MXS Tech Support Customer Bikes

Adam Miller’s 1980 Yamaha XS1100

1980 Yamaha XS1100 Mikes XS customer build adam_miller cover

Up until 1978, Yamaha was the only Japanese Big Four motorcycle manufacturer that did not have a “superbike”.

Honda had the GL1000 (1975), Kawasaki had the KZ1000 (1977), and Suzuki had the GS1000 (1978). Enter the XS1100, which quickly became a fan favorite for years to come.

Adam Miller – a full-time addiction counselor at a Christian non-profit treatment center called No Longer Bound in the North Atlanta, GA area – recently finished his 1980 XS1100 build.

“The bike was stock and non-running when I bought it”, Miller explains. “It had sat outside under a covered carport for years.”
1980 Yamaha XS1100 Mikes XS customer build adam miller before
The fabrication list is heavy.  In true chopper fashion, Miller “hard-tailed” it and fitted it with forward controls. A dual carb conversion was also done. Miller swapped out the most noticeable stock components – opting for a new seat, tires, headlight, handlebars, levers, and other hand controls. The charging system was updated with a lithium-ion battery and a lithium-compatible regulator/rectifier.
1980 Yamaha XS1100 Mikes XS customer build adam miller 1
Miller tested himself by executing a new style of paint scheme on the new Harley-style gas tank.
1980 Yamaha XS1100 Mikes XS customer build adam miller gas tank

“Building bikes has become good self-care and therapy for me, as well as a source of supplemental income (since I don’t make much working at a non-profit). It’s also been an amazing way of connecting and engaging with other men in addiction recovery through building and riding.”

1980 Yamaha XS1100 Mikes XS customer build adam_miller cover
“This is the 7th or 8th build I’ve done this year! I’d like to turn it into a full-time non-profit ministry in the future to help men in addiction recovery find healthy passion and meaning.”

 

Righteous work, Adam, and thanks for choosing Mikes XS to assist in the resurrection of this XS1100!

 

 

To be directed to our full catalog of 1980 XS1100 parts, click here.

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