An example of an original condition 1978 Yamaha X1100 in maroon with gold details. Source: ebay
Ever dream of building or restoring a bike yourself but feel you don’t have the tools to get the job done? It’s a challenge that holds many self-build enthusiasts back from that dream bike project - but it doesn’t have to.
At AMAC we’re all for the self-build custom or restoration project.
We’ll partner with you to get specialist jobs done - like this Yamaha XS1100 motor rebuild - while you do all the jobs you want to do, at your pace.
It’s a cost effective and time efficient way to keep your project on track.
Our customer’s first ever bike was a Yamaha XS1100, and when he bought this 1978 XS1100E model - the first XS Eleven on the market which heralded a new era of detailed motorcycle styling released from 1979-1981 as Specials - he wanted it to restore the bike as closely as possible to its original look.
It’ll be a great project, filled with research and a focus on the styling and engine set up that made this model a leader in it’s touring field from the late 70s to the mid 80s.
The original road test review by Cycle World in 1978. Source: Cycle World
The motor is in with us to get stripped back, cleaned up, rebuilt and recoated to match its original colour.
The motor: a four-stroke transverse four-cylinder, DOHC, 2 valves per cylinder beast built roughly for touring and straight line power output, is currently being rebuilt. We’re in the process of measuring crankshaft clearances and the freshly cleaned motor case has been sent to be powder coated.
For those engine tech-heads interested in a review of the XS11’s engine design and intricate tuning and combustion characteristics, we’d recommend this article by Cycle World’s Technical Editor Kevin Cameron, who revisits classic motorcycles.
Working on a self-build or DIY restoration? Let us know how it’s going!
