Can I use a '79 XS1100 Special as a parts bike for a '80?

[David LaPierre]

Anyone know how similar they are?

Thanks!

[DiverRay]

You can use a LOT of the parts, but not all of them. Drivetrain will swap, as will suspension. The seat and side covers will NOT be a direct swap, but you may be able to make them work. The tank is a direct swap.
HTH

[David LaPierre]

Sweet thanks. So these are all the models of the 1100s right?

'78 E
'79 F, SF
'80 G, LG, SG
'81 H, LH, SH
'82 J

What major differences are there between the models? Is there an easy way to identify a bike's year and model if the owner doesn't know?

[David LaPierre]

As far as I know all of the "S" versions are the specials, with a smaller tank and more of a cruiser look, and the "L" versions are the Midnight Specials. Still unsure on the years though.

[DGXSER]

Look in the FAQs tab at the top of the page. There are a couple items there to answer your questions. One on the differences in models and on in what the designations indicate.

In short, you have the availability and model nomenclature correct. S=Special, L= Midnight Special. 99% of the difference between a Special and a Midnight Special is cosmetic, color of stuff. Only real difference I know of is the brakes on the LH being the linked system that was adopted into the XJ models.

[crazy steve]

I'll add to what Ray said and point out if your '80 is a special, most parts can be swapped with abandon. If the '80 is a standard, you need to pay a bit more attention, particularly the forks, as the special forks are entirely different and you shouldn't swap fork parts with a standard; you can swap the entire fork setup. The '79SF has a lot of one-year-only bits on it, but it's all trim...

'78E original owner

[David LaPierre]

Thanks everyone

[Lamric]

Hi David,

Use my XS Part Number Finder website, pick 'Part Finding' from the menu then 'Donor Bike Parts'. You can use it to see what's an exact match between models.

Here's an example showing what Taillight parts from an XS750SF are the same on the XS1100SF