamaha restoration, I sourced parts from many different places. Some were used, others new, some local and some from Europe. Finding parts is a must-have skill for restoring a motorcycle. Here's a link to the Yamaha XS1100 playlist that covers the restoration of mine: ruclips.net/p/PL0gjN9hf6pSoIlm5jXuN3EN63bqSZ6uwd&si=kMhOAfIPNCc73pIl
As usual Jon you've produced a great video. I've never ridden either bike but couldn't help but notice that both had front forks with serious amounts of travel and 19 inch front wheels. That's got to raise the COG significantly.....also the mandated 85 MPH speedos were present....so ridiculous but entertaining nevertheless.
Another interesting video! Did you run the Honda in the high or low range? If it was low range, that would make its roll-on performance even more miserable. The XS1100 is a powerhouse!
I did the test in high range (as you saw in the video). I then went back and ran it in low range but it just didn't get there before I had to let off. It makes for a relaxing ride but I prefer more midrange from my big-bore bikes. The Honda pulls cleanly to redline but it's torque numbers are 10+ lb-ft shy of the other bikes in the garage.
Those sizes are correct. The front is a Bridgestone Excedra Max (recommended) and the rear is a Shinko 712 (not recommended due to out-of-round issues I've had with the 712s in the past, including the front tire on this bike). Dunlop makes some inexpensive classic bike tires as well.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thx, i purchased already shinko 230 tour master due to shipping timeframe as its going on container to europe, hope i made right decision, it is what it is, thx anyway i appreciate it
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Certainly. My late brother in law John had a CB900 Custom with the Honda Tour-Pak and rode it everywhere. He always got better gas mileage than the GS850G I had but the most memorable trip we took was a day ride to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in DC and back home to Pittsburgh.
@ronniehughes9660 Right on! The CB900C competed on more equal terms with the GS850L and XS850 Special from Yamaha. Even Honda's CB750C was quicker than the CB900C. I've owned three of the CB900Cs recently, and they are great bikes - just outclassed in the motor department by the other big-bore cruisers. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I agree. After rejetting the carbs and aftermarket exhaust makes a huge difference. They ran too lean from the factory to pass epa regs of the 80's.
I was asking you because I have a oem oil cooler with the adaptor came of a xs850 and I was saving it for my next xs1100 standard but I just bought another 82 KZ1100 with color match windjammer and better bags with 7500 miles now I have 2 KZ1100 , I was hoping to find an xs1100 to install the cooler but I don’t think I will find a good one that’s why I was asking you.
All brands are japanese Honda. Suzuki.kawasaki.yamaha. all bikes always best in the world I'm from Pakistan my father purchase 1979 Honda cb200. And Yamaha 115 is best this time it's my childhood memory bikes I'm rides on bikes fuel tank💐
I have several Kawasakis and Suzukis as well 😉. Both of the bikes in this video are nice, low-mileage bikes. If treated respectfully, I imagine they will outlive me. Cheers!
Lovely bikes! My absolute favorite Japanese modes are the late 70s standard Yamahas. Amazing ergonomics for taller riders, bulletproof electrics, and ultimate sport touring reliability especially in the shaft drive department. Just did a 1700 mile trip from PA to Western NC on my 79 XS750 triple and was grinning all the way. Had no issues keeping up with newer sport bikes in the twisty mountains... even shaved the side stand a bit in hard left corners haha! Just pure fun! 😀
Right on! I'm not sure if you checked out the rest of this channel, but there is lots of content on Japanese bikes from that era. I would love to do a trip like that on nothing but back roads. Gotta love the vintage machines!
I had a 650 Seca, the silver one, I can't remember whether it was '82 or '83. It handled amazingly well for a shaft drive. Before that I had '76 XS750 Triple, also a shaft drive. It had a lot of engine braking and the shaft would jack the back end up and down with the throttle. It made it interesting in the corners.
@@peterwilson8039 Right on Peter! The 650 Seca is an awesome bike. I rode one once and was so impressed! I haven't ridden the XS750/850 triple at this point.
I watched that one Ivan. was jealous of how well your old bike handled it. Looks and function have to go with the 80s bike. Strange thing is your BMW that almost killed me is next video on youtube sidebar.
I bought a Yamaha xs eleven special in 1979 , carb work , scavenger headers , lowdown handlebars , never beat , raced everything !!!
