I know I know, another Yamaha XS1100 post. Thankfully many of my readers are into them just as much as I am. To the others, please bear with me.
Anyone who knows me or reads this blog knows I have a predilection for Yamaha XS1100’s. I’m not sure how it developed, but that’s not what’s important. What’s important are the bikes!
I recently stumbled upon this spectacular custom built example and thought I would share.
This is a 1980 Yamaha XS1100 which was built for Skine Weaver back in the early 1980’s. He supposedly raced it for many years all around the United States. I’m not sure what type of racing he was involved in, but it must have been some type of super stock dragging. I heard he was very successful with it. It looks more like a pleasure rider to me.
This XS110 is a very unusual looking bike with a lot of interesting features and custom touches. It has a hand built 7.5 gallon gas tank which is obviously just a stock E style tank extruded upwards. It has the fairing from an XJ900, which suites it quite well. The tail piece is clearly based on a Yamaha OW-01, but it has an unusual curved shape to it so it must be custom modified. The seat is custom done. It has all the standard modifications you’d expect for any performance tuned bike 0f the period; a 4 into 1 Kerker exhaust, pod air filters, fork brace, etc.
It’s also hard to miss the nitrous oxide tank mounted to the rear of the bike. There certainly aren’t many XS1100 guys running nitrous these days. It’s a 5 pound bottle and rumor has it the motor dyno’d at 145hp with a good boost. This bike would be scary when you’re on the throttle.
One of the most unique features you might gloss right over if you don’t look closely. Not only does it have an oil cooler, but it has an air damn on the front fender to kick air up into it. Very cool.
When Skine Weaver died the XS found it’s way onto the display shelf at a local motorcycle shop in Pennsylvania where it has been sitting for fifteen years. It has just recently come up for sale – at a very modest price.
I believe this is the original owner Skine Weaver.
I love a bike with a good history and an interesting story. This is certainly one of those bikes, I just wish I knew more about it. If anyone has any more information about this bike or Skine please share it!