My leg got a little hot for a second there! These xt500s are a beast to kick over! Please SUBSCRIBE and LIKE the video if you enjoyed! It really helps me out a lot! Check out my Instagram: 2_vintage_ Thank you for the support!
Hi you might need the battery on to help with the spark and low compression could be decomposition stuck open just suggestions keep up the great videos
Joe. Google the starting procedure. You have to use the decompression release to get it to the compression stroke. Then release the compression lever. Then kick it all the way through. 120psi it should run. If you can get it to start compression will come up too. Try a new plug as well. If you use the correct starting procedure it won’t wear you out starting that big bore bike. If it doesn’t start on the first or second kick somethings not right. Valve seats. Pipe needs to be on for back pressure. Air box lid on. Good luck.
Easy start : Turn the engine until you feel the compresion . Pull the decompressor lever and slowly turn the engine until you see the little metallic tab trough the little window on the right side of the cylinder head . Release the decompressor and kick it hard with the choke on . I learned to ride motorcycle on those things 😁
That's its spirit animal, fire breathing dragon. 27hp and 666ft lbs of torque. When you crash it sets its self on fire. Maybe it tricks you into going high side, and throws you over the saddle. Maybe you run over your own foot, takes your shoe off and tares a hole in your sock. You have to throw some dirt on it to put the fire out. That's just the way it works. Better be quick.
Look up starting procedure for xt500. You have to use the decompression lever and line up the timing mark through the little sight glass on top cam cover. Clean it off with a tooth pick or qtip. I had the exact bike in the 80’s. Repeat it’s not the timing you just have to get the procedure correct. Hope this helps.
Watching you try and start that beast reminded me of when I had an old XT650- Single Cylinder no compression release. I am only 5"8 and it was a bear to start. Always was cold blooded even after a full rebuild. But once it as going was an awesome machine. I ended up selling as it was two tall and heavy for me. Anytime I fell over on a steep trail needed help getting it back up lol.
My father has just finished restoring one of these. The exhaust that you have is the original and is very very expensive. Also, with a tank in that condition... you are one very lucky man. These beasts when tuned right are absolute tractors. I would recommend taking the original exhaust off to keep it safe and put a "hotdog" straight through pipe on the back. Makes it sound like claps of thunder
I dreamed of owning an xt 500 as a young man , finally got one in 1985 , never have I had so much fun riding a trials motorcycle on and off road , (I am from south wales in the uk , )I rebuilt the motor , ported , polished and applied know-how to the build torque and rideability was amazing for next to no cost . I still regret selling mine , brilliant , versitile bike , I envy you . Still miss the huge grin I got every time I rode mine .👍😎 mine always started first kick once dialled in , you will get the knack.
I own a sr500(street version of the xt500)and it’s a pain in *** to start. You have to get it just right. Kick until you feel you are on the compression stroke and your kick pedal is basically stuck. Then use the decompression lever and kick it 2 inches further. Let off the decompression lever and let the kick pedal come all the way up again. Then kick with everything you got. No throttle and full choke. I never use the looking glass, its more accurate if you do it by feel. I think your carb is from an sr500 btw, they have an accelerator pump. The carb has multiple diaphragms that are very fragile and sitting for so long I would be surprised if they are still able to hold a vacuum. So that’s the next thing I would check. Good luck. If you get it running, it’s a blast.
I had and drove an ‘81 Honda XL 500 single , a true tank of an off road rocket. A solid ride for Fireroads and Medium Rock trails. BUT it was a beast to start when it was morning cold, it too had a decompression lever, thank God! But if you follow the manual or try asking other big bore riders, THEY’LL know what to do. Just watch for kickbacks, it’ll put a thorn in your day. Good luck and happy berming. 👍🇨🇦
I have a 1985 XT600 and had to learn the ONLY way to start it is getting the piston at TDC before kicking it. Also, when it is cold the choke has to be FULLY engaged, not 80%, not 99%, but 100% CHOKE. Of course, the 500 and 600 have different carbs, but that is what mine needs to start. BTW, I think 100 pounds of compression is fine.
The thingy on the carb you were looking at as a "primer" is an accelerator pump or booster pump. You may want to look into that. If its clogged it's not getting the boost of fuel.
