difference between 80 std engine &81 spec

[xs1100rider]

ok threw a rod on my 80 std this weekend,now i just found a 1981 midnight special parts bike(no title) for a couple hundred and would like to get an idea of what i am up against when i swap the engines over or use it for parts.i tried the search and everything i found is mostly cosmetic,tanks,forks seats,gauges lights and such, i think that the transmission internals are the same as with the engine but i remeber reading somewhere here that there is something different about them,thanks inadvance for the help xs gurus.

[DiverRay]

Engine would be a clean swap! All you would need to do is keep the 80 carbs and advance unit.(this is the left side crank cover). If the MNS engine is good, I'd go for the "black" look, and do the swap. I WOULD check a few of the parts, such as the "U"joint on the drive shaft, while you do the swap. Total time should be about 8 hours for the swap. If you can entice one of the "local" members with a beer or two, it may only take 6.
PS, I do need a few cosmetic parts for a MNS, so I may be able to help with a LITTLE bit of the cost.

[xs1100rider]

mns parts

i was planning on giving everyone on this site first chance once i finish getting what i need for both my bikes. i was thinking the same think with the black look as well,really cant see the engine under the vetter with the lowers installed anyway.but from the pic i got off craigslist a while back the parts bike appears to be mostly intact except for the seat.

[DiverRay]

The one thing I would like to get is SMALL. I need th gold trim that is on the tank. I could use the top covers for the carbs, but that isn't that big a deal at the moment.
When you do use the the MNS engine, check all the wire connectors. If you have one that is different, try and pull the one that works off the 80 engine. That will help keep it a "plug and play" type of swap.

[trbig]

Persoanlly... I hate to irritate the vultures circling over your MNS parts.... but the bike would be worth much more (And look better in my opinion), not to mention much rarer.. if you made the running bike out of the special. I hate to see one that complete get canibalized. Is it that tough to get a title there?

Tod

[DJinNH]

"You gonna use those parts?"



Don

[DiverRay]

Yeah, I'm a REAL vulture....
All I WAS asking about is the plastic trim that is on the tank. I know I CAN buy it NEW, just have not looked up the parts from an OEM supplier.
As he has a Standard, I can understand his wanting IT running, and not have to worry about the MNS.
But then Tod has not pulled any bikes down for parts as of yet, has he?
Hey, Tod, If you have a good spare engine, you may be able to get a "bad" core and some money for it from a member here???
xs1100rider,
I DO agree with Tod, that if you can work out the title, the MNS WOULD be worth getting in shape. On the other hand, if you can't find the time and money now, maybe do an engine swap, but keep all the MNS parts and keep looking for a "new" engine. Then you can put the MNS back together, and have TWO bikes! one a daily ride, and one for the "nice Sunday cruise".

[xs1100rider]

title is a pain

everyone is entitled to there opinion but i love my full dress bagger,and i alredy have a second bike that the trans is bad in so parting the mns would be two fold. i tried to get a title here twice before and after several attemps and many a wasted day at the dmv and paying of inspection fees, i was declined a title and ending up either giving the car away to friend in need or sellling it for far less than its worth due to no title. i had a 1976 rd 400 in almost perfect condition(8k),but had to sell it for only $700 becuase the title i received was signed in the wrong spot and could not track down po on title. i typically wouldn't canibalize a bike like this but for two hundred bucks i cant beat it and all the local shops want over three hundred bucks for just the engine with no guarantee or anything.

[trbig]

Hey, Tod, If you have a good spare engine,

LOL.. You crack me up! I have lots of engine PARTS... and a couple engines with bad cranks/blocks.. but no good spare ones. I do have a 2nd complete XJ I need to work on.. but that motor needs to stay in it.

And yes.. I have parted one out.. that had already been picked over pretty good.

And as xs1100rider stated... everyone is entitled to their opinion... even though theirs is WRONG!

Tod

[thewiz]

I believe that you may also ...

find the exhaust studs too short for the Standard exhaust flanges. If this turns out to be true, as it is for earlier Specials vs. Standards, you will need to find some longer ones or swap the ones from your defunct Standard motor onto the Special head.

[xs1100rider]

not a mns just a 79 special

went to pick up bike today and upon arrival started walking up to bike and noticed nothing was black or gold,then i noticed the kick starter and checked the neck and found manufacture date of 2/79.then i looked at the petcocks and saw the octypus.but for 150 bucks it is complete minus the title and it does turn over by the kicker,not trying to start it just making sure not seized. will try to post pics from home this weekend.