79 Special II side cover fitment ?

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The 79 Special II I believe, though never seen, had metal side covers ?
Are Standard model side covers a fit on the Special II model ? I realize the Special had plastic and were different..
thx, -R
 
No and Yes. '79 and '80 Special II has metal side covers. They do not interchange with the plastic ones. The '81 Special II has plastic side covers, just like the XS650SH. Standard side covers are not a proper fit on a Special II. Seat angle is different, even if the tabs were to work out.
 
Okay thanks both of you. I was searching pics on google and couldn’t tell for sure.
I’m looking into a Special II project tomorrow and it’s pretty stripped. The box of extras included may make or break the deal.
-RT
 
The '79 Special II has those one year only non-flanged alloy spoked wheels, very desirable. I might even consider running a 16" rear if I found some of those.
 
Interesting 5twins, The low mileage 79 Special II Im seeing tomorrow does have those aluminum rims, no fenders, and some rather big tready tires. Not really my choice but.. I may switch out to chrome and keep the set.
And I do have an extra 16” rear wheel/brakes you know. I think it’s still in the classifieds “inactive” until further notice pending. Keep it in mind.
Just a winter project to flip most likely is again what I’m up to.
-RT
 
7A476C58-27D8-4800-B9F8-A4F62FD5AD1F.jpeg

I verified it. The metal side covers do not interchange. Either the frame or side cover would have to be modified.
 
Special II side-covers and standard side-covers, 74-79 can be modified to interchange between models. All that needs to be done is to enlarge the top slots to accommodate the wider brackets.

Special II, (79/80) or 78/79 Special covers have narrower slots than the Standards, (74-79).............if you did use a Standard sid-cover the slots would be to wide for the Special bracket........easy enough fix
 
650Skull said:
Special II side-covers and standard side-covers, 74-79 can be modified to interchange between models. All that needs to be done is to enlarge the top slots to accommodate the wider brackets.

Special II, (79/80) or 78/79 Special covers have narrower slots than the Standards, (74-79).............if you did use a Standard sid-cover the slots would be to wide for the Special bracket........easy enough fix
Click to expand...

Tougher to fix is that the exchanged covers don’t follow the seat lower edge. Standard covers on a Special might be an interference fit. Yes, I can force a square peg into a round hole.
 
Of course the seat and covers have a different angle between the standards and specials............people do as they like, and i am answering that it can be done. You know like putting a Standard seat on a 78/79/80 special II then the standard covers look just fine
 
Skull, you’re right. You can make them fit. But, they don’t interchange directly. Easy for you may prove impossible for someone with an inappropriate skill set for this.
 

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