xt550 disc brake conversion and tires sizes everything?

[merc4now]

This is my first build and though I plan on doing more this ones avalible to me now and is very close to one I found I really really like. My question is about putting street tires on an enduro rim. Can the stock rims be used? also do you guys just fab bracket to convert to disc brakes or have some people already found cetain calipers will fit easly onto certian bikes. I'll admit I searched a few but found very little on enduros versus all the cb brake swaps. Anyone have a link to info on sawpping out fork or trees? these forks are high as crap, but if i can just mod them I'm cool with that but have no ideal how or who to take it too. So do I ask questions here first then start a build thread? Oh and for any help I'd be very appreciative as this is bascially a copy cat build but I can't find any solid info on this guys build since he sent it to a shop and just posted a youtube vid. the first is one I really like but it's an SR500 and the second is an actually XT500 few years older then mine but doable I'm guessing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plLIXZfTHYw&feature=channel&list=UL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2ydedJ6tPM&feature=channel&list=UL

 

[crazypj]

Use search function for shortening forks, there are a couple of ways of doing it
You can get 21" AVON street tyre if you don't want to change rims just yet

 

[merc4now]

What size does it look like either of those have? The tires on the XT are shot but Id like to buy the actual tire I'd perfer to use instead of two sets. this doesn't have to happen over night It can sit on the bench while I get the help to figure things out for a while. I just didn't know if I need to start searching for a swappable rim or fork set up. here are some pics of the project, I wish I could be like those guys who seem to get a free or 20-60 dollar bike. but around here people think anything metal is gold. Stil not a bad deal to me for a solid yamaha that runs. I can't stand that aluminum swing arm, all square ,but work with what I got until I really nderstand how to change the geometry of the bike, plus not sure how else to setup an internal spring like that. the two in the vids have the side spring mounts and really has a more classic look IMHO

 

[crazypj]

It's a 21" front and probably 18" rear.
If you fit shorter forks you'll have to do something to lower rear end
Lot of people are converting to monoshock so that's fine as is, don't know of a DeCarbon shock correct length to lower it though
Probably find something from an 80's Yamaha streetbike?
You'll have to remove tank and seat to see where everything bolts up.
Get manual and some metric tools before earing into things though, hammer and a bent screwdriver isn't a toolkit
I know what you mean about prices, I never get anything free/cheap (at least not anything I can use)
I was given a CB350f, but, guy has kept title, just in case I re-build it (never going to happen)

 

[merc4now]

lol who has a hammer and a bent screwdriver? I've been working on cars for family and freinds for years I have a fair amount of mechnic tools,power tools and air tools. Just never dropped money on metal working tools so dang expensive, although I have a harbor freight bender I picked up cheap back when I thought I'd do a sidewinder but turns out tubing is expensive as crap and the benderwas cheap becuase it had a rod/die/guide that was snaped in half I ask the local machine shop. Who is apprently so overwhelmed they sent my "little request" to another shop few miles over and they replied with atleast $75 if you provide your own stock. The tank actually isn't even bolted on, its damaged and was repaired by some serious back woods engineering aka jb weld is caked around the pet cock and a hole.

 

[crazypj]

Good to know you have tools and know how to use them ;D
Bike is going to take a lot of work, it does turn over and have a good title?
May as well look for a complete set of forks from something newer and larger diameter (stronger/stiffer will improve handling)
Doubt if you'll find USD forks long enough to work, all modern sport bikes have a 'low' steering head so 'short' forks
Plenty of 2000+ with decent suspension though, I use Suzuki forks on most bikes, lot of them get crashed :
Get a disc front hub for spoked wheel, that way you can convert to better brakes, it really isn't a big deal
You can measure shock length, just raise rear end so it isn't compressed at all
Or, remove it and block bike at around 6"~8" under crankcase then measure what length shock you need