Tanshanomi's Snap Judgments

Yamaha XS1100S Sport

Tue, June 29th, 2010


NOTE: The XS1100S was never sold in the U.S.


1979–81 Yamaha XS1100S 1.1 Sport
Performancewww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The XS11 was a mighty brute of a motor. Even though it was eclipsed by other bikes within its lifespan in terms of absolute performance, it is still a satisfying ride, with gobs and gobs of torque.
Handlingwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The shaft drive XS1100 was never a remarkable handing bike, and the 'Sport' version was not any more sporty. Today, most riders will find it takes an unsettling amount of effort to initiate a quick turn, and unlikely to inspire confidence once heeled over.
Lookswww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The original XS11 looked dowdy, old-fashioned, and chubby. With only minor changes that included a slimmer tank, very nicely proportioned quarter fairing, and the same black-and-gold motif as the Midnight Maxim cruisers that came stateside, the Sport model was a vast improvement. I consider it the best looking of all XS fours, even though the swirly-spoked 'italic' cast wheels are an acquired taste.
Reliabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
While the XS1100 did not enjoy the drag racing reputation of the chain drive Suzuki and Kawasaki literbikes of the time, it's a very strong engine let down only by weak electrics.
Practicalitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
Two point deduction for not being a U.S. model. Another point off for its ungainly maneuverability. A great bike to take cross-country, for those who don't like dressers.
Desirabilitywww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
The only XS1100 that has ever appealed to me.
Overallwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.comwww.dyerware.com
When people got sick of standards, America got UJMs dressed up in cruiser duds and Europe got theirs with faux-café doo-dads. Neither was better than the standards they evolved from, but European bikes like the XS Sport really look the business.