@@preez77 my guess is one or 2 flicks of the throttle should prime it enough to fire over. To much throttle could flood it quick. I had the same issues with a boat that had a 2 barrel. Accelerator pump was a pain.
Good luck man! I hate when they sound like their about to start and gives you hope, but doesn't start no matter how much you try. I'm working on a 1976 CB550F that was left outside for over 15 years and was parked because it wasn't running before that. It's been a struggle, but she's running and idles! I haven't got to the higher RPMs since it's not "Street legal" right now. I subbed. Hopefully you get her to run!
They have a key on the flywheel and the shear off when they’ve been sat , I’ve owned 2 of theese and funny enough both had the same issue, Plus you don’t just keep kicking them prime the fuel throttle closed with the prime pump on the carb stroke it a few times decom in then kick it with decom out it might help ,also get some oil in the chamber and let it sit a while if your getting different pressure readings the rings will be stuck good luck I’m waiting for the next video patiently 👍🏻
When yor that guy known to fix shit people tend to give you there broken stuff . Put ads on Facebook and Craigslist saying you'll move old bikes and motorcycles out of peoples yards or that you'll buy there old machines and eventually someone that dont know what they got will come bye and drop something good off.
My boss has three just laying around in assorted states. Like an extra engine and frame too. These were boom era bikes so money money, people buying a new bike every year
the luck you have is astounding !! my first encounter with a motorcycle was on the back of one of these as a 13 year old, they are leg breakers with the compression and a proper wheelie machine
It cost $1440. out the door in 1978. Plenty of fun and mine was once towed from where I was working midnight shift. The guard's didn't like the fact that I would use the outer edge of a mile long parking lot to practice wheeling and the head light told on me. One morning I went to report it stolen and they laughed and said it was towed. Had to hitch a ride to the tow shop and wait for it to open. $50 and a long delay for my hour ride home. I learned something that day. BTW a 38 mukini will wake it up. Really nice find!!!
had the SR500 , your starting is 2 stroke style , 4 stroke singles , ease up to compression , nudge it over to about half kick start travel , let lever back up then a good swing , not a shabby kick a good swing and bang should start , this works on velds as well a well known difficult starter
The reason your tank is perfect on the inside is because it is aluminum, from 1980 on the app or all aluminum, good job on working on the bikes I really like watching your channel
Timmingis quite easy on cam and chain. You have that small glas cap that show you TDC without to remove the valve covers. Right side there is a plastic cover that looks like a huge bolt that is you timing chain tensioner. Timing on chain to valves an be slightly adjusted there to get perfect TDC. Then you check your spark on the points distributer rotor..then check spark on plug. Try again start and please put your tank on connected with the fuel that gives gravity feed to your carb and suction ballance your air fuel mix can be even for proper combustion on spark. No short cuts with XT500. Build 12 of them in my life.
sweet project. keep up the good work. Even though you ultra sonic cleaned the carb, did you confirm that all the passages were clear by blowing air or carb cleaner through them? did you remove the accelerator pump and clean those passages? the passages in the float bowl as well? if you're going to use carb cleaner make sure its stripped of all the rubber bits otherwise, they may get ruined. I've ran into this problem a few times - I always ensured if there is a passage that its clean, including mixture screw, etc. If it has spark, fuel, compression and air, it should fire, but that being said, without the filter, it might be too lean as well. Like some of the comments said, it could be the shear key - but unless someone has been in there before, I doubt that it would be sheared. they usually shear if someone doesn't re-install the flywheel correctly - super clean crank (no oil on the taper) and proper nut torque.
There is a sight glass window on top of cam cover on the right side. Clean the tint window (circular) and there is a visible white ball in that window when that model is at top dead center.
Just went through the same thing on an XT 250 you either have to put a battery in it or short the battery leads and give it a shot of ether it’s best to replace the battery though good luck
Those bikes were a bear to start even when they were new.its all in the starting procedure and how you kick it.thats an accelerator pump on that carb.assuming the diaphragm is good,every time you twist the throttle,it squirts gas directly into the throat of the carb.so keep that in mind every time you twist it,easy to flood is what I'm getting at.
