Frame Swap?

[Walt]

I have a 79 xs400 which I bought for next to nothing. That's the good news, the bad is that it does not have a title and being in California trying to get it registered seems to be a costly and time consuming endeavor. I am debating whether it would be a good idea to perform a frame swap.If I found a frame with a clean title I could perform the necessary modifications and take all of the components from the old frame and essentially have a different bike in the eyes of the DMV. Has this been done with an XS before? Now the question I am wondering is if any xs frame will do, I have seen several on ebay which seem almost exactly like mine, but I am worried I will buy the wrong frame and be stuck. Were there any big modifications done through the years? Will a frame from a Special, or one of the others work with my engine, suspension etc? Many thanks

 

[Scorpio1963]

Generaly all xs400 sohc frames will work,Other members have been in the same predictment.You best bet is to part the frame out ,swing arms are always in demand.Find you a frame with title you should be good to go.

 

[Walt]

That sounds like a plan, thanks a lot for the advice.

 

[Scorpio1963]

I dont believe there is much difference in frames from 79-82 so try and keep within that year range from your frame.