Right on! They were powerhouses compared to the other bikes of the time. Cheers!
Jon, back in the day, the XS11 was known as a "TORQUE-MONSTER"! 95 BHP/67 Lbs.ft. of Torque.
It still is. I'm surprised that I like it as much as I do.
Have a '78 XS1100 since 1995. Have put about 1000 miles/yr on it. came with a full Vetter touring kit complete with 8 track/ cb radio. About 3 years I removed the Vetter fairing and added the std saddle. Haven't rode it much since retireing (mostly rode it to work). Almost never utilized its full power potential. One time I did loft the front wheel shifting from 1st to 2nd at about 6500rpm challenging a car from light to light. I looked forward to riding the machine in my 50's and 60's; now it causes me discomfort because it is soo wide and tall.
The XS1100 is a big machine. I'll enjoy it while I can!
Had a79 XS 1100 special and I absolutely loved it. Plenty of power to easily cruse and pass with out any real effort. I too am a taller person and I found it to be a perfect mix of comfort and handling. Not for the novice rider. I got rid of several years ago and regret it .
Right on! The XS1100 is super smooth with locomotive power and a great ergonomics for us taller folk. Cheers!
Both companies nailed the styling on these bikes !
Right on!
I rode with a buddy that had the 1979 XS 850 Special. Nice bike. We were in New Hampshire camping with friends. His battery went dead overnight. But with the kick start he got it going. Non of us carried motorcycle battery jumper cables. It worked out. Thanks for the review. There is a motorcycle museum in Rockville,CT . New England Motorcycle Museum owned by Ken Kaplan. He is also on You-Tube.
Right on, James! I've seen Kaplan cycles. Lots of nice classics.
I still have my 1979 Yamaha XS1100 F that I bought brand new. Mine is the model with the larger fuel tank. Still runs just like new and is the best bike that I ever had. It powers right up the mountains effortlessly. I enjoyed your video and comparisons of the two best bikes. Thanks for the video.
You're welcome! This is my first XS1100, and I'm impressed with how much power it makes and how smooth it is. Cheers!
I envy the beautiful roads you have to ride on. In Alberta our roads are flat, straight, wide and boring. It does seem to me that the big bikes of that era were just more sensible than the liter bikes of today. The CB 900F was a much more respected bike in the day than the cruiser variant. I rode a ‘79 GS 1000E once. I was blown away. The only real issue was with a wide motor and soft suspension you didn’t have a lot of lean angle in the corners, but that’s why super bike racers of the day learned how to hang off the side.
Right on Peter! I'm blessed to live in PA where the roads are truly amazing. I just released a comparison of my 1983 Suzuki GS1100E Vs Kawasaki's 1985 Eliminator 900 this morning. The 1100E also has soft stock suspension which makes for a plush ride but benefits from firmer springs if you want to sport ride. ruclips.net/video/nmObcleR0rQ/видео.html
I have a 1980 Yamaha xs1100 it's 43 years old and still runs good and strong
Right on, John!
Great job resurrecting those two, they look fantastic
Thanks Jim!
Great comparison! I'm currently 2nd owner of an '81 XS Eleven Special, which has it's original Windjammer frame mount fairing and lowers. I like the buckhorns with the tall fairing. I had a CB900 which I rode from mid' Florida to NW New Mexico, about 2200 miles, back around 2000, interstate 80mph. I've always had a windshield ever since. I agree with your observations. Ride On!
Very cool!
I REALLY enjoyed this comparison..... GREAT CONTENT ! 😉
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
I had a 1981 900C hat I bought new. Loved it. Mine was two tone blue.
Right on, Michael!
Mine too two tone blue . A BLUE ANGEL VERY FAST.
@@Ottomypall Right on!
my standard model XS11 with the bars of a 81 CB900C......... and some extenders, because of the tank being so much longer, and bigger is wonderful!
Nice! I rode my father's 1979 XS1100 standard many years back but not long enough to get an impression of it. I have a friend with the standard model so maybe it will feature in a future review. Cheers!
Hi - I have been enjoying your vids - I have two 750's my 1979, and the 1981 Custom I recently restored for my wife. Cosmetics are coming. After rebuilding the carbs on the Custom, at 90 mph in 5th, when throttle down there is torque to take you to about 120mph - Differences are no Airbox, and 68 jets changed to 102's , plus modified pods -
Right on!
