Mike, good question. The XT 500 is one of those motor bikes that can be underestimated, over the last 30 years I have had the privilege of owning quite a few of them and I can honestly say that when they are looked after and serviced regularly, they can climb any hill and handle well on any trail. They do have one consideration when riding a trail ride, they are not the lightest bike around and can be tiring. This particular bike is really a beaut. She will go anywhere, anytime, any distance.
I've started my 91 KLR 250 those three ways have also used Left leg to kick it over when I broke my right leg. Wish we could still get the klr 250 here in the US
My dad is one of the best xt500 mechanics in north America. Owns several of these and has traveled across country's on them. You would enjoy talking with him i bet.
sixfootjesus my friend I would surely enjoy speaking to your dad. Show your dad the video and ask him to follow the steps I have out-lined. It would be great to see what his reaction to the technique would be.
Proper way to start them (which is what he has shown but didnt properly explain) is bring it up to compression lift the kick start to top pull in the decompressor lever slowly push the kick start half way down you can see if your in the right position through the camshaft position window (as he said you dont need to look) then lift kick start to top again and kick fully down holding the kickstart at the bottom till your sure it has started as there is a mechanism that disengages the kick start in case it kicks back (my first XT kicked me back broke a gear in the kick start mechanism and my foot left the kick start and connected with the handlebars! Ouch) Using the proper method you can start it with your hand as you are not kicking it over compression only getting it spinning and the momentum takes it up to and over compression, the comments about it having low compression are not correct and probably made by people that have never owned one. To bump it you have to get the engine spinning in first gear using the valve lifter (as he showed but didn't explain) i'm not as tall as him and nearly dropped it in the past doing this as sometimes it may stop dead when you let out the valve lifter and throw you of balance and nearly falling over with the bike so I avoid that now and get a push :)
Hey Dave, you are the first person to hit the nail on the head. This video was made at the spur of the moment without any script, which explains the lack of explanation on technique. Besides that I would have thought with all the motor-heads out there, they would see the challenge and figure it out, like yourself. The motor was rebuild by Yamaha and re-sleeved to the original specs. I am at the moment in the process of giving her a complete overhaul(not the motor). I've been really slow at it and everything is now ready for assembly but I'm trying to source the original exhaust, complete with the headers.The bike was not quite in it's original state, as was pointed out but the reference that I made was about how she looked when she was bought(paint and frame wise). Unfortunately there will always be haters in the world.I've, since we made the video, bought the bike from my mate. Something I waited 30 years for. So in reality, I don't feel the need to rush this baby. Thank you for your input, it was appreciated.
My own XT 500 has a rebuilt engine with great compression (former owner ruined the engine by trying a crap tuning job), and I made sure everything else is in prime condition also. My observation: While there's NFW I could bump start it (wheel locks immediately), I can easily start it by hand. No biggy if you pull *steadily* (as opposed to jerking it down, hard). Buddy of mine almost got in a fight when he pulled the same stunt: Some other XT 500 owner had kicked the effing hell out of his bike, to no avail. My (short and wiry!) buddy walked over and asked "why don't you just START the thing" and pulled down the kicker, by hand. Engine revved up immediately - owner went ballistic. LMAO.
All you haters out there, Buy me a ticket to where ever you are in the world and arrange for there to be 10 XT 500's on hand. Allow me an hour to go over your bikes and I will allow you to watch how easy it is. Now that's a challenge.
No matter how often I saw this video in the past, I still love it. Cool XT-mechanic with lots of humor. Haven't tried to "walk start" or "throw start" my own XT yet, maybe I'm to faint-hearted ;-) But I even don't need to look into the window. You can feel it in the decompression lever when the engine is in top dead center (the best position to start it). And from there it's a peace of cake to kick it. All those stories of people breaking their fibula or been thrown into the air by the kickstarter, doesn't happen "if you know your motor", and I'm not sure if those stories aren't just urban legends.
If your valves are worn out and ya got a tired motor and your timing chain is stretched you can attempt to start it like that. But not mine! You would never ever walk start it nor hand throw it! Mine has a 14:1 compression on a pop up piston and 1mm oversized valves and a cam. It will throw you over the bars and yes it can cause serious injury if it should kick back catch you in the calf your done for the day!. It makes kick starting a Harley look like kickstarting a pw50. This dudes bike engine desperately needs to be rebuilt and get the compression back up to snuff! But I love to wack the throttle at 50mph and have the front wheel come up effortlessly!
andy d, in the dead of winter, in the light of summer. This machine starts up at the drop of a hat. My mate this bike is well looked after and is mechanically sound. The timing is spot on and the COMPRESSION is sweat. Hot or COLD. I must concede that you are right, one of these beaut's did break my ankle and that's the reason I learn't to start it with a different technique.
Beautiful! I remember as a 12 year old seeing a brand new one 1980 model L looked at it and swore one day I'll have one and one day I may still. :-) cheers BB
@@pete_boy71 I fell in love with it in the early eighties, exact the 1980 model. And since 1986 I own my 1980 model. Admittedly somekind of hate-love. Haven't run it for nearly 20 years now. It's a shame.