@@jefftheaussie2225 Here in the states the XT500 did come with accelerator pump carb after '79 or '80... I have a '77 XT500 with no accelerator pump.... Cheers mate from the XT lovin' yank in the states... 😮👍😎
@@paulvansteen9310 Mine is a 78 E with no acc pump. We got the US version here, different to the European ones. The one in the video looked like an E. I have owned mine for more than 40 years. Jeff
Yeah !! Dear 2vintage Your vids about this bike are very interresting to me bcause my first bike was the xt 500 ,and i shaked for laugh by your kiking of the old lady ,i nowhet the white spot...very very funny to me after 60000 km on this thing,please go on making vids,and thanks for your work!
Love these bikes. Light and fun. You need a full swing of the kick start to fire up this thing. Use the decompressor to get it on the compression stroke then give it a full swing.
I just got a 74 kawasaki f11. It looks a lot like this. I am currently working on it. Thanks for the video While I was working on mine I noticed it has small spark. I checked the points and mine were stuck. After I cleaned them I have a ton of spark and now it runs. You might want to try that.
Yes, I have watched enough of these videos and points are part of the spark/ignition and just as important as checking spark and fuel. They get sticky and the contacts oxidize.
@@mototommy5525 Yeah. I live in New England, There are a few good deals, mostly more expensive items however. I have had some good luck when i comes to getting cheep dirt bike/atcs/atv/ect.
That thing run with no compresion it never dies 👌🙆♂️ I have an yamaha TTR 600 and never start without the air filter check the cdi maybe 20 y cook that cdi capacitors are drying over time
I love all the 500cc one lug Thumpers. I very nearly bought a bike like this in the mid-80s I just couldn't get the money together fast enough. I did eventually get an sr500 and I rode it as if it were an Enduro.
My neighbor had the tt500. He rebuilt it and sold it for 500$. In 1980, if i knew about it being sold I wouldn't be here today. They was heavy for the dirt. Where do the bikes go when you are done with them? Thanks for sharing this video
Hello; Firstly this is a Monocylinder , if your kick starter is not in a VERTICAL POSITION AT THE TOP ", you will never get 2 rotations of the engine after having pass the " top head center" ; and the spark plug will never fire. Please, pass the "top head center " with the decompressor , (use the help of a top dead centre indicator if you like ), MOVE BACK UP YOUR KICK STARTER ,put the choke on , don't touch the accelerator ( never when the engine is cold ) that will make the gas poorer .....(that undo the fonction of the choke ) Secondly ; Be carefull with the kick starter, hundred and hundred kick like that, could damage a small piece inside . I have a SR 500 ( 1978 ) at home , it the same engine , if you do correctly the procedure you will be able to fire up at the first kick ( in cold or warm condition ) Good luck . Greeting from France. Félix
I know on Yamahas "newer" (yz400,426,450) had the same oil checking system. I found that the accurate way to check the oil is run the bike for a few minutes, don't know if same is that bike but thought this might help
Funny watching you get for mice. I remember buying a tractor out of guys yard. Got home thought I'd take out of truck to look for mice damage instead backnof truck had 4 snakes in it. Guess snakes lived in mower catching mice that wondered in. Lol
Back in '81 (age 14) I never had any prob starting exactly this 'bike! (It was WONDERFUL, like riding God's 'Bike!) Over 40 yrs later, a 1979, 6volt version TT gave me nothing but trouble starting! Either I got old, or the Yammie did! : ) : ) Great work Mate, Persevere! At least you didn't pay $8 grand like I did.
Hey man, i was wondering where you find most of your deals that you get. Do you have a bulk search tool that searches on both craigslist, FB marketplace etc?
That thing honestly looks super clean... but FREE?! Making me think I overpaid for my '73 Z90 lol also, you're in Wisconsin, which is awesome, I'm down in Janesville!
kick it with the kick indicator on the right side of the bike, roll it over until you are at the end of the white mark on the cam. also make sure keep a fresh spark plug with you, I have a tt500 and it tends to fowl them. these are ripping little bikes, they put out almost as much torque as modern 450 does. it should start first kick using the kick indicator
Eric Scarano In Britain on tv in the 80's there was a show called: "Only fools and horses" and there's a character called "Rodney Trotter" Joe reminds me of him 🤷🏽♂️🤷🏿♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏼♂️ check it out 😂🤣🤣
I have 2 of these bikes. If they don't start on the second kick something isn't right. Also, a battery really helps the ignition system fire at full power. I would check the mixture and add a battery...also the spark could be weak. I would put on a new wire, points, plug and test the coil. If you want to sell it, reply to me. They are wheelie machines!
