Highlight
- Restored to an exceptional standard - with every fastening restored, replated or replaced with NOS items
- Only built in 1980 and 1981, with just 250 units each year making this a rare bike
- All the gold parts have now been professionally plated in 24 ct gold
The Appeal
By the early 1980s, your bike needed an engine of at least 1000 cc in order to keep up with leading Japanese manufacturers. With Kawasaki, Honda and Suzuki already building these big machines, Yamaha joined in with the XS1100 and this spawned the very exclusive Midnight Special with the US market in mind. Painted black, with ‘gold chrome’ and ‘black chrome’ finishes, it was certainly a distinctive bike and we’re delighted to offer this beautifully restored 1981 example.
Painstakingly rebuilt to an exemplary standard, we’re informed that every fixture and fitting on this Yamaha has been restored, replated or replaced with NOS items. All the gold parts have been treated to 24 ct gold plating, the ‘black chrome’ parts have been refinished like for like and the paintwork has been re-applied to a fantastic standard. Such acute attention to detail is testament to the vendor and this has to be amongst the finest surviving Midnight Specials in existence.
The History and Paperwork
- First UK registered in November 2014
- In present ownership for the past four years
- V5C present
- Accompanied by numerous invoices for parts
- The vendor includes several photographs documenting the restoration process
- 14,0883 miles indicated on the odometer
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
The Condition
- Presented in excellent overall condition
- Deep gloss black paint finish
- The ‘black chrome’ exhaust system and handlebars have been refinished
- All the gold parts were removed and professionally plated in 24 ct gold
- There’s no signs of damage or notable wear so far as we could discern and the vendor reports all to be in fantastic condition
- The seat upholstery presents immensely well
- All the plastics and rubber components appear free from cracking, fading or UV deterioration
- The alloy wheels are really smart, as are the tyres
- No frame damage or corrosion present
- The fuel tank is free from dents and scratches, as are the mudguards
- Equipped with mirrors, lights and a rear number plate for road use
- Overall, a truly exceptional example
The Mechanics
- 1101 cc four-stroke, four-cylinder air cooled engine
- Five-speed gearbox
- Four Mikumi carburettors
- As the photographs amassed by the vendor show, the engine has been entirely rebuilt and so is in fine order mechanically
- All the engine casings have been exquisitely refinished and we couldn’t detect any flaws
- We’re informed that it runs and rides without fault, with plenty of performance available
Summary
Owing to their rarity, it’s very unusual to see an XS1100 Midnight Special, especially in the UK and here we have what must be one of the finest examples in existence.
If you’re looking for a highly restored, beautifully presented classic Yamaha, this would be a great option and it’s sure to turn heads with such great quantities of gleaming 24 ct gold on display.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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