I have a 1980 XT500 with a 10.5:1 90mm kit and my 135lb girlfriend can kick it over dead cold. The simple trick is knowing that resistance of compression is NOT top dead center, you got to go a little further, and actually kicking all the way through.
Howzit everyone. I see there have been a few comments on the Video, thank you all. peter2recycle perhaps I didn't make myself clear, you are absolutely right about the muffler/seat and bash plate but what you failed to understand is that in the greater scheme of things was that the bike was still in it's original form, including it's paint job. I'm sorry that you felt the need to take out a fine tooth comb and become analytical. The video was put together to show that when some one really loves their bike like my BOET Rusty, they would go to any lengths to preserve the beauty of even the old machines. Now lets clarify the boet and smart arse connection, it was really just to add a bit of humour, Lets face it you missed the boat on that. One last thing boet I'm not an old mate just old. Oh by the by for the record the three parts that our boet peter2recycle pointed out have been sourced and will be fitted shortly. Not to worry peter2recycle they were found a long time before you made your comment ( which was appreciated, thank you).
Well my XT must have much more compression going on!!! If you try to bump start it the back wheel will just lock. Even if sitting on it and going down hill. The kick start will hold up my weight of 12 stone no problem, needs my whole body weight thrust down on it to fire up. No way could it be started by hand! It goes like a wild mustang, seriously fast and so much torque. I can bounce the front wheel up and down almost on the spot just flicking the throttle
Leo my friend it sounds to me like your bike has got quite a bit of compression. Do me favour and switch the key on,put your bike into first gear. Hold both the clutch and decompression levers in and start pushing your bike forward, now let the clutch out by itself. The bike will continue to go forward because you have the decompression lever in. Now slowly release the decompression lever and if your bike is properly tuned you will find that the engine will take. Pull the clutch in and voila, the bike has started in first gear at a walk. Starting it by hand is really not as hard as you believe, when you believe in yourself. This video is not a hoax. The bike is really a beautiful machine which has been perfectly looked after and maintained. I would be quite interested in seeing if you can get it right.
Xt550 or xt500? Cos my xt 550 does the same and mine is different than the rest I've looked for one like mine everywhere and can't find one even half like it
My friend bought a TT-500 New to build a Hillclimber to replace his twin Cylinder BSA that he ran on Methanol and Nitromethane as most . He was riding it down the road to to a plug check it started raining really hard and and old lady pulled her car to the side of the road.. When he went to pas her she did a you turn .. he het the side of her car and broke his leg in 7 places.. totaled out the bike and he retired from hill climbing ..
No matter how many times i showed my brother how to start it when he came home on leave, he always came home from his rides pushing it. It's easy when you know how 😁
You can order the Haines workshop manual, I think they are probably the best for illustrations and overall comprehensiveness. You should also check out some XT 500 sites in the UK, there are some suppliers that stock an incredible range of stock including wiring looms for the XT 500.
@@mikeskidmore6754 these numbers ? i don`t know ? there were no dirt bikes in the 70`s and where i live (tirol) i can`t remember such small bikes ( only ancient puch etc),,under 350ccm you were a child and underage to ride a motorbike,starting at 500ccm would be at least normal..so the xt was one of the smallest bike used...like i remember
@@pete_boy71 I had a '74 Yamaha YZ-80-A with GYT tripled the Power .. I had '76 Yamaha MX-125-C basically the same as the YZ-125 but it had twin Kayaba shocks laid down in the back .. then I had a 1978 YZ-100-E with Monoshock
Lovely bikes! I am in Durban and have original 78 (Black and white steel tank) and 79 (exact colour of this one) both with original exhausts, an 84 Black and silver aluminium tank), and yes you can start them by as shown in the video. Use the valve lifter, not the clutch!
Hans van Veen blow me. I challenge you. Buy my ticket to where ever you are and arrange for there to be 5 nay 10 XT500's and a TT600 and I will show you how you do it.
TroyaE117 I have been explaining to quite a few people already about the technique of starting the bike like this. It really is not an illusion, the bike starts as easy as you see it and has perfect compression or should I say as perfect as one can get it. This bike is a babe so she is beautiful not handsome.
I've had a couple of these and sorely regretting not having one now. I seem to remember I just kicked a time or two til I felt compression then gave it a reasonably firm kick and vrooom. Although I kept the end of the kickstart under the middle of my foot - if it did kick back it would just slip out from under your foot. Don't remember that happening much tho.
Yamaha need to bring back the XT500. The WR250R is too tall for everyday riding and pricey. The WR450F is 38" tall and street legal only for Australia and pricey. The new XT250 is about right but lack power for highway riding. The SR400 is too heavy. I can't understand why the Japanese bike makers can't see what the bulk number of riders want.
Met this great mechanic a while ago in Pietermaritzburg but lost his number. I am getting a XT500 in a month or so and would like him to tune the motor etc. How can i get hold of him. Your help would be greatly appreciated
Henry Lamprecht it was over a year ago and I lost his details. I met him at Lorenzos bike parts in pietermaritzburg. I'm collecting my bike next week so will keep on looking.