To get it on TDC put it in gear and role it backwards until the rear wheel locks or skids then take out of gear and kick hard. Repeat untill she fires or get a buddy to help push it off.
To start the thing get it to tdc then pull in the decomp lever and go a tiny bit past, let off decomp and let kickstart come back up and give it a nice hard kick it’ll fire right up
Hi I have had a few of these XT500`s in my time google how to start them or else look forward to a broken ankle i kid you not. there is a very specific way one small stroke of the leg and she goes. The other thing is to mention how valuable these bikes have become just that aluminium black and silver tank will cost a small fortune. What a luck you have there!!!!
I believe that lever on the carb is a type of accelerator pump. Do you ever put oil in cylinder prior to trying to kick these old bikes over? Stuck rings are almost always guaranteed on a bike that hasn't been run for years.
it sounds not to bad to me, get some spark & polish up your starting procedure ( some of those CDI's (if it has one ) can play up with age or heat), your feeling stronger in the right leg already , good stuff !
It leaks down into the crank so you don't want to start it with a full crank cuz it could blow seals you want to empty it out put it back up in top in the frame and then start it and let it pump down through it's called a dry sump
My leg got a little hot for a second there! These xt500s are a beast to kick over!
Please SUBSCRIBE and LIKE the video if you enjoyed! It really helps me out a lot!
Check out my Instagram: 2_vintage_
Thank you for the support!
No problem for the best youtuber
can you make a top speed test on it when it’s finished?
Hi you might need the battery on to help with the spark and low compression could be decomposition stuck open just suggestions keep up the great videos
Please get this running ......its not hard to kick ....yet
nice im gonna love watching these types u fix try checking wiring maybe i don't know
Joe. Google the starting procedure. You have to use the decompression release to get it to the compression stroke. Then release the compression lever. Then kick it all the way through. 120psi it should run. If you can get it to start compression will come up too. Try a new plug as well. If you use the correct starting procedure it won’t wear you out starting that big bore bike. If it doesn’t start on the first or second kick somethings not right. Valve seats. Pipe needs to be on for back pressure. Air box lid on. Good luck.
Josh Bannon
One of the most helpful comments I've ever seen 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼
Easy start : Turn the engine until you feel the compresion . Pull the decompressor lever and slowly turn the engine until you see the little metallic tab trough the little window on the right side of the cylinder head . Release the decompressor and kick it hard with the choke on . I learned to ride motorcycle on those things 😁
You got it right Kermit. I had the XR version and it was the same process... Never had to worry about anyone stealing it though.
the bike catching in fire was probably one of my favorite 2vintage moments and trust me theres been a lot of em lmao.
What time did it happen
He didn’t put gas in one of his quads in one video and it receding up so high it could’ve blew up
Reved not receding
That's its spirit animal, fire breathing dragon. 27hp and 666ft lbs of torque. When you crash it sets its self on fire. Maybe it tricks you into going high side, and throws you over the saddle. Maybe you run over your own foot, takes your shoe off and tares a hole in your sock. You have to throw some dirt on it to put the fire out. That's just the way it works. Better be quick.
Look up starting procedure for xt500. You have to use the decompression lever and line up the timing mark through the little sight glass on top cam cover. Clean it off with a tooth pick or qtip. I had the exact bike in the 80’s. Repeat it’s not the timing you just have to get the procedure correct. Hope this helps.
a few more steak dinners,then you'll be ready to start a thumper!
Watching you try and start that beast reminded me of when I had an old XT650- Single Cylinder no compression release. I am only 5"8 and it was a bear to start. Always was cold blooded even after a full rebuild. But once it as going was an awesome machine. I ended up selling as it was two tall and heavy for me. Anytime I fell over on a steep trail needed help getting it back up lol.
