Reverse Search on Part Numbers

[Lamric]

Did anyone ever find a way to discover from a part number which model XS it will fit ? (Apart from searching each fiche that is)

If not, I reckon I'm frustrated enough to have a go at putting a Part Number -> Model list together. BUT, before the cheering starts, my thinking is that I need to go through a few steps first

1) scavenge the Yamaha fiches for parts numbers
2) learn how to write a Database and populate it (probably mySQL)
3) learn how to make Database calls from a webpage (probably PHP)
4) build a few webpages to allow simple queries
5) buy some webspace and publish it

At this rate it'll take me a couple of months minimum (if it ever gets built) so please tell me there's an easier way.

[Jerry]

A couple points to consider.

Some part numbers, those that do not start with a 3 letter/number combination, are 'generic' and fit multiple bikes over multiple years. Bolts, nuts, and washers fall into this category.

Yamaha's 3 letter/number prefix, like 2H7 or 10M, indicate the first model where the parts were introduced and stay in effect until superceeded by new numbers. Examples of this are gaskets; the 2H7-13414-00-00 oil pan gasket was introduced on the '78 XS 11 and is the same number used through the XJ 1100.

So a database could start by building a list of the 2H7 style (3 letter/number) as these are the items of most interest to cross-referencing what fits what years.

This is not foolproof, though. The '81 and '82 slotted front rotors interchange with the early solid rotors even though they carry different part numbers. A field in the database should be included to indicate these 'non-official' but interchangeable items.

Some parts, like side covers, fuel tanks, and seat pans can be made to work with some modification. This would take a lot of research and contribution by listers to verify, and would result in a very sophisticated database. To go even further, it might be possible to list common non-Yamaha part numbers, such as EBC brake pad numbers, to help people find replacement parts.

Something to kick around. No easier way that I know of, just a lot of grunt work and going though microfiche...

[Lamric]

Yep, you're right ... the job just got bigger !

Seems to me that I should treat a Yamaha part which is a different partno (but fits) in the same way as another suppliers part eg. EBC pads.

Hmmm, I think it's best if I 'just' try to get a simple parts list going first. Then ask for help from the experts on this forum to identify which partno's are really the same. Can't see much room for debate there.