Oh BTW I never use the kicker window on any of mine and the 76 xt 500c don't even have one I have better luck starting all of mine with out using the window an they fire almost every time the 1st time clean points or electronic ignition help a bunch lmao
I'm busy negotiating with a guy who is selling a 1979 XT 500 F ...does the year and model sound right? It has a plastic camel tank which is probably not original and the bike needs restoration but having previously owned one I'm looking at it as a restoration project. How readily available are parts these days.
Alan Crossley I wouldn't hesitate mate, the parts are available in the UK, USA and a few other countries. I haven't checked the year versus model in quite some time but you should be able to check on the internet.
Todd my experience on a hot start problem always leads me to a fuel situation and more often than not it's because you are turning the throttle slightly. If your bike is properly tuned you don't need to give it fuel when you start it. The XT 500 is known for flooding when they are warm. Start it cold and then go for a decent ride, switch her off and leave her alone for awhile and then try starting her with your right hand on the cross bar of you handle bars. It works for me. Please let me know how it works out. Todd Guillory
I had one for 20 years and a BSA Goldstar before that, so I know thumpers. Yamaha was perfectly tuned, never started like that when cold and usually impossible to start when hot. Goldstar did not have a "little window" nor did it have a ridiculous carburettor with a hot start button. Always started easy and did not matter where the throttle position was. Thumpers are basically lawn mower engines, there should be NO difficulties ever.
Does this thing have a compression release or something? Cuz umm...I have one that does not and there is no way in bloody hell anyone is walking my bike in gear, much less using your hand to start it.
The XT500 was a good semi-off roader, and good on the road also, topping out at about 85mph. Only reasonable off road as the flywheel was too small which made stalling very easy and starting in a muddy field with muddy boots difficult [unlike the vid in perfect situations] made it a pig to start. Also good was Yamaha DT400 and Suzuki TS400. Better for off road was the smaller bikes. Yamaha DT175 very good off road, very light weight and easy to start, not much top speed on the road though.
Ha ha - whats a "single stroke" 500? Is that half a two stroke! That must be how you can start it so easily!! Well as no-one else in the hundreds of XT & SR 500s owners in the UK & USA members clubs that I'm in can start their bike like you do, I guess that you really must be the "best (only) XT mechanic" in the world! Either that or you have no compression! Brilliant!
Col my friend I have never made that claim but judging by your comment, you really didn't read my very detailed explanation of how easy it is when you know how. Please my mate; I don't belong to any club so I'm limited to the exposure you have, show your members and I think you will find one of them that will indeed work out the method. It really is as easy as it looks. Now the question of my compression, here I must confess that when I was younger, my compression was as sound as a Swiss watch, it has however begun to fail and my wife complains bitterly about my unexpected releases. The bike on the other hand is still beautifully balanced and lacking in no way when it comes to compression. I think that the only way for me to prove this is not some kind of hoax is to do another video with an independant observer, Maybe even more XT's. Stick around Col I'm going to find some more willing participants.
Does this still have the 6v electrics? I have a 76' that I got running last year. Fitted a new Battery, CDI, points and condenser (Timed correctly) as well as a rebuilt carb. Came to start it this year after refitting the C clip for the selector shaft and now it won't start! Has compression, spark and fuel flowing as it should. Any ideas as to what it could be? Many thanks.
Ethan Senior Ethan great name mate same as my son's. Ethan with a CDI why would you have point's and a condensor, surely you would have upgraded to an electronic ignition. Also you have rebuild the carb, chech to make sure you not flooding the motor. The XT 500 floods on a sniff. Personally I know it's antiquated but Being old school I love the original coil system. But that's me boet.
Shame, lots of comments and I couldn't find one person who believes that you can start it by hand. Well I have seen it done often, an on many different XT500 by Francois XT in Kraaifontein.... and guess what: Kraaifontein is in South Africa. Having said that I'm South African and I prefer to use my boots. I've been send to hospital before trying to start a XT600 with Plakkies (flip flops).
wow, mine would never start that easy... i used to have to decomp it and roll down a hill in 4th or it would compression lock damaged my foot permanently from trying to kick start it at a young age. still miss it though
Notmah Cuppatea I broke my ankle on a XT500 and that is why I learnt to start my bike like this. There are haters out there that try and refute the video but it is legit. She is a beautiful bike.
I owned one of these bikes , and I agree that it was the best 500cc ever built , but there is no way you could ever kick it over by hand , or bump start it while walking beside it , you had sit on it , roll it down a slope or have someone push you . My bike was 100% in tune ,but I think this bike is lacking compressing big time to turn it over by hand .
Oh my god - your motor must be absolutely knackered if you can start it that easily! My old lawnmower has more compression that that! If the engine is working correctly and the valve seats, guides rings, piston and bore aren't worn, you should be able to stand on the kick starter and it wont turnover - that is characteristic of big 4 stroke singles, and why Yamaha put a decompressor lever on it because it takes an age to get it up to TDC without it. Being able to push start your XT without even putting any weight over the back wheel (and it doesn't lock up when you release the clutch) means that you have little or zero compression so 90% of your 34 PS is lost! You absolutely need to get it compression tested - it will confirm what I have said (I do know what I am on about as I've been running XT500's since 1978!). And starting it with you hand? that's just the funniest thing I've seen this in years! Seriously give it a rebuild!
