Sidecover Compatibility

[buickyouth]

This cover is off of an 80 XS1100
I have a 79 XS1100 SF

Will this fit my bike?

[rover]

The cover pictured is from a special, SF,SG, or SH. The cover will fit a 79SF, even the emblem is the same. The only different covers that I have come across in the XS series are the Midnight Specials. They are different. If the emblem is good on the cover you are replacing, save it. They are getting very scarce.

[CA.XSer]

Sorry rover

79SF has slots on top for mounting others have round holes. He maybe able to slot it out! I'll see if I can post a pic from my 79SF.

[rover]

My 79S and 79SF have slots. I was not aware of any that had round holes, except the LH

[Steve Linderman]

Side Cover compatability

Hey guys...
There's NO SUCH creature as a '79S (F= Standard, SF=Special)
And before anybody goes jumpin' the gun...It all comes down to THE BUILD DATE
Many '79 Specials were built in 1978!...and some were built in 1979!...MANY months apart
And the minute you think you've seen it all (with XS 1100s) someone comes along with a 'different' one.
The 'Tabs' that attach the side covers to your motorcycle are welded on...and can be changed with 'relative' ease...just remember on the side where you lock the cover on (right side) the locking tab (on the side cover) is longer on the 1980+ models than the 1979...and that WILL pose a 'problem'
That is also why '79 side covers are the hardest to find
Try ebay...or stop at every podunk motorcycle recycler and just QUIETLY look around.
Good luck with it...

"Ira furor brevis est."
" Anger is a brief madness"
(Julius Ceaser cir-360 A.D.)

[Steve Linderman]

Side covers

Sorry about the 'double post' I was called away...
The side cover pictured WILL NOT fit a 1979 SF model...
How do I know this without seein' it, or holding it?
EASY...like I said before... the 'arm' that holds the 'locking tab' is LONGER on the 1980+Specials (INCLUDING the LH or Midnight Special) and I mean LONGER (by nearly 1 inch)

In addition to NOT being 'slotted' (like the '79) the top of the right side cover (1980+) also has a 'molded' area around the top, back post and the 1979 has a 'FLAT' top.
This will require removing and re-placing the mounting tabs to 'fit' the cover you are trying to use.
This can be done by any competent welder (wire feed) so in addition to finding & purchasing the cover...you will need the tabs and little rubber "berries" that attach the side cover you want to use.
ALL the more reason to just keep looking...

To end the 'CONFUSION'
YAMAHA designates ALL the XS 1100 'Midnight Specials' as the LH Model ('80 & '81)
Just thought you'd like to know
G'Night, Kiddies...


" A man is only as small as the problems that confront him"
(Winston Churchill cir-1940)