I changed my fork springs and shocks to Progressive . Along with new handlebars. Now my bike corners really good. Small little upgrades like what I did really can make a huge difference in cornering. I have a 1981 Yamaha XS 1100 Midnight Special. I did a complete restore except for new brake lines. No one makes upgraded brake lines for the Midnight Special. The 1100 special and the Midnight have completely different brakes desigsn , from the calipers to the lenght and design of the brake lines. They are not interchangeable at all.
You can custom order lines from Spiegler. I got custom lines for mine since I changed the handlebars. It makes a drastic difference in braking performance. Cheers!
HI, I'm honda person I own CB900C, CB750K, NIGHTHAWK700, GL1000 and GW1500, but I like XS1100, if I find one I will try, congratulation for the videos!
@@hcampos2484 Thanks!
had a 1980 honda cb900c in the day, but it was blue, i loved the way it leans into turns, i wish i had it again cost me 3000 dollars new
Very cool, Glenn! The CB900C is a good-handling machine. Cheers!
Nicely done, I owned a 78 XS1100 and it is the only bike I miss…
Right on! The XS1100 is such a cool bike. I only realized how significant it was after riding it back-to-back with other bikes of the time. I rode this one on Sunday, and that engine is just amazing! So fun to just roll the power on! Cheers!
Another great video! I’ve got my 78 XS1100E out in Ithaca NY for all of this coming week, trailered out from Indiana. Looking forward to some nice back road rides on it.
Right on, very cool! Hopefully, you don't get the smoke that we've had here from the fires.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 they have some of the haze here which I don’t mind but the rain downpours so far have been the bigger downer.
@@gtemnykh Yep, I just got caught in one today. Safe travels!
Great video, almost ended up with a 79 xs1100 but decided to buy a 83 Honda cb1000c. So far so good! I hear the cb1000 is much like the 900 with some small differences.
It is. I would like to ride a CB1000C if I get the chance.
Owning both of these motorcycles, you hit the nail on the head. Honda is incredibly nice to ride, the Yamaha has the horsepower to satisfy. I also traded out the horrific buckhorns on the Yamaha.
Right on, David! It's always nice to get feedback from fellow owners. Cheers!
Jon really great job restoring these classic motorcycles! Nice upgrade with the rotors & brake lines. Do you sell any of the motorcycles ? Thanks for the ride!!!
Thanks, James! I occasionally sell some of the bikes. I sold the Honda CB900C this past Fall. I am considering selling the XS1100 currently. I simply have too many in the garage and I'm out of room for more projects. Cheers!
Owned both but the Yamaha was my fav. Krauser luggage made it ideal for touring...
@doonie5396 I agree. The power and smoothness, and stability really stand out on the Yamaha. Cheers!
I had the same color, cb 900c with fullfaring , miss it a lot
I still have a 79 xs1100 with a fullfaring 12:39
Nice! They are both great bikes.
Jon, you have some really nice country roads to ride. I'm in Broomall Pa with a 1982 Kawasaki LTD 750. (All stock, runs great.) I watch all your videos. Which brake pads do you recommend? I put EBC HH pads on the rear. I have no idea what is on the front but I want to replace with new ones.
I like the EBC pads. The only pads I would stay away from are the cheap Chinese pads on Ebay and Amazon.
i wouldve expected the honda to be geared lower than the yamaha to keep the revs up to where the 4 valves have an advantage.but its hard to compete with massive torque of the 1100 at any rpm.nice comparison bud.
Thanks! The Yamaha is geared lower than I would expect for a 1100. Thankfully, it's smooth.
Got a XS 1100 standard summer of '83, then a Special beginning of ''85. Rode everyday until fall of '89.
The stories, the shenanigans 😅..
The brute acceleration was feared by others at the time, still respected by others today "that know". Handling not so much.. Metzelers, Koni's, Progressive fork springs and a fork brace helped, but it would still work you in the twisties.
Delt w/ the infamous 2nd gear twice.. yep.. I guess was hard on it 😂.. I found a cure, requires competent machine shop.
Not nearly as common, however the "ECM" was prone to challenges in wet riding due to the mounting location just forward of the rear fender "split".
But wow.. that brute force launch..
I have been very surprised by how much I like riding the XS1100. It's a smooth and torquey ride that's fun to just get out and ride. Cheers!
