Engine Swap- Topic split from "1200 frame questions"

[fetzic]

I apologize ahead of time if I'm in the wrong place to post but here goes. Seems like plenty of 1100s and 1200s out there. Is there any possibility of swapping engines in either direction. I realize anything within reason possible. I'ts the within reason part that is perplexing.

 

[joedrum]

There are many swaps that’s can be done between 1100 and 1200 ..actually the best and easiest swaps are that way...

 

[fetzic]

Specifically can engines be swapped?

 

[dan filipi]

fetzic » Today, 11:34 am[/url]":2b9bjj2i]
Specifically can engines be swapped?

That's a loaded question.
For the most part the different year engines can be swapped, but not right over. There will be some issues to sort. Mostly small issues like ignition but mostly doable.

Basically any motor combination can be made to work. It just depends how much work you're willing to put into it.
It would be easier to answer a specific question if you have a bike you're interested in buying, but maybe needs a motor. Then we can recommend what year motors to look for.

Some specific years are easier to move over, others are more difficult and best to stay away from. Like the fuel injected models, excellent motor but many problems to overcome there if moving into a non-FI frame but you could put carbs on an FI which is much simpler. The FI uses a higher output stator. I think there may be frame interference on different year/model for that reason.
An '84 1200 motor uses the same rear cover as the 83 motor, and the output shaft from an 1100 will fit the '84 motor. May be true for other years 1200 as well but I can recall only the 84 has been done and verified so.

 

[fetzic]

I thank you for the very prompt and encompassing reply.
The selections seem to pop-up randomly from free "Take it away" to several that have run "Well" when parked a decade ago so I remain shopping.
Is this the correct Forum to post to?

 

[joedrum]

Seems ok to me ...good luck finding something to work with

 

[dan filipi]

fetzic » Today, 7:30 am[/url]":1jnngf5k]
I thank you for the very prompt and encompassing reply.
The selections seem to pop-up randomly from free "Take it away" to several that have run "Well" when parked a decade ago so I remain shopping.
Is this the correct Forum to post to?

This forum is fine for GL1200. There is also a forum for 1100 and 1000. Just go ahead and post then we can move it if needed

 

[fetzic]

Thank you.

 

[brianinpa]

Pretty much, the sky is the limit when it comes to swapping engines... knowing what you want when you are done helps the process immensely. What you put in place can also ease the process immensely. I went with an 81 1200: in the process, I also used a 1200 swingarm, final drive, and rear wheel/tire. I converted the bike to a hydraulic clutch, single carb, and an aftermarket C5 ignition so I didn't need to worry about most of the problem areas, but I added some additional work. Make a decision of what you want to have, and then build it.

 

[fetzic]

The machine pictured on your reply (brianinpa) is elegance in simplicity. I like it!
I THINK that I would prefer a 1200 engine. No specific reason at this time. Are there great numbers of engine configuration for the 1200 series and is there specific frames,be it 1100 or 1200, that will accommodate a specific engine more readily?

 

[brianinpa]

That was an 84 motor in a 81 frame. It fit without any problem. It was a tight fit, but I didnt need to clearance anything. I think joe had an 86 motor and now has the 84 motor in his 1000 frame and likes the 84 motor better. I'm not sure what year Dan has in his bike, but there is a build thread on his as well.

The 84 1200 motor has a different gearing and torque than the other years but the ignition is on the back... that never bothered me. I prefer the 84 motor.

 

[joedrum]

Yes the 82-83 1100 bikes can be switched over to 84 1200 motor rather easy with just a few plug and mods ...but 1200 motors of any yr are not in 1000 or 1100 bikes ... nothing is simple ..and many more mods can be done ...my bike 1000 frame 1200 motor 1200 final drive swing arm and rear brakes 1200 mag wheels rear and front ...1100 rotors on front ..oh well many more parts mixing some hard to do some not so hard and some plug and play....

 

[dan filipi]

I put 84 1200 motor in my 83 1100 bike because it’s simplest 1200 switch that I know of.

 

[fetzic]

Super great info. Thanks. I'm sure that there are many other threads referencing similar configurations. Your experiences, inputs are extremely valuable.

 

[saganaga]

If the engine is going in, I'd doublecheck the common issues that require engine removal to address. Maybe make sure the scavenger pump isn't clogged, and replace the strator with an aftermarket kit. Randakk has a strator for the non-fuel injected 1200s for $115. Doesn't seem like a bad deal. Also if all that's coming off, doublecheck the clutch.

 

[joedrum]

dan filipi » Fri Sep 06, 2019 8:20 pm[/url]":uuh8k0te]
I put 84 1200 motor in my 83 1100 bike because it’s simplest 1200 switch that I know of.

So dan is the mule bike hydro clutch or cable ...curious

 

[dan filipi]

joedrum » Today, 1:11 am[/url]":1ac10ne3]

dan filipi » Fri Sep 06, 2019 8:20 pm[/url]":1ac10ne3]
I put 84 1200 motor in my 83 1100 bike because it’s simplest 1200 switch that I know of.

So dan is the mule bike hydro clutch or cable ...curious

Cable.
The 1200 clutch uses hydraulic actuator, but the 83 1100 rear cable operated cover (which I had from the old bad motor) fits the 1200 motor perfectly. It saved me having to convert the bike from cable to hydraulic.
I also had an earlier rear cover (81 I think) that I tried, but found the 83 clutch actuator gave a much easier lever pull.

 

[brianinpa]

I was lucky... I had the 84 parts bike so converting everything was much easier at the time.