Col my Col, since 1978 and you still don't know your engine. I would be more worried about that than this one needing a rebuild. For the record there is nothing wrong with the compression on this engine in fact has recently been done, It was re-sleeved and the bore is back to the original bore size of 87.00-87.02mm and just in case you silly enough to say something like "well then your valve clearances are not set properly, they are at Intake 0.02- 0.04mm and exhaust 0.04- 0.06mm. Which if you know your engines as well as you claim, are factory spec. Are you still laughing boet? Here's an excercise for you to do. Go out side and get your XT 500. Now switch the key on, thats right turn it clockwise. Make sure your petrol is on and primed. Engage 1st gear, don't be scared just do it. Now pull both your clutch and decompression lever's in and slowly begin to push your bike forward. When you get to a comfortable speed keep you decompression lever in and let your clutch out (the motor will turn freely because you have the decompression lever in) now let the decompression lever out slowly and when the engine takes pull the clutch in, vola. Bike is now started, go for a ride. Col I'm glad you mentioned TDC, a lot of folk don't understand the significance. It's because of TDC that I can start the bike by hand. When I primed the bike you should have watched my left hand while I was priming the engine to TDC and even with the decompresion lever in you can see the engine resisting the turn. I tell what, pay for my trip and I will happily come over to you and give you a demonstration on a XT 500 of your choice or for that matter a TT600. The lesson for me came when I broke my leg kick starting my first XT 500. I had no choice but to learn the alternative methods. That happened in 1982 and was a brand new XT 500. Oh by the way I was only 17 then and even with a broken leg and cast I rode every day. There is one thing I must admit though, I have never been able to push start a lawn mower, any tips boet? I am extremely happy though that I was able to make you laugh, If I made one person laugh then I have done something right for a change. Love you brother, happy riding.
Put it in gear and let the clutch out. Pull the bike backwards until it stops. Pull in the clutch and kick. Did it for years. Works every time.
I could start mine by hand too. 78 bought in 78,, still have it. Love it
Looking hard for a same bike...(still looking)
1978 2J2 SR500E 👍 🇦🇺
I totally agree: YAMAHA should produce the XT 500 even today!!!
They have the sr 400 and sr500
A Tenere 500!💯💥
I like your style! Just bought my first XT500 so looking forward to all its greatness! Cheers from Wales
that exhaust sounds incredible!
"not for the faint hearted but for South African men" Too cool! :-) Great bike!
Mike, good question. The XT 500 is one of those motor bikes that can be underestimated, over the last 30 years I have had the privilege of owning quite a few of them and I can honestly say that when they are looked after and serviced regularly, they can climb any hill and handle well on any trail. They do have one consideration when riding a trail ride, they are not the lightest bike around and can be tiring. This particular bike is really a beaut. She will go anywhere, anytime, any distance.
I've started my 91 KLR 250 those three ways have also used Left leg to kick it over when I broke my right leg. Wish we could still get the klr 250 here in the US
That is a beauty. I have a 78 and 79 in the garage, one road one off-road, love those bikes.
My dad is one of the best xt500 mechanics in north America. Owns several of these and has traveled across country's on them. You would enjoy talking with him i bet.
sixfootjesus my friend I would surely enjoy speaking to your dad. Show your dad the video and ask him to follow the steps I have out-lined. It would be great to see what his reaction to the technique would be.
I prefer the "supertrap" exhaust. So torquey and sounds so angry!
Proper way to start them (which is what he has shown but didnt properly explain) is bring it up to compression lift the kick start to top pull in the decompressor lever slowly push the kick start half way down you can see if your in the right position through the camshaft position window (as he said you dont need to look) then lift kick start to top again and kick fully down holding the kickstart at the bottom till your sure it has started as there is a mechanism that disengages the kick start in case it kicks back (my first XT kicked me back broke a gear in the kick start mechanism and my foot left the kick start and connected with the handlebars! Ouch) Using the proper method you can start it with your hand as you are not kicking it over compression only getting it spinning and the momentum takes it up to and over compression, the comments about it having low compression are not correct and probably made by people that have never owned one. To bump it you have to get the engine spinning in first gear using the valve lifter (as he showed but didn't explain) i'm not as tall as him and nearly dropped it in the past doing this as sometimes it may stop dead when you let out the valve lifter and throw you of balance and nearly falling over with the bike so I avoid that now and get a push :)
Hey Dave, you are the first person to hit the nail on the head. This video was made at the spur of the moment without any script, which explains the lack of explanation on technique. Besides that I would have thought with all the motor-heads out there, they would see the challenge and figure it out, like yourself. The motor was rebuild by Yamaha and re-sleeved to the original specs. I am at the moment in the process of giving her a complete overhaul(not the motor). I've been really slow at it and everything is now ready for assembly but I'm trying to source the original exhaust, complete with the headers.The bike was not quite in it's original state, as was pointed out but the reference that I made was about how she looked when she was bought(paint and frame wise). Unfortunately there will always be haters in the world.I've, since we made the video, bought the bike from my mate. Something I waited 30 years for. So in reality, I don't feel the need to rush this baby. Thank you for your input, it was appreciated.
