Yamaha XT500

[DenialDeath]

You could add the gs1000 aluminum swingarm, it doesn't require much work to fit the XT frame. It is around 21-22" from swingarm pivot to axle long.

Is the XS650 swingarm longer than the XT swingarm? I can't remember. Also the RD400 swingarm can be made to fit, might even bolt on.

[scootertrash]

Congrats on your new low-cost steed. I LOVE these bikes, I have owned three '78's in the past (2 XT's and 1 SR). Gear it as tall as you can for the hwy. I rode mine on the freeways of Dallas, TX back in the early 80's. Also, waterproof the points cover or you will learn some new curse words trying to kick some life in the scoot after a rain, don't ask me how I know!
Make sure it has the high volume oil line to the exhaust tappets or you will learn how to do a top end like I did on one of my XT's.

Good luck, you are going to love that scoot once you dial it in..

Originally Posted by fatherof4

I just picked up a 1977 XT500 with 7300 miles for $200. It had been sitting for 8 yrs.

Cleaned the carb and put a tube in the back tire and it fired right up. I took it out last weekend for a short in-town ride and seems to run alright and it didn't smoke. The tires are to dry rotted to risk any distance or speed.

I should have new tires for it in a couple days.

What I am looking for is any suggestion on gearing this bike. I have to buy chain and sprockets so I only want to buy one set.

This wil be my primary form of transportation to work so it will see some highway riding. Mostly it will be rode to work and some forest service roads.

I have had bikes from a z50 to a kz1100 but this is my first XT.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

[scrminbanshee]

Just curious if anyones if the iring harness from a tt will fit on the xt....also wondering if anyone knows of a better front fork that is more capable offroad i would like for it to be a direct swap or a little work i have never rebuilt a fork but im willing to learn.

[scrminbanshee]

my new xt500!!!!

[scootertrash]

Somebody was asking me about the hi-volume oil line I had on my old XT's. Check these guys out: http://www.thumperstuff.com/

[Snowbound]

I like the flyscreen on the white and blue XT-500.Anybody know where I could find somthing like it .

[georgej]

I'm picking up a '79 xt500 for $1900 tomorrow,Looks nice,hope it is when I see it.
George

[MoxNix]

Originally Posted by georgej

I'm picking up a '79 xt500 for $1900 tomorrow,Looks nice,hope it is when I see it.
George

Is this the going rate?

I have a line on an '85 which has been garaged for 10 years former commuter bike. What insanely low-ball offer should I make and what is a fair price- assuming average condition?

Thanks
Chris

[Zecatfish]

There was one on CL not long ago in Little Rock for $375, I wanted to go get it but I need another vintage bike like I need another wife.
I'm a recovering stuffitus addict.
To much stuff around now.
I made a quick CL search and XT500 range from $500 to $2k for a pristine model. So don't jump on that high dollar 500 unless it just tugs at you.

[MoxNix]

Originally Posted by Zecatfish

There was one on CL not long ago in Little Rock for $375, I wanted to go get it but I need another vintage bike like I need another wife.
I'm a recovering stuffitus addict.
To much stuff around now.
I made a quick CL search and XT500 range from $500 to $2k for a pristine model. So don't jump on that high dollar 500 unless it just tugs at you.

Thanks for the quick reply.

Don't know the condition, thinking it needs work how much I don't know.

I'll show the owner your post and hope for the best.

Chris

[Old-Thumpa]

Its a great thread you got going here guys, im interested in the upgrades you speak of, RM400N-T rear swing arm, YZ465 front end, seems like that combo would make for a pretty serious offroader, but the added length of the forks would only add to the problems with rake on the front end!!

[Bozola]

It's a decent motor one you've replaced the stock rod with a Titanium Carrillo custom made $$$), upgraded the piston to an Arias, upped the compression to 13:1, and added a reinforced base plate between the cylinder and the case. The mounting bolts are a little susceptible to fatigue and cracking. Since they don't go all the way through the case, this can lead to embarrassing moments on the track.

I guess the engineers put that red line there for a reason.


After we modified the engine, tho', nothing we did fazed it.

[montesa_vr]

Originally Posted by Bozola

It's a decent motor one you've replaced the stock rod with a Titanium Carrillo custom made $$$), upgraded the piston to an Arias, upped the compression to 13:1, and added a reinforced base plate between the cylinder and the case. The mounting bolts are a little susceptible to fatigue and cracking. Since they don't go all the way through the case, this can lead to embarrassing moments on the track.

I guess the engineers put that red line there for a reason.
After we modified the engine, tho', nothing we did fazed it.

Great stuff, Bozola. The XT/TT engines were famous for grenading when piston speed exceeded 4,000 fpm. Glad to hear you discovered a way around it. Was there ever a retail source for the base plate or was that a one-off?

[Bozola]

Originally Posted by montesa_vr

Great stuff, Bozola. The XT/TT engines were famous for grenading when piston speed exceeded 4,000 fpm. Glad to hear you discovered a way around it. Was there ever a retail source for the base plate or was that a one-off?

It was a one-off chunk of billet. I admit that was probably over kill as once you reduce the reciprocating mass and throw away the garbage stock rod the engine is pretty tough. All of the engines stopped detonating once we went with the Arias and Carrillos. The base plate stopped the case from fracturing. Good thing too...XT500 bottom-end are hard to find!

Fun bike to race once you've gotten rid of the stock exhaust, carbs, wheels, rod, piston, seat, fenders, lights, battery, and centerstand. ;)

[Motorcycho]

and it's street legal!