Yamaha XS1100 (1978): Handfuls of power for passing, or just fun starting around 3.5k rpm to 7.5k. She's heavy at 650 wet, but when you take the time to feel her out, she'll do some nice cornering at speed. I just wish I could put a stickier and 150 tire on the rear, but alas... I am the king of the world when I ride her, and I LOVE MY BABY! BTW, there IS room on the Right side of the swing arm to accommodate a 150, but the shaft side will not. So I wonder if one could cut out a 2-3" section of the shaft drive housing to possibly allow another 10 cm of tire (there is about 5mm now, but then what about the shaft drive.; Is there a way to use a universal joint, or mount a gear final to chain drive? (not that I want to lose the lovely and no-maintenance shaft).
Right on! Modifying a shaft-drive system is above my pay grade, so I can't answer that. I would just enjoy it for what it is - a beautiful, classic, powerhouse! Cheers!
Thanks Jon - You're right up my alley with all of your gorgeous vintage superbikes. You're so blessed to have all of these beauties. This is OUR era, and as far as I'm concerned - the best. Who needs, and who can handle 200 hp? Answer: Professional race drivers. AND ALL of these modern bikes ARE UGLY AS SIN! I hate all of the gaudy plastic - they look beastly and unattractive. If you can get your hands on a Z1, or a H1 750 triple, and maybe a V-Max, I'd love to view the vids. I rode a V-Max for a few minutes and was indelibly impressed. Thanks!
@@stevebrzosko9793 Right on, will do Steve!
Still got my 1980 honda cb 900 custom ive had mine for 17 years I built many over the years mines a absolute monster its 105 horse 105 ft lbs currently and weighs in at under 500lbs his name is JUSTICE and in my county in Indiana he had been the law the judge and the jury out on the open road
Right on! Are you running NOS? Have you had to beef up the drive line? Those are impressive numbers for a CB900C!
Enjoyed the comparison Jon. Could the low, mid range advantage the Yamaha has be due to the 2 valve engine? RIDE SAFE OUT THERE!
The 2-valve per cyl design may have an impact on low-end, but I think motor displacement and a more direct power output to the rear wheel (no transfer case) are probably the main contributors.
Hi Jon, great video. I have a chance to restore a non running Yamaha XS1100 Special. I'm new to restoration and would like to know how you found sourcing parts? Did you do some fabrications? Thank you!
For my Yamaha restoration, I sourced parts from many different places. Some were used, others new, some local and some from Europe. Finding parts is a must-have skill for restoring a motorcycle. Here's a link to the Yamaha XS1100 playlist that covers the restoration of mine: ruclips.net/p/PL0gjN9hf6pSoIlm5jXuN3EN63bqSZ6uwd&si=kMhOAfIPNCc73pIl
As usual Jon you've produced a great video. I've never ridden either bike but couldn't help but notice that both had front forks with serious amounts of travel and 19 inch front wheels. That's got to raise the COG significantly.....also the mandated 85 MPH speedos were present....so ridiculous but entertaining nevertheless.
I definitely feel the higher CG of the Yamaha, but the Honda is very confident and easy in the corners.
I owned both of these bikes at one time, loved them both!
Right on!
Another interesting video! Did you run the Honda in the high or low range? If it was low range, that would make its roll-on performance even more miserable. The XS1100 is a powerhouse!
I did the test in high range (as you saw in the video). I then went back and ran it in low range but it just didn't get there before I had to let off. It makes for a relaxing ride but I prefer more midrange from my big-bore bikes. The Honda pulls cleanly to redline but it's torque numbers are 10+ lb-ft shy of the other bikes in the garage.
Both great bikes,i would take the Yamaha
Right on!
Thanks for the rewiews I'm looking at a 79 xs 1100 for 2500 dollars excellent shape running would that be a good deal?
It sounds like a reasonable price if it's as advertised. Cheers!
Hi Jon, what size and model brand tires did you put on cb900custom, F: 110/90-19
R: 130/90-16?? thanks happy cruising
others, please feel free to recommend as well 😊
Those sizes are correct. The front is a Bridgestone Excedra Max (recommended) and the rear is a Shinko 712 (not recommended due to out-of-round issues I've had with the 712s in the past, including the front tire on this bike). Dunlop makes some inexpensive classic bike tires as well.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thx, i purchased already shinko 230 tour master due to shipping timeframe as its going on container to europe, hope i made right decision, it is what it is, thx anyway i appreciate it
@@dstare I run the 230s on many of my bikes and really like them. The only Shinko I have had issues with is the 712s. I think you'll like the 230s.
