Been lurking for awhile, but I started getting a little done on my build so I figured I'd join in the fun and put her out here. Like the title says, I've got an XS500 that has seen much better days and is gettin some winter time lovin'. It had been sitting since 1984 under a tarp outside and was parked with a full tank of gas and the petcocks on, so you can imagine what kind of shape she's in. The engine was stuck from sitting, so a few months ago I filled the cylinders with marvel and waited. After adding oil every couple days for about two weeks I pulled the plugs and rocked her back and forth in gear and she finally broke loose! I went ahead and rebuilt the carbs and cobbled together a makeshift fuel tank so I could hear her run. After about 100 kicks it puffed a little smoke, and after about 100 more kicks she finally fired. The ensuing smoke cloud was impressive enough that one neighbor came over to make sure my garage wasn't on fire, but after running a few minutes it got much better. ;D The left cylinder was seriously stuck, so I'm sure the rings will take some time to loosen up, hopefully after a few heat cycles and lengthy runs.
So anyhow, here are some pics.
Here's how she looked when she came home. An XS500C dresser looks about as natural as the RD400 dresser that used to sit in the back of the Honda shop I used to hang out at....
After stripping off the cruiser garb-
Petcock mess and progress-
Here you can see my new tank. I ran down to Archway Int. Motorcycle Salvage here in St. Louis and found a rust free tank, and I've got $100 worth of petcock parts and gaskets coming any day now. The master cylinders and calipers have been cleaned out and are working properly, so once everything gets here I'll be able to run her around the block! As long as I still feel she's a worthy candidate after the test ride the cleaning/ painting/ modding will commence.
So anyhow, here are some pics.
Here's how she looked when she came home. An XS500C dresser looks about as natural as the RD400 dresser that used to sit in the back of the Honda shop I used to hang out at....
After stripping off the cruiser garb-
Petcock mess and progress-
Here you can see my new tank. I ran down to Archway Int. Motorcycle Salvage here in St. Louis and found a rust free tank, and I've got $100 worth of petcock parts and gaskets coming any day now. The master cylinders and calipers have been cleaned out and are working properly, so once everything gets here I'll be able to run her around the block! As long as I still feel she's a worthy candidate after the test ride the cleaning/ painting/ modding will commence.