Yamaha XT500

[scootertrash]

Originally Posted by TimberlineAdventure

I am doing everything I can to hold on to my XT while buying a Husky 610 in the next month or so... My friend is holding my bike hostage so that I wont sell it, and by the sound of everyone here wishing they hadn't, I better not. Certainly, the XT|TT|SR is one of the great bikes of all time. How many other bikes will break your leg if you start it incorrectly, or hell.... even look at it the wrong way. We need to keep this thread going with maintenance tips, starting tips for the weak, etc. Has anyone ever talked to Mark Apland at www.Thumperstuff.com --> Great guy, great parts for these old bikes.

If it's the same outfit that Denny Berg used to own, then I have bought from him in the 90's. I have a neat trick for a penny tech oil temp gauge from the FSSNOC magazine:
Remove the stock plastic oil filler cap and clip of the stick. Drill a small hole in the center on the underside where it comes through the center of the handle. Now drill out the handle with a 1/2" hole saw. Purchase a cheap oven temp probe with a round dial and epoxy it in the hole, making sure to tighten the cover and clocking the dial before the epoxy cures. Scratch a few marks on the probe for oil levels. You now have a cheap temp gauge at eye level.