Description
Here we have for sale my fully restored Honda XR500 R in great condition. The bike was a US import requiring restoration that I purchased direct from the importer. It is now registered in the UK on an age related number plate and is tax and MOT exempt.
I am a very well qualified mechanical engineer and I fully restored the bike over the winter of 2023 / 24 including a full nut and bolt rebuild of everything. The engine was rebored and rebuilt using new a new con rod, piston and rings. The gearbox was also stripped and fully rebuilt.
The forks were stripped and rebuilt using new seals and new oil and the bike had new head bearings and swing arm bushes.
The bike is an interesting specification and not quite original for this model year. It has front forks and disc brake off a later model - I used XR 600 R fork seals which fitted fine. It also has an aftermarket aluminium swing arm which is a nice addition (this model would normally have a steel swing arm). It also has lovely aluminium rims which are period parts and the rear uses rim locks to stop the tyre rotating when you run low tyre pressures.
The bike is fitted with Michelin Tracker tyres which work well off road and are OK on road. If you intend only using it on the road I would recommend a more 50:50 type of tyre.
I fitted a new, modern design, of carburettor, a Mikuni VM36 - 4, as I struggled to find spare parts for the original carb (original included in the sale)
The speedo was new during the rebuild as the bike came without one. It reads in Km as this was the only one I could find that was similar to the original fitted to this bike. The speedo reads correctly, although obviously in Km. The bike has done 250 Km since the rebuild and feels like it is run in now, although it may still loosen up a little.
Electrics are the standard 6V magneto affair. The bike does not have a battery and everything runs on 6V AC electric. The headlight is on all of the time the engine is running (the headlight bulb resistance is required in the ‘lighting’ circuit). The bike does have a working horn, rear light and brake light, but don't expect anything to be particularly bright! I believe that there is a 12V upgrade lighting coil available if you want one.
The bike runs beautifully. This model of Honda engine has the chain driven twin contra-rotating balance shafts and is as smooth as a sewing machine. The engine is super quiet and the standard exhaust has a lovely sound - not too quiet and not too loud.
These bikes are famously difficult to kick start and this one was a bit* h when it was first rebuilt. Now the engine has loosened up it is MUCH easier, but still needs the correct technique that I can teach you. 9 times out of 10 it starts for me first kick once warm. It bump starts really easily if necessary.
It does have the automatic decompression system on the kickstart which works perfectly. It also has a small decompression lever next to the clutch on the left handlebar which also works perfectly and helps with bump starting. I have a battery powered set of rollers that I use to drive the rear wheel and start the bike from cold, just to save my leg. The rollers will be for sale (for £400) once the bike has gone, so come and have a look and if you want them with the bike make me an offer. Fabulous example of this famously well made and reliable classic off-road bike. I used it for the ABR festival last year and had an absolute blast on the off road sections including the TRF loop (Video available). Genuinely this will do everything you can do on a modern Enduro bike but with way more style!
Perfect for worldwide adventures including the Malle Mile, Beach racing or Sandraiders!