My own XT 500 has a rebuilt engine with great compression (former owner ruined the engine by trying a crap tuning job), and I made sure everything else is in prime condition also. My observation: While there's NFW I could bump start it (wheel locks immediately), I can easily start it by hand. No biggy if you pull *steadily* (as opposed to jerking it down, hard).
Buddy of mine almost got in a fight when he pulled the same stunt: Some other XT 500 owner had kicked the effing hell out of his bike, to no avail. My (short and wiry!) buddy walked over and asked "why don't you just START the thing" and pulled down the kicker, by hand. Engine revved up immediately - owner went ballistic. LMAO.
All you haters out there, Buy me a ticket to where ever you are in the world and arrange for there to be 10 XT 500's on hand. Allow me an hour to go over your bikes and I will allow you to watch how easy it is. Now that's a challenge.
4th way, I have my grandma start it for me.....☺
No matter how often I saw this video in the past, I still love it. Cool XT-mechanic with lots of humor. Haven't tried to "walk start" or "throw start" my own XT yet, maybe I'm to faint-hearted ;-) But I even don't need to look into the window. You can feel it in the decompression lever when the engine is in top dead center (the best position to start it). And from there it's a peace of cake to kick it. All those stories of people breaking their fibula or been thrown into the air by the kickstarter, doesn't happen "if you know your motor", and I'm not sure if those stories aren't just urban legends.
If your valves are worn out and ya got a tired motor and your timing chain is stretched you can attempt to start it like that. But not mine! You would never ever walk start it nor hand throw it! Mine has a 14:1 compression on a pop up piston and 1mm oversized valves and a cam. It will throw you over the bars and yes it can cause serious injury if it should kick back catch you in the calf your done for the day!. It makes kick starting a Harley look like kickstarting a pw50. This dudes bike engine desperately needs to be rebuilt and get the compression back up to snuff! But I love to wack the throttle at 50mph and have the front wheel come up effortlessly!
@@mgwgeneral6467 yes ok mine could do 210 kmph xt600 the 600cc is where it's at. The 500 is okay .
Still got mine - 1976 model - but needs some work… and so would my arm if I were to start it
Theo if your timing is set correctly your bike will never kick you back. Respect your bike and it will respect you.
Thanks. Any idea who could do a good restoration job ? Preferably in the jhb area.
Yeah.Do it when it's cold.I had one and if you don't get it right,using the de-comp,it'll break your ankle or throw you over the handlebars!
andy d, in the dead of winter, in the light of summer. This machine starts up at the drop of a hat. My mate this bike is well looked after and is mechanically sound. The timing is spot on and the COMPRESSION is sweat. Hot or COLD.
I must concede that you are right, one of these beaut's did break my ankle and that's the reason I learn't to start it with a different technique.
agree with you! I love them!
You forgot the 4th way. Lift and set on a block, put the transmission in 3rd gear and spin the rear wheel.
Beautiful!
I remember as a 12 year old seeing a brand new one 1980 model
L looked at it and swore one day I'll have one and one day I may still. :-)
cheers
BB
almost the same here..i got one since 94`
@@pete_boy71 I fell in love with it in the early eighties, exact the 1980 model. And since 1986 I own my 1980 model. Admittedly somekind of hate-love. Haven't run it for nearly 20 years now. It's a shame.
I have a 1980 XT500 with a 10.5:1 90mm kit and my 135lb girlfriend can kick it over dead cold. The simple trick is knowing that resistance of compression is NOT top dead center, you got to go a little further, and actually kicking all the way through.
Nice bike....good compression & timing! ....First way to started it...I didn't know it!!!!
Howzit everyone. I see there have been a few comments on the Video, thank you all. peter2recycle perhaps I didn't make myself clear, you are absolutely right about the muffler/seat and bash plate but what you failed to understand is that in the greater scheme of things was that the bike was still in it's original form, including it's paint job. I'm sorry that you felt the need to take out a fine tooth comb and become analytical. The video was put together to show that when some one really loves their bike like my BOET Rusty, they would go to any lengths to preserve the beauty of even the old machines. Now lets clarify the boet and smart arse connection, it was really just to add a bit of humour, Lets face it you missed the boat on that. One last thing boet I'm not an old mate just old. Oh by the by for the record the three parts that our boet peter2recycle pointed out have been sourced and will be fitted shortly. Not to worry peter2recycle they were found a long time before you made your comment ( which was appreciated, thank you).
It's a good thing you got xt tuned up.
very nice demo ..... your machine is awesome & beautiful sound ... look after it well
I can fall asleep to the sound of a xt 500 turning over.
love it Rusty D.................and love the narrative
Well my XT must have much more compression going on!!!
If you try to bump start it the back wheel will just lock. Even if sitting on it and going down hill.
The kick start will hold up my weight of 12 stone no problem, needs my whole body weight thrust down on it to fire up.
No way could it be started by hand!
It goes like a wild mustang, seriously fast and so much torque.
