Is there an XS1100 Tech/Info compendium?

[XS-play]

Hello XS11 Clan

I have been lurking for many years, I had a 1980 Midnight Special back in the early to mid 90s. I loved that bike in Southern California, while on active duty. My avatar is me and the bike on "The Numbers" at NAS Miramar.

I started my current Basket Case/Project Bike around eight years ago. It was sort of a impulse buy from an estate sale. It was real rough, but visions of SoCal flooded my memories. I lucked out, there were tons of cheap parts all over Ebay at the time and I started snatching up many parts that looked useful. I stripped her down and began powder coating the frame and many other parts. I am pretty sure I have a Special the SG variant. Is there a Compendium of all the different details that make an, E, F/SF, G/SG, H/SH, LH, etc.

According to my frame ID tag, my current bike was built in 7/79 so technically a 1980, yes? The serial number starts with 3J6- which as best I can figure is an XS-1100SG. I have images of the original rough frame with a Standard front fork. I have a replacement "Special" fork and think I may need some different hardware to make the wheel fit. current speedo gear-drive on the front wheel will not fit the Special fork. I am curious if there is a difference in the head-tube angle between the Standard and Special frames?


These are the original condition shots




Peace, Wolf D.

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[red bandit]

Yes it's a special. I am going to say it's a 79 because of the kick start shaft. The 80 didn't have that. AFAIK. Those are standard forks. That's why your special forks don't match your axel parts. Not sure what all you need for that. There will be someone on here soon that can answer that.

[Radioguylogs]

I agree it looks like 1979 Special (SF),based on non-slotted rotors, footpeg style, kickstarter axle, and plain rear footpeg brackets.


Yes, someone put standard forks and standard headlight brackets on the front, so I wonder why they did that. Might want to check for frame damage.


My SF VIN starts with "3H3".

[DiverRay]

No, it IS an '80 SF frame. The '79 side covers have a different mount. You are missing the tail light assembly in the photo's. They mount to a missing bracket that the grab bar and seat also mounts to. The kick starter is easy to install on the later engines, or it may just have a different engine installed. Check the engine and frame numbers, they should be the same. The Specials DO have a different drive assembly and cable for the speedo, so you will need to try and find that. I'm not sure, but check part numbers for the 650/850's, as they may be thee same on some of the models.
This should be a good start point: https://xs11.club/forum/miscellaneou...identification

[Radioguylogs]

Good eye, DiverRay!

[cajun31]

It is a Frankenbike. Can still be fixed and will still look good.

[XS-play]

No, it IS an '80 SF frame. The '79 side covers have a different mount. You are missing the tail light assembly in the photo's. They mount to a missing bracket that the grab bar and seat also mounts to. The kick starter is easy to install on the later engines, or it may just have a different engine installed. Check the engine and frame numbers, they should be the same.

Thanx DiverRay and others for the rapid response.

So I was correct about the year (1980) according to the frame number. There is a note in one of the FSM addendums that states 3J6- is an SG though. Funny thing too, the frame has the mounting lugs for the backup kick start lever.


No the motor is not original, different numbers, I have two titles one for frame one for motor, gonna be plenty of headaches I imagine. The project came with an extra motor, no title, numbers not matching frame, and seized solid. Damn thing looked like it had been drug out of a river.

Can anyone tell me if the triple trees are different between the Standard and Special? I have three of them and they all match up, same spacing. this may just mean I have three Standard trees, maybe.


I have worked extensively since these images were taken in 2013, I stopped off where I have the bike stored and got some fresher images. (See second page below)

[cajun31]

I don't see a second page.

[XS-play]

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[XS-play]

I don't see a second page.

Hey Cajun31

Sorry I had to go and resize all the images, before the site would allow them. You snuck in while I was busy. LOL

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Rework I did on the carbs. Fresh gasket/packing kits, media blasted the bodies along with ultrasonic bath. Powder Coated several bits n pieces.

Before After

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Here are some shots of the frame restoration. I completed several welds here and there, ground down some of the uglier factory stuff. I actually had to cut the rear tubes off the frame to fit it in the blast booth for stripping, then welded them back on, before three coats of silver powder coating and a UV clear coat.

[XS-play]