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 thanks for your input
I always said that Kawasaki used the CB 900 Custom as a template for the Eliminator. Put the two side by side and you'll see it.
The long and low stance looks similar, but they are worlds apart from the saddle. Maybe that's a good idea for a review...
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 Certainly. My late brother in law John had a CB900 Custom with the Honda Tour-Pak and rode it everywhere. He always got better gas mileage than the GS850G I had but the most memorable trip we took was a day ride to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in DC and back home to Pittsburgh.
@@spaceflight1019 Very cool! It's those memories that are priceless. I visited the wall with my father and it was very memorable as well.
I own an 82 900c. Great bike, gotta get the revs up for power. The 900c makes max power at 9100 rpm. Keep it near redline and hold on lol.
@ronniehughes9660 Right on! The CB900C competed on more equal terms with the GS850L and XS850 Special from Yamaha. Even Honda's CB750C was quicker than the CB900C. I've owned three of the CB900Cs recently, and they are great bikes - just outclassed in the motor department by the other big-bore cruisers. Cheers!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 I agree. After rejetting the carbs and aftermarket exhaust makes a huge difference. They ran too lean from the factory to pass epa regs of the 80's.
@ronniehughes9660 Yep. I had to rejet all of mine just to get them to run properly, even in stock form. Cheers!
Superb video
Thank you!
Hi John are you planning to keep the xs1100 or are you going to sell it??
I will probably keep it for a while. But, everything is eventually for sale and most have a "I can't say no price".
I was asking you because I have a oem oil cooler with the adaptor came of a xs850 and I was saving it for my next xs1100 standard but I just bought another 82 KZ1100 with color match windjammer and better bags with 7500 miles now I have 2 KZ1100 , I was hoping to find an xs1100 to install the cooler but I don’t think I will find a good one that’s why I was asking you.
Do they have points or electronic box asking on both?
Electronic ignition on both - I'm not a fan of points!
I have an 81 HondaCB900C i love it. it is comfortable , fast enough for me and dependable . what else can i say?
Right on!
If only I could find one here
Good, clean classics are really hard to find!
@@jonsmotorcyclerescueandrev3538 even an imperfect one i could fix,but there we are
@@aidenmornay True.
How much is the Yamaha worth???
In excellent condition (which most aren't) is around $6000 currently.
I order an access 11 a 1980 and the early 80s now I own an excess 1100 S 1979 and I
Very nice!
I owned the last Yamaha 1100 midnight special made 1981 000050 , Canada got the last 50 made and mine was number 50//// sadly it was stolen in 2021
Mine would beat the gamma 500 2 stroke in quarter by alot ,, after some porting my best quarter mile was 11.234 at 131 mph
just seen a recent auction and a 1981 mns got 20,000.00 dollars should have had a good lock
I'm sorry to hear that!
@@jeffreytipper4909 That's hauling!
I have 750 cb 1982
Very cool, Oscar!
the Honda put up 84 Bhp, and like 54 Lbs. ft. of torque.
The lower torque figure is evident in the roll-on testing.
All brands are japanese Honda. Suzuki.kawasaki.yamaha. all bikes always best in the world I'm from Pakistan my father purchase 1979 Honda cb200. And Yamaha 115 is best this time it's my childhood memory bikes I'm rides on bikes fuel tank💐
Very cool!
Lost my transport in a RUclips, Telegram scamm, trying to find the Yamaha here in Mexico, visiting patients, simply cannot find one
I've never looked for bikes in Mexico. Good luck in your quest!
Yamaha, please remake the xs1100 with efi!
Right on!
Camshaft failure or gearbox failure, buy a Suzuki or Kawasaki instead.
I have several Kawasakis and Suzukis as well 😉. Both of the bikes in this video are nice, low-mileage bikes. If treated respectfully, I imagine they will outlive me. Cheers!
Honda Honda Honda, lol. XS will outrun the Honda though.
Yes it will.
Everything is about of amount of brain you have.... I wish to everyone to train your brain before make some comments.... Regards.
I'm not sure exactly what you are saying. It sounds vague and derogatory, but I don't want to misunderstand your meaning. Can you clarify?
What a fool I was to let my xs11 special go.
There are some still around...