special model smaller then standard

[halfbreed]

Hello,i am looking at another project . A 79 special .i heard they are smaller in size then the standard. is this true .Or is it because of the nasty ram horn bars and the style of seat?i like to ride two high most of the time .I ve never had a special version.

[bikerphil]

The Special sits lower to the ground than the Standard due to it's 16" rear wheel. Also the gas tank is smaller giving it a smaller appearance. Other than that, they are the same overall length and size.

[IanDMacDonald]

I guess I never understood why Yammie made their XS Special models with smaller tanks.

[crazy steve]

As Phil said, they're basically the same bike. All major dimensions and geometries are the same; the Special is slightly lighter (about 15 lbs, mostly in the exhaust system). But do be aware that parts interchange can be limited for some stuff, with the '79 Special having a fairly large number of unique, one-year-only parts. But for most parts, no problem....

[jwhughes3]

I guess I never understood why Yammie made their XS Special models with smaller tanks.

I think it was expected if you wanted touring range you bought a Standard, but otherwise the stylish curvy Special was more to the tastes of the time for town cruising.

John

[fredintoon]

I guess I never understood why Yammie made their XS Special models with smaller tanks.

Stylists. It's a 4-letter word.

[dpotter58]

My standard feels like riding a tank compared to my specials. I like the specials a lot better than the standard. No problem with 2 up on either bike.