Saturday, January 11, 2014

Free electrical parts

Thanks to the guys at 66 motorcycles, who gave me these bits 'n' pieces for the XL500.

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Video of XL500S running


Click on the link below to see the beast running!

XL250S tank paint scheme

I am thinking that a great way to retain some of the patina on this tank, would be to remove all the paint, but leave all the decal areas intact. Then add a clear coat to the entire tank.

Messing around with fuel tanks




When we bought the bike we also got a few XL250S parts (frame, tank & front end). The pic directly above is the XL250S tank, which is nearly identical to the 500 except that the tunnel underneath the tank is narrower on the 250 and does not clear the decompression mechanism! The tank could be fairly easily modified to fit, I think. The upper two pics show the XL185 tank that I have fitted, this will take a lot more modifications to fit, but I like its compact aesthetic.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Crispy XL500 is go




On the weekend we picked up this Honda XL500 of 1980 vintage. And unlike my previous Suzuki DR400 project, this bike is assembled, runs and rides! This is a joint project, thanks to Cameron and David for becoming joint partners. It has a noisey top end (see video above), so will be investigating this first. Then we need to procure a wiring harness and lights etc so we can get it road registered. see my previous post for potential design schemes for the old girl.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Crispy Honda XL500 tracker motard



Street tracker come motard. XL185 tank, 16x3 tall tyres, flatter seat, red wheels.

Crispy Honda MT125 supermotard continues.....


Just using higher profile tyres (130/90 x 16) front and rear in this option....