Question about XS1100 model types???

[hanger10]

Sorry to ask this stupid a question, but Im buying carb parts for my "80" XS1100 Special, and when I see what carbs the parts are good for, I see all these different models, SH, SJ, etc. What model is mine???? Thank in advance for all replies, and sorry Im so stupid!!! Take care.

Randy

[oseaghdha]

Sorry to ask this stupid a question, but Im buying carb parts for my "80" XS1100 Special, and when I see what carbs the parts are good for, I see all these different models, SH, SJ, etc. What model is mine???? Thank in advance for all replies, and sorry Im so stupid!!! Take care.

Randy

A 1980 Special would be an "SG".
Carb part for any 1980 XS1100 model would likely be correct for your bike.

[Wildkat]

You should be able to fit parts from an 81 (SH) bank of carbs as well... opens up your sources a bit (if you have to go used)...

There is a difference between the early model carbs (78-79) and the later models (80-81) though... main jet size, being one of them... so sourcing from these could be problematic on some parts...

If you have any questions about what fits what... just ask... someone will definitely know this one...

[DGXSER]

I am no expert, but I did just complete a carb rebuild on my 81 special. As to the model numbers, the 78 year was the E model, they went alphabetically from there to 81 being the H models. Specials had the F,G,or H prefixed with an S and the Midnights had an L prefix, they did not make specials in 78, or midnights in 78 or 79. so your 80 special would be an 80 XS1100SG like oseaghdha stated.

As to the carb parts, I know when I ordered my parts, there was a separate kit for the 81 from the 80 Special. As has been stated before especially by 81XSProject, alot of the jets and such can be reused, just need cleaning. I ruined a couple pilots and a mixture screw in the removal, but otherwise they were all reusable parts. The needle valves for the floats and probably the seats should be replaced IMHO. Maybe the little o-rings on the bottom of the mixture screws as well. But I have read where some of the early 80 models have the same carbs as the 79's while the later ones had the later model carbs.

Having gone the kit route myself, I would say just order the jets you need to replace and the float valves and seats, maybe mixture screw o-rings. JMHO

[Wildkat]

As to the carb parts, I know when I ordered my parts, there was a separate kit for the 81 from the 80 Special.

Did you happen to notice what the differences were? I thought they were the same... but then... I'm running older carbs on my bike anyway and it's been awhile since I had the newer ones apart...
(and it's early and I'm not thinking clearly before my second cup of coffee)

But I have read where some of the early 80 models have the same carbs as the 79's while the later ones had the later model carbs.

You might be right about that... in which case... might want to look at the airbox side of the carbs... if there are 3 ports... you have the early model carbs... if there are 4... you have the later model...

Somebody correct me when I'm wrong here...

[DGXSER]

WildKat,

Not really sure what the differences were, I got mine through Georgefix, wound up being K&L kits. He had them listed for the 80 specials and when I asked if they would fit the 81, he sent me a link to his kit for the 81. The 80 kit had the needle valve in it, IIRC, the 81 did not. May be some jetting changes to. I suppose it is all moot if you go with just ordering the jets you need anyway.

I know the 81 carbs I have do have the four holes on the intake side of the carbs with no vent Ts on the carbs. The earlier carbs I have seen had only three holes but had the vent Ts. I have seen some (from an XS650 I think) that only had two.