I can bounce the front wheel up and down almost on the spot just flicking the throttle
Leo my friend it sounds to me like your bike has got quite a bit of compression. Do me favour and switch the key on,put your bike into first gear. Hold both the clutch and decompression levers in and start pushing your bike forward, now let the clutch out by itself. The bike will continue to go forward because you have the decompression lever in. Now slowly release the decompression lever and if your bike is properly tuned you will find that the engine will take. Pull the clutch in and voila, the bike has started in first gear at a walk. Starting it by hand is really not as hard as you believe, when you believe in yourself. This video is not a hoax. The bike is really a beautiful machine which has been perfectly looked after and maintained. I would be quite interested in seeing if you can get it right.
could bump start a 500 but not in first gear at walking speed .More like dirt track push start not walk along side like that.
Xt550 or xt500? Cos my xt 550 does the same and mine is different than the rest I've looked for one like mine everywhere and can't find one even half like it
Use the decompression lever dummy
How's your compression? , that's a 500 cc , that should have been a lot harder than that !
agree, dont think it would possible with push start with a good engine, neither kick it with those shoes.
I might just pick one of these up as my next bike, was worried about the sound but this proves it is awesome! :P
If you like riding a over powered wet sponge around go for it
My friend bought a TT-500 New to build a Hillclimber to replace his twin Cylinder BSA that he ran on Methanol and Nitromethane as most . He was riding it down the road to to a plug check it started raining really hard and and old lady pulled her car to the side of the road.. When he went to pas her she did a you turn .. he het the side of her car and broke his leg in 7 places.. totaled out the bike and he retired from hill climbing ..
All the while, someone is upstairs rooting his wife.
No matter how many times i showed my brother how to start it when he came home on leave, he always came home from his rides pushing it. It's easy when you know how 😁
XT'500 et TT500 Yamaha Je Adore! depui la Suisse salutation! 🇨🇭
I love the sound of these OLD thumpers I miss my old 500 but getting my same old DT125 back from my grampa going to love riding them again
You can order the Haines workshop manual, I think they are probably the best for illustrations and overall comprehensiveness. You should also check out some XT 500 sites in the UK, there are some suppliers that stock an incredible range of stock including wiring looms for the XT 500.
Bought one two weeks ago, still not been able to start it dispute following all the advice on youtube.
29 HP and extremely heavy but I did always want one ..
32 hp and 148kg with fuel..heavy???
@@pete_boy71 Yup I guess 326# is heavy when you are used to riding a 195# Dirt bike that is way faster.. and you are 5'4" and weight 130#
@@mikeskidmore6754 these numbers ? i don`t know ? there were no dirt bikes in the 70`s and where i live (tirol) i can`t remember such small bikes ( only ancient puch etc),,under 350ccm you were a child and underage to ride a motorbike,starting at 500ccm would be at least normal..so the xt was one of the smallest bike used...like i remember
@@pete_boy71 I had a '74 Yamaha YZ-80-A with GYT tripled the Power .. I had '76 Yamaha MX-125-C basically the same as the YZ-125 but it had twin Kayaba shocks laid down in the back .. then I had a 1978 YZ-100-E with Monoshock
Lovely bikes! I am in Durban and have original 78 (Black and white steel tank) and 79 (exact colour of this one) both with original exhausts, an 84 Black and silver aluminium tank), and yes you can start them by as shown in the video. Use the valve lifter, not the clutch!
Forgett this all when the bike has is right compression
Hans van Veen two fucking blowhards
Hans van Veen blow me. I challenge you. Buy my ticket to where ever you are and arrange for there to be 5 nay 10 XT500's and a TT600 and I will show you how you do it.
Like to. By. One
My pa sou die vid baie geniet het, hy het self 'n XT gehad en is tot vandag to een van my gunsteling motorfietse, baie dankie vir die upload.
***** Ya nie boet hy is nog steeds my favorite. Ry jou pa nog? Hierdie behoort an my maat en hy is baie particular.
I had one in 1979 [in UK] I loved it but sold it on for something else. Wish I still had it as they cost around £3000 now.
Beautiful bike !
Thanks boet, this was intended to be light hearted and humour is my second name.
For the record in South Africa boet means brother not boat.
rebore required
Amazing! Congratulations........ to the bike also !
amazing bike...gonna be buying this classic
A Durban joller from the 70’s - just like my old man!
The hand method! Freakin wow
I am not sure you have much compression, friend. Should it be that easy to start? Handsome bike.
TroyaE117 I have been explaining to quite a few people already about the technique of starting the bike like this. It really is not an illusion, the bike starts as easy as you see it and has perfect compression or should I say as perfect as one can get it. This bike is a babe so she is beautiful not handsome.
Great bikes the THUMPER xt500..be careful starting it it could break your ankle
I start my tt500 one hand to 🐍KY America hillbilly💪got tt500 now😁
Henry, I don't as much as look at the throttle. .....tks.
Thanks you for your video.
Thanks! 👍😃
I've had a couple of these and sorely regretting not having one now.
I seem to remember I just kicked a time or two til I felt compression then gave it a reasonably firm kick and vrooom.
Although I kept the end of the kickstart under the middle of my foot - if it did kick back it would just slip out from under your foot. Don't remember that happening much tho.
