frame similarities / Differences between XJ1100/XS1100

[Jkden]

Howdy -

Had my XS1100, but sadly sold it, and happily got a Virago 750 I am fixing up into a Café. I am still really loving the looks of the XS1100 as a Café rebuild. It seems, nowever, that the Maxim 1100, and the newer XJs seem cheaper for a good bike project versus an XS1100 go figure.

So I did get to know the XS frame quite well, but wondering how similar is the XJ frame. Wondering if the older XS standard tank for example, would fit on a bare XJ1100 frame. I am looking at a project for another Café, and would like to see how they compare. If I did one, I would get rid of the "chopper" parts on the XJ like the tank anyways.

I know the engine is very similar, front forks, rear wheel and swingarm... thanks for information or please point me in the direction of some posts that spell it out...

[crazy steve]

The XJ frame, while sharing most of the basic architecture of the XS frame, has enough differences that pretty much none of the XS sheetmetal/trim, air boxes or seats will fit without some serious mods. If you're handy with a welder, the XS tanks can be made to fit. Front forks, brakes, gauges, and most electrical parts including the ignition are unique to the XJ also.

Drivetrain, exhaust (special, not '78-80 standard), rear shocks, and wheels will interchange with the XS bikes. The forks will swap if you use the complete forks/triple trees, but you can't mix XS/XJ fork parts. The engines will swap also, but the ignition system must match the motor.

For more info, look here... http://www.xs11.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=78

[Jkden]

Hey great thank you for the information. I have not been on forum for a couple weeks, but all information is good as it helps me narrow my choices.