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Through the years I have owned a few motorcycles. Here is a list as best as I can remember.
1968 Honda 65
1971 Honda 450 Scrambler
1973 Harley Davidson XLCH Sportster 1000
1973 Kawasaki 100cc 10 speed
1971? Honda 750
1980? Yamaha XSEleven Special
1986 Suzuki Intruder 1400
1985 Suzuki DR370 4 stroke
2001 Honda VTX 1800c
2003 Honda VTX 1800c
All bikes were purchased new with the exception of the Honda 750. The Harley was undoubtedly the worst bike ever built (and still is). I sold it shortly after the 90 day warranty expired. It had just had the third clutch installed in less than 90 days.
The Yamaha XS11 was the best quality bike I owned. The VTXs I would say are the best overall when you consider cost (value), performance and reliability.
Here is the 2001 VTX. I totaled it out twice. The first time I crashed at 125 mph. Since it was my fault I rebuilt it and had the custom paint job added. Two weeks later a mailman pulled out in front of me and totaled it again. This time the insurance company bought me a new 2003.
4 responses so far ↓
1 Dachia // Jan 10, 2008 at 8:25 am
Was the yamaha orange?
2 Larry // Jan 10, 2008 at 9:34 am
It was black. Just like the pic. I think there were only two colors available for the XS special, at least at frst. Maybe red was the other color? I still have the brochure soewhere.
3 Kevin // Jan 24, 2008 at 5:16 am
Like your site! I’m looking at a Yamaha XS Eleven right now as a possible EV (electric vehicle) conversion. I love bikes too and am studying this model as a possible candidate due to the massive battery carrying capabilities.
I’m trying to figure out if I’ll be able to seperate the motor from the tranny so I can electrify it with the 5 speed intact for better range and speed rather than just drive it using the motor controller alone. Wish me luck, my friends consider me eccentric to say the least!
4 Larry // Jan 24, 2008 at 8:58 am
Hi Kevin,
Thanks for the comment. The XS Eleven was a high quality classic bike. I am sure it will work well for your project. I don’t know about the transmission tho. I have thought about a trike for an electric conversion (the VW engine type). Although I’m not really fond of trikes, they have the ability to carry sufficient batteries in a hidden compartment.
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