Yamaha need to bring back the XT500. The WR250R is too tall for everyday riding and pricey. The WR450F is 38" tall and street legal only for Australia and pricey. The new XT250 is about right but lack power for highway riding. The SR400 is too heavy. I can't understand why the Japanese bike makers can't see what the bulk number of riders want.
Interesting I've already heard stories that there were very hard to start
❤❤❤❤❤❤
Is that saddle off a gold wing?
Big Irish Yeti, yes coveted in Yeti skin.
Mines an 80 xt500 and it has never been rebuilt and still snap your shin trying to kick it over
Very nice video, youre really funny.
What pipe have you got on your bike, Bassani?
The trick is obviously in the decompressor but why risk injury anyhow by starting in daps ?
Met this great mechanic a while ago in Pietermaritzburg but lost his number. I am getting a XT500 in a month or so and would like him to tune the motor etc. How can i get hold of him. Your help would be greatly appreciated
Jake Forsyth what was his name.
Henry Lamprecht it was over a year ago and I lost his details. I met him at Lorenzos bike parts in pietermaritzburg. I'm collecting my bike next week so will keep on looking.
Awesome
Oh BTW I never use the kicker window on any of mine and the 76 xt 500c don't even have one I have better luck starting all of mine with out using the window an they fire almost every time the 1st time clean points or electronic ignition help a bunch lmao
Starting by hand...must have crap compression !
You saw it when he was kicking already, less compression is OK when the engine is hot, but this bike has almost no compression..
@@theanarchist2746 That thing has got a decompression valve, guys...
Lol that's what I was thinking. I have a klr 600 and can stand on the Kickstarter without it moving.. and I'm 215lbs
@@theanarchist2746 I'm pretty sure he was getting it to the "sweet spot" where you can easily whizz past the compression without breaking an arm
@@Chris-yy7qc yes,you can`t kickstart it while pushed the valve..with rolling i never tried...
Humility lesson 😂👌🏼
I'm busy negotiating with a guy who is selling a 1979 XT 500 F ...does the year and model sound right? It has a plastic camel tank which is probably not original and the bike needs restoration but having previously owned one I'm looking at it as a restoration project. How readily available are parts these days.
Alan Crossley I wouldn't hesitate mate, the parts are available in the UK, USA and a few other countries. I haven't checked the year versus model in quite some time but you should be able to check on the internet.
nice bike.
My 1979 XT 500 starts great when cold But hot starts are next to impossible. ...Help!!!!
Todd my experience on a hot start problem always leads me to a fuel situation and more often than not it's because you are turning the throttle slightly. If your bike is properly tuned you don't need to give it fuel when you start it. The XT 500 is known for flooding when they are warm. Start it cold and then go for a decent ride, switch her off and leave her alone for awhile and then try starting her with your right hand on the cross bar of you handle bars. It works for me. Please let me know how it works out. Todd Guillory
If someone can't figure out how to start it do you think theyd be safe to ride it ffs!
woohh respect Man....
Beautiful！！
I had one for 20 years and a BSA Goldstar before that, so I know thumpers. Yamaha was perfectly tuned, never started like that when cold and usually impossible to start when hot. Goldstar did not have a "little window" nor did it have a ridiculous carburettor with a hot start button. Always started easy and did not matter where the throttle position was. Thumpers are basically lawn mower engines, there should be NO difficulties ever.
Does this thing have a compression release or something? Cuz umm...I have one that does not and there is no way in bloody hell anyone is walking my bike in gear, much less using your hand to start it.
The XT500 was a good semi-off roader, and good on the road also, topping out at about 85mph. Only reasonable off road as the flywheel was too small which made stalling very easy and starting in a muddy field with muddy boots difficult [unlike the vid in perfect situations] made it a pig to start. Also good was Yamaha DT400 and Suzuki TS400. Better for off road was the smaller bikes. Yamaha DT175 very good off road, very light weight and easy to start, not much top speed on the road though.
Ha ha - whats a "single stroke" 500? Is that half a two stroke! That must be how you can start it so easily!! Well as no-one else in the hundreds of XT & SR 500s owners in the UK & USA members clubs that I'm in can start their bike like you do, I guess that you really must be the "best (only) XT mechanic" in the world!
Either that or you have no compression!
Brilliant!
Col my friend I have never made that claim but judging by your comment, you really didn't read my very detailed explanation of how easy it is when you know how. Please my mate; I don't belong to any club so I'm limited to the exposure you have, show your members and I think you will find one of them that will indeed work out the method. It really is as easy as it looks. Now the question of my compression, here I must confess that when I was younger, my compression was as sound as a Swiss watch, it has however begun to fail and my wife complains bitterly about my unexpected releases. The bike on the other hand is still beautifully balanced and lacking in no way when it comes to compression. I think that the only way for me to prove this is not some kind of hoax is to do another video with an independant observer, Maybe even more XT's. Stick around Col I'm going to find some more willing participants.
Col. Sir Buffy Horsetrouser right on sir Buffy. Nothing but a crock of shit. That bike wouldn't pull you out of bed. The guy is full of shit.
