Honda XR500 1979

BARN FIND XR500, bought as a non-runner, sorted electrical issues and started up fine. Pretty sure it's had top-end work done before being parked up. There is a very new,very high compression piston, probably Wiseco, visible down sparkplug hole and new gaskets visible on top-end. Engine starts well with manual de-compressor only, and runs well with a nice quiet valvetrain. Clutch is a bit heavy but works good, Gearbox is very good, changes properly, easy to find neutral and does not jump out of first gear (common problem). Suspect front balancer has been removed, it's not visible through dipstick hole. Frame and running gear is 250, Front forks and clamps appear to be much newer, possibly DRZ?, with the original Honda front wheel fitted. (Has had some of the front brake parts borrowed/mislaid....) Good points >> Good running engine >> good gearbox/clutch >> Countershaft splines excellent >> Good kickstart. >> New shocks Bad points >>Rough! with >> Mismatched parts >>Fairly loud exhaust >> Rough! >> Drips oil from Right cover or bottom case, (has a lot of silicone on that area.) >> missing front brake cable and parts. >> filter foam disintegrated >> float valve drips DOES NOT come with throttle,throttle cable, sidestand, or choke cable( Have borrowed these from my farmbike and they are not great anyway....)
If you want a matching number showpiece, this is not the bike for you. If you want a running, ride-able Classic XR500, and like a challenge, then come and check it out. Would prefer to sell to someone who has inspected bike, it aint pretty and dont want to disappoint anyone...... Can be viewed Brightwater, Nelson. No known history at all, no sign of ever being roadlegal, No guarantees at all either, it wasn't put in a barn to preserve history, more likely Farmer Joe put a piston in it and couldn't get it fired up. Inspection invited, Cheers, Murray. 1979 XR 500 XL 500s 500a vmx