Are all xs1100 motors interchangeable?

[SkullFX]

I have a 1980 special with a 1979 engine that needs a valve job with possible additional internal damage. The price of valves is ridiculous. $92.99 each for exhaust valves and $67.99 each for intake. So, I can buy an entire bike (that looks great) for parts locally for $500. But, its a 1978. My question is, will the the 1978 engine fit my 1980 frame? Or will the head from the 78 fit the 79 engine thats in it now?

Another fine mess I got in : )

Thanks for your help.


My wife is going to SH*T when she sees a second bike in the garage. But just remember fellow 11's, it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission...Dead man walking.

[3Phase]

Welcome to XS11! The engines on the '78 and '79 are mostly the same, you should have no problem with the bike, the wife's a different story!


Regards,

Scott

[Ivan]

They are a bolt in swap, but the 79 has a different head and pistons. Higher compression but smaller valves, and different cams. The 78-79 were supposedly a bit more spicy than the 80-82.

So, swap away and ride the piss out of it.

[DGXSER]

Ivan, did they not make that change in 80? He has an 80 bike, but a 79 engine in it now. Should be identical to a 78 except I think the cams were just a touch different. But valves and pistons were the same I thought.

All of the engines are direct bolt in from 78 all the way up to the XJ. however, the 81 and the XJ had a bit different timing setup and such. You would not need to fuss with that in your case though.

[tinman905]

You haven't mentioned your selling price ?

[tarzan]

Just for an FYI, this place has reasonable priced valves.
http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/Index_Main_Frame.htm

[SkullFX]

Thanks for all your tech advice guys. I was freakin out but actually I lucked out. After I removed the head, only the #3 exhaust valve was broken. The little pieces of metal from the broken valve were encrusted into the top of the piston but no damage to the cylinder wall! Cleaned it up (which was a a feat) as the piston was at the bottom of travel and I dared NOT to turn the crank. Now Ive scoured the internet. Checked out all of the links. Everyone is out of valves for 78 & 79's (except of course Yamaha) yikes. There was a guy on ebay (Oregon Motorcycle Parts) that commissioned some stainless steel ones to be made. He was selling them for $25.00 for either valve. The auction ended yesterday 5-26-10 which was too late for me. I cant wait for him to relist but if you read this at a later date and you need valves, this guy could ship 8 at a time for the same shipping cost.

1980 XS1100
2000 Victory 92C
1967 Yamaha Twin Jet 100
1972 BSA 650 Thunderbolt

[CatatonicBug]

There was a guy on ebay (Oregon Motorcycle Parts)

That is a member here, named Geezer.