Differences between Models FAQ

written by JP Honeywell

Just for fun, lets look at the differences between the models.

78 E - Standard (no special model for 78)

• 160 mph speedo
• Disk rotors not drilled
• Rectangular headlight
• Rectangular turn signals
• Wide taillight mounted on fender
• Rectangular speedo and tach
• Skinny footpegs
• Handlebar clamp is one wide piece
• Shocks have no damping control
• Exhausts extend past rear axle
• Left and right turn signal indicators
• Forks are not air pressure assisted
• Kickstarter stored on right side under sidecover

79 F - Standard

• 160 mph speedo
• Disk rotors not drilled
• Rectangular headlight
• Rectangular turn signals
• Wide taillight mounted on fender
• Rectangular speedo and tach
• Skinny footpegs
• Handlebar clamp is one wide piece
• Shocks have no damping control
• Exhausts extend past rear axle
• Left and right turn signal indicators
• Kickstarter stored on right side under sidecover

79 SF - Special

• 160 mph speedo
• Disk rotors not drilled
• Round headlight
• Round turn signals
• Small taillight mounted on fender
• Round speedo and tach
• Skinny footpegs
• Handlebar clamp is two small pieces
• Shocks have damping control
• Exhausts stop before rear axle
• Only one turn signal indicator
• Air pressure assisted forks
• Kickstarter stored on right side under sidecover

80 G - Standard

• 85 mph speedo (160 outside of US)
• Disk rotors drilled
• Rectangular headlight
• Rectangular turn signals
• Wide taillight mounted on fender
• Rectangular speedo and tach
• Larger footpegs than 78/79
• Handlebar clamp is one wide piece
• Shocks have no damping control
• Exhausts extend past rear axle
• Left and right turn signal indicators
• Kickstarter discontinued - shaft hole plugged up

80 SG - Special

• 85 mph speedo (160 outside of US)
• Disk rotors drilled
• Round headlight
• Round turn signals
• Large taillight mounted at back of seat Round speedo and tach
• Larger footpegs than 78/79
• Handlebar clamp is two small pieces
• Shocks have damping control
• Exhausts stop before rear axle
• Left and right turn signal indicators
• Air pressure assisted forks
• Handlebar switch for emergency flashers
• Kickstarter discontinued - shaft hole plugged up
• Piston crown shape changed
• Larger valves - intakes from 36mm to 38mm, and exhausts from 31 mm to 32 mm
• Lower 9.0:1 compression ratio (down from 9.2:1) The slightly lower compression ratio allows the four-cylinder to run better on questionable gasoline
• Exhaust valve lift has been increased 0.5mm to 8.8mm; intake lift remains 8.8mm
• Clutch has slightly thicker friction plates than 1979's, but the driven plates apparently are identical
• Reflectors have been enlarged and relocated
• Twin "button" horns (instead of a single button horn)

81 H - Standard

• 85 mph speedo (160 outside of US)
• Disk rotors drilled
• Rectangular headlight
• Rectangular turn signals
• Wide taillight mounted on fender
• Rectangular speedo and tach
• Larger footpegs than 78/79
• Handlebar clamp is one wide piece
• Shocks have damping control
• Exhausts stop before rear axle
• Left and right turn signal indicators
• Only available with full touring gear - bags, fairing, etc.
• Cam cover is aluminum & black paint?
• Cylinders painted between cooling fins?
• Different logo on side covers from previous models?
• Timing & alternator cover has painted circle groove
• Came with a lock and chain stored where 78/79 kick starter was
• Kickstarter discontinued - shaft hole plugged up

81 SH - Special

• 85 mph speedo (160 outside of US)
• Disk rotors drilled
• Round headlight
• Round turn signals
• Large taillight mounted at back of seat Round speedo and tach
• Larger footpegs than 78/79
• Handlebar clamp is two small pieces
• Shocks have damping control
• Exhausts stop before rear axle
• Left and right turn signal indicators
• Air pressure assisted forks
• Handlebar switch for emergency flashers
• Cam cover is aluminum & black paint
• Cylinders painted between cooling fins
• Different logo on side covers from previous models
• Timing & alternator cover has painted circle groove
• Came with a lock and chain stored where 78/79 kick starter was
• Kickstarter discontinued - shaft hole plugged up

If anyone know other differences between model years, please let me (and the list) know.

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