Are side covers interchangeable?

[blue83ranger]

I'm working on a 1979 XS1100. It's the first XS of any size i've worked on and i'm at the point now where i just need to find the plastic cover that attaches to the back of the seat and both side covers. I couldn't find any for a '79 1100 so, I was wondering if they would fit off another bike, or even a different year 1100? Also, how do you tell the difference between a "normal" 1100 and a "special"? thanks for any info.

[jwhughes3]

Standard and special use same covers (except emblems)

Its the year that matters.

80/81 share same round hole/slot config but emblems differ (checkmark on 81) the round holes can be slotted to work as a 79 with patience

78/79 has two closed slots so doesnt interchange easily with later years but holes can be drilled in slots to work for 80-81

John

Did you mean special differences in general?

Look here:
http://www.xs11.com/faqs/17-differen...odels-faq.html

[blue83ranger]

So do the plain 1100's and the specials have the same covers, minus the emblems as long as they're a '78/'79?

[crazy steve]

I'll assume you have a '78-79 standard, as it was the only model with the plastic tailpiece on the seat. The only sidecovers that will fit are '78-79 standard covers; these are shaped differently from all the rest, and the mounting points on the frame are different too. There is some interchange between the later standards and '79 specials, but that's it.

[motoman]

Unfortunately the 79SF doesn't share much with other year Specials.

[DGXSER]

Other than the emblem, the 80 and 81 Special side covers are a perfect match.

[tom clisham]

Welcome!

Always glad to see another Blagoyavich fan on the site.

The parts you seek are available on ebAy. Now is the time to buy them. In spring & summer their value goes way up. It dips between Oct & about April 1.

I haven't looked for these lately, but last summer they brought $150.00+ on ebay for a good pair of side covers. Good ones under $40-50 each are a good value. If you're painting the bike, rough ones are easy to restore.

I have a couple extra pieces, seat fairing & side covers. I'd have to research to figure out what they're worth. Figured I'd sell them in season.
PM me if your'e interested in them.

Where in Il are you?

[blue83ranger]

So will only 1100 side covers fit or will smaller XS's work too?

I'm roughly 20 minutes south of Saint Louis, MO.

[bikerphil]

Only the 1100 side covers will work on an 1100. If you have a 79 Standard, only the 78 or 79 Standard side covers will fit your bike without any modifications.

[blue83ranger]

That should answer all my questions for now. If i think of any more i'll be sure to ask. Thanks for all the help. I'm definetly excited to ride this bike, it's not mine and i wanted to wait the longest i could before i put the acid in the new battery i bought for it and the side covers and cdi cover is the last things it needs. It has a 4 into 1 exhaust and carbs off something else with clamp on filters so it should really move. thanks again.

[cywelchjr]

Other than the emblem, the 80 and 81 Special side covers are a perfect match.

Are you talking about between the 79 specials and the 80 and 81 specials? Unless I've misread all the info on here about interchange on the side covers, the 79 special can only exchange side covers with the 80 and 81 standards, and at that modification of the upper mounting holes is required. The decals are different as well, but other than the decals, it's just the shape of the upper mounting holes that is different.

[DGXSER]

Are you talking about between the 79 specials and the 80 and 81 specials? Unless I've misread all the info on here about interchange on the side covers, the 79 special can only exchange side covers with the 80 and 81 standards, and at that modification of the upper mounting holes is required. The decals are different as well, but other than the decals, it's just the shape of the upper mounting holes that is different.

Nope I simply meant that if you have side covers from an 80 special they will lside nicely onto an 81 special and vise-versa. With the exception of course that the emblems are different. OH and the MNS side covers also interchange just the same, emblems again not with-standing. Thus the reason my 81 special wears MNS side covers.

[blue83ranger]

I finally found a set of side covers on ebay. The guy says they're perfect. Unfortunately they're red, but the owner of the bike says he's going to repaint them to match the tank. Does anyone know where i can found the rubber grommets that go over the upper tabs for the side covers?

[bikerphil]

Check this page for sidecover grommets. Some of the 650's use the same ones...

http://www.mikesxs.net/products-15.html#products

[crazy steve]

MikesXS has the '78-79 standard sidecover grommets, part # 02-6501, $5 per pair...