Frame differences

[5twins]

I know '79 and '80 Special II got the hinged seat. Your pic proves '78 Special got it too. I thought all the "deluxe" Specials maybe got the lift off seat, except the '78 it seems. All very confusing.

 

[Jim]

An easy visual "tell" is the forward seat line. If it follows under the shock mount, it's a clip in seat. If it runs above, it's hinged.

 

[Jim]

I think another tell would be metal vs. plastic sidecovers....the top mounting... maybe?

 

[jetmechmarty]

I think another tell would be metal vs. plastic sidecovers....the top mounting... maybe?

Bingo! The clip-on seat was on the 1980 to 1984 Special. The 1980 Special II has metal side covers and hinged seat as in the earlier models. The only difference between the 1980 XS650SG seat and the subsequent Specials is the shape of the padding and cover. The SG seat is one year only, but the seat assembly is a direct fit to the later bikes.

 

[650Skull]

I know '79 and '80 Special II got the hinged seat. Your pic proves '78 Special got it too. I thought all the "deluxe" Specials maybe got the lift off seat, except the '78 it seems. All very confusing.

Your right about the confusion..............

All specials 78 and 79 have the hinged seat...........
All specials from 81 have the Clip on seat...........

Its the 80 model where it has the 2 different models in the one year
80G SII wire wheel model is visually the same as the 78/79 specials and has a hinged seat
80SG has mags and a clip on seat

 

[member28833]

Just ironically picked this 79 Special II side hinge seat today. Stripped it of hardware. Its just a little longer than I need but shows potential to shorten up just a smidge for a custom mount up on the cut frame..