My father has just finished restoring one of these. The exhaust that you have is the original and is very very expensive. Also, with a tank in that condition... you are one very lucky man. These beasts when tuned right are absolute tractors. I would recommend taking the original exhaust off to keep it safe and put a "hotdog" straight through pipe on the back. Makes it sound like claps of thunder
I dreamed of owning an xt 500 as a young man , finally got one in 1985 , never have I had so much fun riding a trials motorcycle on and off road , (I am from south wales in the uk , )I rebuilt the motor , ported , polished and applied know-how to the build torque and rideability was amazing for next to no cost . I still regret selling mine , brilliant , versitile bike , I envy you . Still miss the huge grin I got every time I rode mine .👍😎 mine always started first kick once dialled in , you will get the knack.
I own a sr500(street version of the xt500)and it’s a pain in *** to start. You have to get it just right. Kick until you feel you are on the compression stroke and your kick pedal is basically stuck. Then use the decompression lever and kick it 2 inches further. Let off the decompression lever and let the kick pedal come all the way up again. Then kick with everything you got. No throttle and full choke. I never use the looking glass, its more accurate if you do it by feel. I think your carb is from an sr500 btw, they have an accelerator pump. The carb has multiple diaphragms that are very fragile and sitting for so long I would be surprised if they are still able to hold a vacuum. So that’s the next thing I would check. Good luck. If you get it running, it’s a blast.
I like how you get all these machines running . I’ve had a lot of these machine as a kid . great videos keep up the great work!
Would you know where I could find a rebuildable motor ? At this point either TT or XT will work. Thanks, Ben R.
I had and drove an ‘81 Honda XL 500 single , a true tank of an off road rocket. A solid ride for Fireroads and Medium Rock trails. BUT it was a beast to start when it was morning cold, it too had a decompression lever, thank God! But if you follow the manual or try asking other big bore riders, THEY’LL know what to do. Just watch for kickbacks, it’ll put a thorn in your day. Good luck and happy berming. 👍🇨🇦
Always great content! I learn a lot, thanks for sharing!
I have a 1983 XT550J dual sport and had a new electrical harness made. Can hardly wait to get it running
I have a 1985 XT600 and had to learn the ONLY way to start it is getting the piston at TDC before kicking it. Also, when it is cold the choke has to be FULLY engaged, not 80%, not 99%, but 100% CHOKE. Of course, the 500 and 600 have different carbs, but that is what mine needs to start.
BTW, I think 100 pounds of compression is fine.
it amaze's me that you get those carbs together without getting dirt in them from working on a dirty surface,! just saying
The thingy on the carb you were looking at as a "primer" is an accelerator pump or booster pump. You may want to look into that. If its clogged it's not getting the boost of fuel.
I got curious and looked it up, that carb has 2 separate accelerator pumps and an enrichment pump! Pretty complex for a 500cc thumper
@@preez77 my guess is one or 2 flicks of the throttle should prime it enough to fire over. To much throttle could flood it quick. I had the same issues with a boat that had a 2 barrel. Accelerator pump was a pain.
Good luck man! I hate when they sound like their about to start and gives you hope, but doesn't start no matter how much you try. I'm working on a 1976 CB550F that was left outside for over 15 years and was parked because it wasn't running before that. It's been a struggle, but she's running and idles! I haven't got to the higher RPMs since it's not "Street legal" right now. I subbed. Hopefully you get her to run!
I couldn't help but laugh when the bike started roasting and you're standing on it 🤣
They have a key on the flywheel and the shear off when they’ve been sat , I’ve owned 2 of theese and funny enough both had the same issue,
Plus you don’t just keep kicking them prime the fuel throttle closed with the prime pump on the carb stroke it a few times decom in then kick it with decom out it might help ,also get some oil in the chamber and let it sit a while if your getting different pressure readings the rings will be stuck good luck I’m waiting for the next video patiently 👍🏻
Phill Mitchell Lpool
A great comment👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼, very informative and will probably be ignored 🤔
Dude where the hell do y’all “find” all these bikes. 😂
Man I need a Free XT 500 real bad ya know?
When yor that guy known to fix shit people tend to give you there broken stuff . Put ads on Facebook and Craigslist saying you'll move old bikes and motorcycles out of peoples yards or that you'll buy there old machines and eventually someone that dont know what they got will come bye and drop something good off.
