Friendliest XS11

[Nubian]

Which model XS is the most compatible as far as obtaining/interchanging parts from different models and years?

[crazy steve]

And the Answer is....

.. it depends...

Parts interchange outside of engine/trans/driveline bits can get pretty complicated. The only models that had nearly complete interchange was the '78-79 standards; all the rest, you'll have issues if you swap parts willy-nilly.

If you're looking for a parts bike, it's best to get as close as you can to the same year/model as the bike you want parts for. Although it can also depend on which parts you want; your '81 has a one-year-only ignition system, so if that's something you want, look for any '81 bike. But for trim items and chassis bits (brakes, forks, most anything else that attaches to the frame), you usually need to stay with the 'model', i.e. standard for standard, etc. For your '81, it's a hybrid and shares some parts with the special (exhaust, rear footpegs), but most of the remainder is standard 'standard' fare.

For you, if you can't find a '81 standard, the '80 standard would be your next-best choice for the most parts that swap.

[fredintoon]

Which model XS is the most compatible as far as obtaining/interchanging parts from different models and years?

Hi Eddy,
the rarest model is the Midnight Special so it'd be the most difficult one to find matching parts for.
OTOH if you don't care if your MNS looks a tad non-stock parts from other models can be made to fit.
Apart from the scarcity of gold coloured MNS parts there's not much difference between models & years, almost any part from one can be made to work on another.
And Steve, note I did say can be made to work some parts swap right over, others need effort.

[crazy steve]

...And Steve, note I did say can be made to work some parts swap right over, others need effort.

Bash to fit, file to hide, paint to cover.... I know that drill...

[barrelguy]

You forgot the first bits, Steve...measure with micrometer, mark with chalk, cut with axe