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Does anyone know if the 80 special and 81 special frames are the same? If not, what are the differences? I have a 1980 special frame that recently absorbed the energy from a crash (front of motorcycle crashed directly into someones passenger side door at 30 mph (their fault)) and is bent frame near the front fork attachment and needs to be replaced. I am looking at options to get a new frame and there is a 1981 special version available on the forum that I am tempted to purchase.
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I'm not 100%, but I can not think of any frame difference between 1980 and 1981. Seats, side covers, tank, all the same. As long as both bikes are Specials.Marty (in Mississippi)
XS1100SG
XS650SK
XS650SH
XS650G
XS6502F
XS650E -
Maybe only difference is the 81 has no tab for the ballast resistor to mount to, not a big worry.2H7 (79) owned since '89
3H3 owned since '06
"If it ain't broke, modify it"
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I don't know about the specials, but the standard frames were different 81 vs 80.Skids (Sid Hansen)
Down to one 1978 E. Stock air box with K&N filter, 81H pipes and carbs, 8500 feet elevation.Comment
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The differences in the frames is negligible. Did a swap of everything from an SG to an SH frame a couple years ago. The only differences are in one or 2 of the tabs the electrics mount on (relays ect.). Not a big deal to fix at all.
BTW Phil, the tab for the ballast resistor is still on the 81.Greg
Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
― Albert Einstein
80 SG Ol' Okie;79 engine & carbs w/pods, 45 pilots, 140 mains, Custom Mac 4 into 2 exhaust, ACCT,XS850 final drive,110/90/19 front tire,TKat fork brace, XS750 140 MPH speedometer, Vetter IV fairing, aftermarket hard bags and trunk, LG high back seat, XJ rear shocks.
The list changes.
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Like Greg (BA80) said, just some mounting tab differences although I have seen some '81 frames that the ballast resistor tab is missing. If anything, it may have a few 'extra' tabs that you won't use...
Happy Turkey Day!Fast, Cheap, Reliable... Pick any two
'78E original owner - resto project
'78E ???? owner - Modder project FJ forks, 4-piston calipers F/R, 160/80-16 rear tire
'82 XJ rebuild project
'80SG restified, red SOLD
'79F parts...
'81H more parts...
Other current bikes:
'93 XL1200 Anniversary Sportster 85RWHP
'86 XL883/1200 Chopper
'82 XL1000 w/1450cc Buell, Baker 6-speed, in-progress project
Cage: '13 Mustang GT/CS with a few 'custom' touches
Yep, can't leave nuthin' alone...Comment
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