@@deborahchesser7375 What state are you in Deborah? My father has one he's looking to find a good home for
My boss has three just laying around in assorted states. Like an extra engine and frame too. These were boom era bikes so money money, people buying a new bike every year
Tt500s especially literally fall from the skies.
wow what a classic
the luck you have is astounding !! my first encounter with a motorcycle was on the back of one of these as a 13 year old, they are leg breakers with the compression and a proper wheelie
machine
I am liking these fix up videos a lot at the moment. Keep up the good work hopefully you get that beast going
check the oil level when oil is hot. when its cold all the oil is in the sump especially after standing a long time
Gee your bringing back some memories for me now Joe,the 500cc thumper the old xt 500
It cost $1440. out the door in 1978.
Plenty of fun and mine was once towed from where I was working midnight shift.
The guard's didn't like the fact that I would use the outer edge of a mile long parking lot to practice wheeling and the head light told on me.
One morning I went to report it stolen and they laughed and said it was towed.
Had to hitch a ride to the tow shop and wait for it to open.
$50 and a long delay for my hour ride home.
I learned something that day.
BTW a 38 mukini will wake it up.
Really nice find!!!
had the SR500 , your starting is 2 stroke style , 4 stroke singles , ease up to compression , nudge it over to about half kick start travel , let lever back up then a good swing , not a shabby kick a good swing and bang should start , this works on velds as well a well known difficult starter
The reason your tank is perfect on the inside is because it is aluminum, from 1980 on the app or all aluminum, good job on working on the bikes I really like watching your channel
I’m glad you said that saved me a job
Timmingis quite easy on cam and chain. You have that small glas cap that show you TDC without to remove the valve covers. Right side there is a plastic cover that looks like a huge bolt that is you timing chain tensioner. Timing on chain to valves an be slightly adjusted there to get perfect TDC. Then you check your spark on the points distributer rotor..then check spark on plug. Try again start and please put your tank on connected with the fuel that gives gravity feed to your carb and suction ballance your air fuel mix can be even for proper combustion on spark. No short cuts with XT500. Build 12 of them in my life.
Thank you for this video. I've learned so much and now I'm hyped.
Hey have you thought of getting an impact screwdriver? It would make taking out screws that are stuck in.
sweet project. keep up the good work. Even though you ultra sonic cleaned the carb, did you confirm that all the passages were clear by blowing air or carb cleaner through them? did you remove the accelerator pump and clean those passages? the passages in the float bowl as well? if you're going to use carb cleaner make sure its stripped of all the rubber bits otherwise, they may get ruined. I've ran into this problem a few times - I always ensured if there is a passage that its clean, including mixture screw, etc. If it has spark, fuel, compression and air, it should fire, but that being said, without the filter, it might be too lean as well. Like some of the comments said, it could be the shear key - but unless someone has been in there before, I doubt that it would be sheared. they usually shear if someone doesn't re-install the flywheel correctly - super clean crank (no oil on the taper) and proper nut torque.
This is amazing! My 2001 Husqvarna 50 pit bike has the same problems but instead of fire its RAW Gas.
👌🏼Awesome video!! Great work and what an amazing place to live. Hi from Australia 👋🏼
There is a sight glass window on top of cam cover on the right side. Clean the tint window (circular) and there is a visible white ball in that window when that model is at top dead center.
He prefers to learn the hard way, by not taking any advice.
Love that bike!!!! Miss my old 77 XT 500.
They are really expensive and collectiable here in Denmark
Just went through the same thing on an XT 250 you either have to put a battery in it or short the battery leads and give it a shot of ether it’s best to replace the battery though good luck
Did you check the spark point and condenser. Right side of engin 3 Allen key bolts to loosen. Gap setting if I remember correctly 00.25
Also the thing you were asking about on the carb is the throttle adjustment
Those bikes were a bear to start even when they were new.its all in the starting procedure and how you kick it.thats an accelerator pump on that carb.assuming the diaphragm is good,every
time you twist the throttle,it squirts gas directly into the throat of the carb.so keep that in mind every time you twist it,easy to flood is what I'm getting at.
No accelerator pump on the 500.
@@jefftheaussie2225
Here in the states the XT500 did come with accelerator pump carb after '79 or '80...
I have a '77 XT500 with no accelerator pump....
Cheers mate from the XT lovin' yank in the states...
