81 special vs 80 special parts

[manshack_one]

Are the side covers and tank on an 81 special 1100 interchangeable with the 80 special?

[Lamric]

Its a definite maybe. They are different parts but can be swapped.

The fuel tank colours may be different but the rest of the tank (emblems, dampers, cap etc) are the same parts.

The side cover emblems are different but the covers should swap. First check that the 1980 covers have the round holes for the locator pins, some of the early 1980 specials used slots rather than pins.

You can see the round holes at the top of this picture of a 1981 special side cover.

Click to zoom

For more part number info and 2,000 pictures of XS1100 parts check out my website www.benefiscal.co.uk

[John]

Re: 81 special vs 80 special parts

Originally posted by manshack_one
Are the side covers and tank on an 81 special 1100 interchangeable with the 80 special?

Yes. The side cover emblems are different, but they are the same side covers and tank. The emblem mounting holes will be different for the 80 emblems vs the 81's.

[manshack_one]

Here's why I'm askin'.

Ebay: 360008078978

I've got an 80 special that I was going to repaint the tank on but if this one is already sanded and primed why not?