I share your opinion buddy.
cheers shaggy
Cracking bike it's up to the Chinese now to make a good copy of the XT500, at a fair price,,
Does this still have the 6v electrics? I have a 76' that I got running last year. Fitted a new Battery, CDI, points and condenser (Timed correctly) as well as a rebuilt carb. Came to start it this year after refitting the C clip for the selector shaft and now it won't start! Has compression, spark and fuel flowing as it should. Any ideas as to what it could be? Many thanks.
Ethan Senior Ethan great name mate same as my son's. Ethan with a CDI why would you have point's and a condensor, surely you would have upgraded to an electronic ignition. Also you have rebuild the carb, chech to make sure you not flooding the motor. The XT 500 floods on a sniff. Personally I know it's antiquated but Being old school I love the original coil system. But that's me boet.
Shame, lots of comments and I couldn't find one person who believes that you can start it by hand.
Well I have seen it done often, an on many different XT500 by Francois XT in Kraaifontein.... and guess what: Kraaifontein is in South Africa.
Having said that I'm South African and I prefer to use my boots. I've been send to hospital before trying to start a XT600 with Plakkies (flip flops).
i have an xt500 c is there a way to get a wiring guide and original wiring
The hand starter😅
My god can a second passenger fit on that?
How the fuck do you walk-start a 500cc? My moped already takes some effort and that's a 50cc...
Final Edition SR400 2021
wow, mine would never start that easy...
i used to have to decomp it and roll down a hill in 4th or it would compression lock
damaged my foot permanently from trying to kick start it at a young age.
still miss it though
Notmah Cuppatea this one is a piece of shit with no compression and a goldwing saddle.
Notmah Cuppatea I broke my ankle on a XT500 and that is why I learnt to start my bike like this. There are haters out there that try and refute the video but it is legit. She is a beautiful bike.
@@Roger_Ramjet hahahahaha you must be the Irish town clown. Piece of shit, that's ugly.
how much do you want for it ?
How is the power for hills and trails ?
Thinking about buying one, how tall are you?
They have got a rather low seat height.
I owned one of these bikes , and I agree that it was the best 500cc ever built , but there is no way you could ever kick it over by hand , or bump start it while walking beside it , you had sit on it , roll it down a slope or have someone push you . My bike was 100% in tune ,but I think this bike is lacking compressing big time to turn it over by hand .
Tis Video is 100% real.
If you are looking for yamaha parts Google "lecarreretro all Yamaha "
No parts for 1988 yamaha xt 500n Austria model
looking for someone to work on my bike in durban help me .... please
Nicer with gold wheels, but still nice.
Paul Fabrique not as close to dammit original.
+Paul Fabrique And the silver tank
You forgot the method of catching an elephant, and dropping it from an airplane on the kickstarter
Best 500 XT IS HERE IN THE USA AND RIDER ALSO!!!!
Use the decompression lever dummy
Oh my god - your motor must be absolutely knackered if you can start it that easily! My old lawnmower has more compression that that! If the engine is working correctly and the valve seats, guides rings, piston and bore aren't worn, you should be able to stand on the kick starter and it wont turnover - that is characteristic of big 4 stroke singles, and why Yamaha put a decompressor lever on it because it takes an age to get it up to TDC without it. Being able to push start your XT without even putting any weight over the back wheel (and it doesn't lock up when you release the clutch) means that you have little or zero compression so 90% of your 34 PS is lost! You absolutely need to get it compression tested - it will confirm what I have said (I do know what I am on about as I've been running XT500's since 1978!). And starting it with you hand? that's just the funniest thing I've seen this in years! Seriously give it a rebuild!
Col my Col, since 1978 and you still don't know your engine. I would be more worried about that than this one needing a rebuild. For the record there is nothing wrong with the compression on this engine in fact has recently been done, It was re-sleeved and the bore is back to the original bore size of 87.00-87.02mm and just in case you silly enough to say something like "well then your valve clearances are not set properly, they are at Intake 0.02- 0.04mm and exhaust 0.04- 0.06mm. Which if you know your engines as well as you claim, are factory spec. Are you still laughing boet? Here's an excercise for you to do. Go out side and get your XT 500. Now switch the key on, thats right turn it clockwise. Make sure your petrol is on and primed. Engage 1st gear, don't be scared just do it. Now pull both your clutch and decompression lever's in and slowly begin to push your bike forward. When you get to a comfortable speed keep you decompression lever in and let your clutch out (the motor will turn freely because you have the decompression lever in) now let the decompression lever out slowly and when the engine takes pull the clutch in, vola. Bike is now started, go for a ride. Col I'm glad you mentioned TDC, a lot of folk don't understand the significance. It's because of TDC that I can start the bike by hand. When I primed the bike you should have watched my left hand while I was priming the engine to TDC and even with the decompresion lever in you can see the engine resisting the turn. I tell what, pay for my trip and I will happily come over to you and give you a demonstration on a XT 500 of your choice or for that matter a TT600. The lesson for me came when I broke my leg kick starting my first XT 500. I had no choice but to learn the alternative methods. That happened in 1982 and was a brand new XT 500. Oh by the way I was only 17 then and even with a broken leg and cast I rode every day. There is one thing I must admit though, I have never been able to push start a lawn mower, any tips boet? I am extremely happy though that I was able to make you laugh, If I made one person laugh then I have done something right for a change. Love you brother, happy riding.