😮👍😎
@@paulvansteen9310 Mine is a 78 E with no acc pump. We got the US version here, different to the European ones. The one in the video looked like an E. I have owned mine for more than 40 years. Jeff
Yeah !! Dear 2vintage
Your vids about this bike are very interresting to me bcause my first bike was the xt 500 ,and i shaked for laugh by your kiking of the old lady ,i nowhet the white spot...very very funny to me after 60000 km on this thing,please go on making vids,and thanks for your work!
Cool bike for sure hope it gets running would like to see an oldie get back going again
I love you video’s man keep going
Glad I’m not the only one that struggle my 550 xt a pain to start
Love these bikes. Light and fun. You need a full swing of the kick start to fire up this thing. Use the decompressor to get it on the compression stroke then give it a full swing.
Why not use the compression release for starting on the handlebars?
Because he doesn't know how.
You have to prime it to get the piston at tdc once there pull the decompression and then kick it over I had one of these
if yall want to skip to the fire well than to bad. oops- 23:30
Where did you get the new petcock? Great bike, thanks for sharing, as always.
Was waiting for the kickback 😁
I just got a 74 kawasaki f11. It looks a lot like this. I am currently working on it. Thanks for the video
While I was working on mine I noticed it has small spark. I checked the points and mine were stuck. After I cleaned them I have a ton of spark and now it runs. You might want to try that.
Yes, I have watched enough of these videos and points are part of the spark/ignition and just as important as checking spark and fuel. They get sticky and the contacts oxidize.
FREE!?!!?!? wow. Great deal! I have actually never heard of that modal of bike before. cool!
Lots of them over here in the uk
@@mototommy5525 lucky!
Maybe you probably have bikes over where u are we don't have
@@mototommy5525 Yeah. I live in New England, There are a few good deals, mostly more expensive items however. I have had some good luck when i comes to getting cheep dirt bike/atcs/atv/ect.
@@mototommy5525 yeah. Do you have lots of KTM's?
AT 23 min in. does he put in oil? or did that off-camera?
That thing run with no compresion it never dies 👌🙆♂️ I have an yamaha TTR 600 and never start without the air filter check the cdi maybe 20 y cook that cdi capacitors are drying over time
I love all the 500cc one lug Thumpers. I very nearly bought a bike like this in the mid-80s I just couldn't get the money together fast enough. I did eventually get an sr500 and I rode it as if it were an Enduro.
Had one identical to it back in the day, great bike, powerful as hell. Be careful.
My neighbor had the tt500. He rebuilt it and sold it for 500$. In 1980, if i knew about it being sold I wouldn't be here today. They was heavy for the dirt. Where do the bikes go when you are done with them? Thanks for sharing this video
Hello;
Firstly this is a Monocylinder , if your kick starter is not in a VERTICAL POSITION AT THE TOP ", you will never get 2 rotations of the engine after having pass the " top head center" ; and the spark plug will never fire.
Please, pass the "top head center " with the decompressor , (use the help of a top dead centre indicator if you like ), MOVE BACK UP YOUR KICK STARTER ,put the choke on , don't touch the accelerator ( never when the engine is cold ) that will make the gas poorer .....(that undo the fonction of the choke )
Secondly ; Be carefull with the kick starter, hundred and hundred kick like that, could damage a small piece inside .
I have a SR 500 ( 1978 ) at home , it the same engine , if you do correctly the procedure you will be able to fire up at the first kick ( in cold or warm condition )
Good luck .
Greeting from France.
Félix
Nice bike - that was the model with the Al tank, beaut! Check the points? Missing the bash plate btw.
I have the brown 1977 version of this bike done lots of work to it and ride it on and off road all the time
FYI, If it has compression release, use it!!
Ok u win . I've fix aot of off road stuff but have not come across one with accelerator pump on the carb.
I know on Yamahas "newer" (yz400,426,450) had the same oil checking system. I found that the accurate way to check the oil is run the bike for a few minutes, don't know if same is that bike but thought this might help
Love to see a tt500 conversion, the motor can be an absolute beast.
Funny watching you get for mice. I remember buying a tractor out of guys yard. Got home thought I'd take out of truck to look for mice damage instead backnof truck had 4 snakes in it. Guess snakes lived in mower catching mice that wondered in. Lol
I kept waiting for the kickbacks lol
Back in '81 (age 14) I never had any prob starting exactly this 'bike! (It was WONDERFUL, like riding God's 'Bike!)
Over 40 yrs later, a 1979, 6volt version TT gave me nothing but trouble starting!
Either I got old, or the Yammie did! : ) : )
Great work Mate, Persevere! At least you didn't pay $8 grand like I did.
Grate looking bike classic my kind of bike I would drive about in, best of luck getting her running 👍
Hey man, i was wondering where you find most of your deals that you get. Do you have a bulk search tool that searches on both craigslist, FB marketplace etc?
I got a good laugh when it was on fire and it took u some time to find it lolol did your leg get hot bud
That thing honestly looks super clean... but FREE?! Making me think I overpaid for my '73 Z90 lol also, you're in Wisconsin, which is awesome, I'm down in Janesville!
kick it with the kick indicator on the right side of the bike, roll it over until you are at the end of the white mark on the cam. also make sure keep a fresh spark plug with you, I have a tt500 and it tends to fowl them. these are ripping little bikes, they put out almost as much torque as modern 450 does. it should start first kick using the kick indicator
Today’s lesson is... Joe needs to quit skipping leg day at the gym... 😂
Eric Scarano
In Britain on tv in the 80's there was a show called: "Only fools and horses" and there's a character called "Rodney Trotter" Joe reminds me of him 🤷🏽♂️🤷🏿♂️🤷🏻♂️🤷🏼♂️ check it out 😂🤣🤣
Had 2 my favorite xt 55O had 2 BEST days 1982 thanks informative video time gets everything thats LIFE LOL
She looks like a true classic Would be a nice ground up build to restore all the way worth top dollar long run 💯💪🏿 She’s a beauty
You should know that those bikes are notorious for kicking back hard when the cylinder gets charged up.
Very hard and it hurts like hell...
Always clear the airbox before checking for spark.
I have 2 of these bikes. If they don't start on the second kick something isn't right. Also, a battery really helps the ignition system fire at full power. I would check the mixture and add a battery...also the spark could be weak. I would put on a new wire, points, plug and test the coil. If you want to sell it, reply to me. They are wheelie machines!
I can’t believe there’s no rust in that aluminum tank!?!?
One of them completely restored will fetch 10grand here in the UK
To get it on TDC put it in gear and role it backwards until the rear wheel locks or skids then take out of gear and kick hard. Repeat untill she fires or get a buddy to help push it off.
To start the thing get it to tdc then pull in the decomp lever and go a tiny bit past, let off decomp and let kickstart come back up and give it a nice hard kick it’ll fire right up
I love this bike I had one back in 1985 and it was a bad ass bike really strong and tuff to start but worth every min of riding it
What is the stuff you use to restore your plastics?
shoot propane from a propane torch into the air filter for 5 secs or so . will start every time , then it will begin to draw from the carb
That carb came out pretty clean! What do you use for cleaning solution in the Ultrasonic cleaner?
He doesn't care enough to answer any questions.
Hey i had a xt200 and found that the cdi unit was no good check that out
It’s a points motor.
it has a kick indicator on the right hand side of the camshaft mate..
I had the same year and model. I always just bump started it in 2nd gear.
Great video😁😁
HI, just a quick question: (probably asked many times) What you do or plan to do with all restored bikes and atv's? You can open exibition soon!
Hated the frame oil sump, but better use the compression release, itll break your leg. Extremely powerful and quick bikes.
Sound like CDI unit, had a xl600 same lookin fault.hope this helps.
Hi
I have had a few of these XT500`s in my time google how to start them or else look forward to a broken ankle i kid you not.
there is a very specific way one small stroke of the leg and she goes.
The other thing is to mention how valuable these bikes have become just that aluminium black and silver tank will cost a small fortune.
What a luck you have there!!!!
I believe that lever on the carb is a type of accelerator pump. Do you ever put oil in cylinder prior to trying to kick these old bikes over? Stuck rings are almost always guaranteed on a bike that hasn't been run for years.
I know you bought oil.... dumb question? Did you put any in it?
it sounds not to bad to me, get some spark & polish up your starting procedure ( some of those CDI's (if it has one ) can play up with age or heat), your feeling stronger in the right leg already , good stuff !
It leaks down into the crank so you don't want to start it with a full crank cuz it could blow seals you want to empty it out put it back up in top in the frame and then start it and let it pump down through it's called a dry sump